So much of our lives has been nurtured and molded by the mothers and mother figures who’ve raised us. No matter what the universe may throw at us, be it a momentous feat or a harrowing failure, we’ll always have someone to call “mom” who’ll love us unconditionally and bring out the best in every pivotal moment.
We wouldn’t have come this far in our careers, passions, and other personal aspirations if it weren’t for our mothers. Thanks to them, life isn’t as scary to face every day as it may seem. And with all the sacrifices they’ve made for us since they brought us into the world, it’s only fair that we take action to give them the fruitful and fulfilling lives they deserve.
Photo: ABS-CBN Star Cinema/YouTube
That’s why motherhood will always matter, especially in Filipino media. Moms hold an endless sea of stories that we’ve been lucky enough to learn about through various award-winning films and TV shows. Beyond complex family dynamics that unfold through a mother’s eyes, we also gain new perspectives on the societal impact of raising a family and how it influences womanhood at large.
This Mother’s Day, we’re championing critically acclaimed Filipino movies about moms who stepped up to every challenge to give themselves and their loved ones a good life. From gripping family dramas to comedic staples in pop culture, these one-of-a-kind stories prove that there are truly no limits to a mother’s love and capabilities.
Bata, Bata… Paano Ka Ginawa? (1998)
This Chito S. Roño classic beams with wisdom and lessons you’ll carry for the rest of your life. Based on the novel by Lualhati Bautista, Bata, Bata… Paano Ka Ginawa? follows Lea (Vilma Santos), a women’s rights activist who grapples with the tension of life as a single mother of two and her tedious job at a crisis center.
You can watch Bata, Bata… Paano Ka Ginawa? for free on YouTube.
Anak (2000)
Anak is one of the most compelling local tear-jerker films in history, and for good reason. You can’t help but root for Vilma Santos’s Josie as she navigates the complexities and struggles of being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who returns to her dysfunctional and seemingly estranged family.
Anak is available to stream for free on YouTube.
Ang Tanging Ina (2003)
You can never go wrong with a feel-good family film that celebrates motherhood in all aspects. Ang Tanging Ina will leave you in stitches with its over-the-top jokes and banter that’ve brought joy to the entire country. We can expect nothing less from the film’s masterful director, the late Wenn V. Deramas, and its all-star cast that lights up our screens every time.
Ang Tanging Ina is available to watch on YouTube, along with the hit franchise’s succeeding films.
Inang Yaya (2006)
Inang Yaya spotlights the many roles of a mother and a caretaker through Norma (Maricel Soriano), who balances raising her child, Ruby, and being a reliable nanny to Louise, her employer’s daughter. As Norma shares her life with two of the most important people in her life, we learn more about how motherhood isn’t limited to being a parent by blood.
Inang Yaya is available for streaming on Netflix.
Foster Child (2007)
A mother’s love transcends financial statuses and geographical borders in Brillante Mendoza’s Foster Child. This heartfelt drama tells the story of Thelma (Cherry Pie Picache), who dutifully raises three-year-old John-John (Kier Segismundo) before he meets his adoptive parents in the U.S.
Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love (2009)
Family traditions and Chinese-Filipino culture take center stage in Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love. This installment in the iconic film series follows Melinda (Sharon Cuneta), a half-Chinese, half-Filipino mother who strives to reconnect with her daughter after struggling to belong in her husband’s family.
Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love is available to watch on Regal Entertainment’s YouTube channel.
A Mother’s Story (2011)
Moms will go to great lengths to ensure a bright future for their kids, and A Mother’s Story attests to that. Pokwang’s acting prowess is at the heart of this sentimental movie, which follows her character Medy’s journey as an OFW who faces numerous obstacles that keep her from reuniting with her family.
You can watch A Mother’s Story for free on YouTube.
Mamu; and a Mother Too (2018)
Iyah Mina shines in this award-winning drama as the headstrong Mamu, a transgender woman in her 40s who becomes a mother to her queer niece. We witness a remarkable bond between the two as they come to terms with their sexualities and take pride in the hardships they overcome together.
ALSO READ: Dining Out This Mother’s Day? Treat Your Mom to These Indulgent Food Experiences
How will you and your family celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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