It’s Mother’s Day again, and while we have our own tributes and ways in showing our appreciation and love for our moms, we’re no short of unique stories to tell when it comes to how they navigate (and survive) in what we all know as the toughest job in the world. With a 24/7 work schedule, no salary, no vacation leaves, here are six books that showcase what being a mom is, in unique lens and stories we’ve yet to hear:

1. Chairmom by Merlee Jayme

For many moms, they have to choose between career or home life. But Chairmom Merlee Jayme shows how integrating both is possible and that any mom can be “mombitious”.

Explore the dual demands of leadership in the workplace and nurturing at home as Merlee shares her empowering journey navigating the high stakes of the advertising industry while being a committed mother to four daughters.

1. Bidang Misis: Paano Tutugon sa Hamon habang OFW si Mister by Gitte Quintos

In our Philippine society, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are more common than we think. It’s a typical story in many families: one parent has to work abroad while the other is left to take care of the family all alone for prolonged periods of time.

This book highlights different stories of Filipino moms who have to maintain their households while their husbands work overseas. It provides guidance and support on how to navigate such complex family setups, while celebrating the resilience and creativity of women holding families together despite the distances.

1. Fearless Filipinas II: 24 Women Who Dared to Dream by Bookshelf PH

A deep dive into the lives of 24 Filipinas who have broken barriers and set new standards in their respective fields, this collection includes stories of mothers who are not just nurturing homes but also nurturing change and innovation in society.

1. Jasmines in Her Hair by Kalpesh Desai

In a poignant, heartfelt tribute, Kalpesh Desai brings to life the experiences he had with a woman he loves. From freestyle poems to letters of love and affection, this book speaks volumes on how women, including moms, can tug at men’s heartstrings and change them for the better.

1. The Legend of Tessie Agana: Beloved Child Star of the Philippines by Mylene Agana Jao Richardson

What started as a family memoir for a mother and grandmother with dementia, daughter Mylene Agana Jao Richardson celebrates her mother’s cinematic achievements as a child star during the 1950s Golden Age of Philippine Cinema.

After a tumultuous time of fame and stardom, the book explores Tessie Agana’s role as a mother, offering a unique perspective on balancing public adoration with private familial responsibilities including challenges of motherhood and even a look into mental health from serving such a critical family role.

1. Healthy Buhay, Happy Mama: Risa Hontiveros’ Journey through Motherhood by Risa Hontiveros

Senator Risa Hontiveros shares her personal anecdotes and insights on raising four children as a single mother while serving as a senator with heavy responsibilities to the Filipino public.

She also delves into her role in advocating for health and women’s rights, extending her personal household advocacies into concrete laws and programs that she hopes every Filipino mom can also take advantage of.

This Mother’s Day, we invite everyone to explore these stories that not only celebrate motherhood in all its forms but also inspire courage, resilience, and love. Whether you’re looking for a perfect gift or tribute to honor your mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures everywhere, we know these books are physical proofs of how heartfelt and deep their influence is on our everyday lives and how their collective love builds a stronger Filipino community.

Bookshelf PH is an online bookstore and book publisher in the Philippines.

George Optical, the country’s premier eye care provider trusted by Filipinos for more than six decades, raises the bar anew with the launch of the first ZEISS VISION CENTER at the Ground Floor of Greenhills Mall in San Juan City.

Done in partnership with ZEISS Vision Care, a German company with over 100 years of experience as a pioneer in lens technology and state-of-the-art refraction coupled with a comprehensive portfolio of customizable lenses, the ZEISS VISION CENTER BY GEORGE will set a new perspective on excellent vision.  Its mission is to create a new and elevated in-store shopping experience that includes precise vision analysis, in-depth lens consultation and a selection of perfectly fitting lenses and frames.

“We are always hungry to offer nothing but the best in terms of eye care for our customers hence this collaboration with ZEISS. Leveraging the proven reputation and expertise of ZEISS in the field of optics, George Optical is able to deliver advanced solutions for any visual challenge,” said Dr. Geoffrey Co, CEO of George Optical, Inc.

Esteemed guests during the launch were impressed by the store’s well-appointed interiors and marveled at the different cutting-edge ZEISS optical instruments on display. Some of them even signed up for the unique “My Vision Experience by ZEISS” which is how ZEISS VISION CENTER BY GEORGE professionally organizes every touch point of the eye care journey.

The first step in the process is Vision Needs Analysis wherein the ZEISS eye care professional asks the customer about his or her daily routines to determine which glasses will suit his or her lifestyle. Next is the Precise Eye Profile that makes use of the ZEISS i. Profiler that creates a map of the eye using wavefront technology. The third step is the Eye Health Check where the doctor checks the health of the customer’s eyes and documents the results of the eye pressure, quality of the ocular tear film or the condition of the cornea. Next is the Vision Performance Analysis wherein the customer undergoes eye refraction using a contactless instrument. It is followed by Frame Selection with the help of the ZEISS VISUFIT 1000 Platform that virtually places frames on the customer’s avatar and get accurate measurements for precise lens customization. The system suggests a selection of frames suited to the customer taking into account the shape of the head, hair color, facial skin tone, and frame preferences previously entered. Step six is fitting of glasses to ensure the eyeglasses align with all the parameters and promote a perfect fit. Next up is lens consultation and selection where the optical consultants discuss the most suitable lenses for your lifestyle. Step number eight is collecting of glasses which gives them the opportunity to adjust the glasses to properly fit the customer’s face. And the ninth and final step is Service & Follow Up where advice and support continues even after purchase.

“I would like to personally invite everyone to come visit our flagship store and experience above standard eye care. We are committed to providing you with comprehensive eye care solutions, top-quality products, and advanced lenses that cater to your unique visual needs. Come and experience unparalleled eye care services like never before.” said Ms. Menchie Castillo, Chief Merchandising Officer. 

Pru Life UK launched a new product designed to provide Filipinos life insurance coverage while also allowing them to earn returns with rates comparable with those from a high-yielding time deposit. PRULove Wealth uniquely offers 4% annual cash payout, 100% cash back, and up to 125% insurance coverage.

Regardless of market conditions, customers can rely on a guaranteed 4% annual payout based on the single premium paid. PRULove Wealth complements their traditional bank deposit and fixed income-generating financial assets. The steady earnings assure them and their families cash to celebrate life’s milestones, boost personal savings, and provide an extra layer of financial cushion.  

Customers’ principal money is secured with 100% cash back guarantee or return of the premium paid if the insured is still around after the 7-year insurance coverage period or maturity of the policy. The cash back gives comfort to families of a stable financial future. 

The life insurance coverage of up to 125% based on the single premium gives the customers wealth protection for their families. Whatever happens to the insured, the beneficiary gets the whole proceeds up to 25% higher than the principal.*  

“PRULove Wealth solidifies our unwavering commitment to being the Filipino families’ most trusted partners and protectors by providing financial solutions that address their evolving needs. With the guaranteed benefits of our new product, we aim to help more customers achieve financial protection and their wealth aspirations,” shares Allan Tumbaga, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer & Marketing Officer.  

PRULove Wealth can help customers who want a convenient one-time pay life insurance product that reaps an uninterrupted flow of cash and secured legacy without worrying about market volatility. 

Pru Life UK maintains its industry’s top position in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent & total Premium Income from Variable Life Insurance products according to the Insurance Commission’s Life Insurance Sector Quarterly Statistics for Q3 2023.   

Its wide range of products is accessible through its over 42,000 digitally-empowered agency force and like-minded ecosystems and digital partners.