In many fairytales and storybooks, Filipino children read about knights in shining armor who swing their swords and ride off into the sunset. Often, these glorious heroes are strong lads and dashing men; but for this modern tale of support and service, it’s high-time to flip the script.
This story is for all women—all mothers—who are as powerful as knights and sturdy as the pillars of their homes.
For Cristy Joy Macasait, this is an undisputed truth. Hailing from Trece Martires, Cavite, Cristy grew up under the love and tutelage of her very own valiant hero[1] : Maria, her mother. Since her daughter’s youth, Maria has worked tirelessly to sustain Cristy’s education and well-being.
Wishing to do everything to keep her child safe, Maria eventually started working as a security guard. The path she chose, more than anything, is evidence to the power of strength, nurturing care, and the ginhawa felt through the most ardent of sacrifices.
The Best Supporting Nanay campaign is an initiative by Generika Drugstore to give homage to the maternal figures in the hearts of Filipino families. Here, Maria was named one of the finalists after being nominated by her daughter. But for Cristy, her mother has already been her winner from the very beginning.
Duty and Devotion: the Brave Heart of Support
From gardening to washing others’ laundry for a living, Maria proved time and again how the love of a mother never truly stops nourishing.
When Cristy entered college, this dedication manifested itself through Maria’s decision to enter the police force. While not directly, it is this career change that influenced, in one way or another, Cristy’s own choice to seek a degree in criminology.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, kung alin ‘yung gusto mong course, support. Kasi mahirap na ‘yung hindi niya gusto na kurso, tapos ‘yun ang ipipilit niyo.” Maria stated this impactful notion as she offered a warm smile and comforting gaze to her beloved daughter.
However, like a knight entering a tumultuous battlefield, working on the frontlines of the security industry poses certain risks that cannot always be avoided. Cristy’s concern takes center stage when it comes to her mother, “Syempre kinakabahan po kami, kasi hindi lahat ng mga customer niya ay okay.”
Maria then recalls times when she was met with aggression: some customers would shout at her, and once, she was even threatened during a heated encounter. Nevertheless, she also had positive experiences as a security guard, such as receiving an award for recognition of good work. It’s a reminder that ginhawa will always find a way to leave a trail of warmth behind, especially for those who already gave their loved ones so much of their own.
It is through moments like these that Maria remembers what she strives for and who she fights for—sentiments that, without a doubt, every mother shares.
From Mother to Mother: An Unwavering Sword Passed from One Knight to Another
Being a young mother herself, Cristy had to take a break from her studies and temporarily pause her pursuit for a professional criminology license. Regardless, her dreams of becoming a policewoman remain unwavering: just like the support Maria gives to her every single day.
For Maria, her resilience is rooted in her deep love for her family. “Ang nagbibigay ng inspirasyon din po sa akin, ‘yung mga apo at anak ko. [Gusto ko] nasa mabuting kalagayan na sila,” she said, to which Cristy smiled fondly.
One of Cristy’s most vivid memories of her mother was back when she herself was creating a family of her own. After giving birth to her first child, Cristy often had to leave the baby with her mother. Without even a groan of disgruntlement or discontent, Maria would lovingly and tenderly watch over her grandkids even after her long night shifts. Daily, she would do this, and still go to work without complaint the next evening.
While recounting this heartfelt instance with Maria, Cristy notes, “Nag-sacrifice siya, para magawa namin yung mga [kailangan namin].”
Maria’s 3 tips for fellow Nanays
When asked to share her message for mothers who, like her, want to support their children despite the challenges, Maria offered three pieces of sincere and earnest advice:
1. Kahit anong hirap, sumikap.
To support the education of one’s children and ensure that they will complete their studies, it is essential for mothers to find reasons to persevere and keep going.
2. Turuan ng maayos na pag-uugali.
Proper attitude and behavior are important gifts to leave one’s children, as these will be the foundations for them to grow into better people for themselves and for others.
3. Suportahan ang mga anak buong-buo.
No matter what the future brings or what mistakes have been made, mothers should try to support and understand their children, because if not them, who will?
A True Valiant Hero
Maria may not go to work clad in iron plates, a steel helmet, and a metal gauntlet, but the police uniform she dons daily is the most priceless sword someone can wield in the quest for protecting her children and loving her family.
In Cristy’s eyes, her family, especially her mother, is the driving force that keeps her going. “Sila na ‘yung nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas para magpatuloy sa ginhawang buhay.” — a compelling perspective that Generika Drugstore aims to honor, celebrate, and recognize with their Suporta sa Ginhawa for Best Supporting Nanay initiative.
Maria and Cristy’s story is a testament to the power of strength, service, and sacrifice. At its core, their strides towards a life of ginhawa is built on unwavering support, shared courage, and love that doesn’t abate, even when the nights are long and the days are demanding.
It is proof that even in the most challenging paths, we find purpose when we walk them together.
A path that, ultimately, leads to the recognition of the true valiant heroes, our Nanays.