By Sophia Anillo | May 11, 2025
Nanay, Nanay, Gusto Kong Tinapay: 5 Films/Shows Honoring Motherhood's Many Faces
WITH life being multifaceted, one figure remains steadfast without cease. Mothers, indisputably, are the unwavering bedrock of each Filipino family, possessing the ability to embody many roles. As the light of the Philippines’ homes, they light the way for generations to come—they are the light of the past, present, and future. Thus, beyond mere recognition, efforts ought to be exerted for mothers from all walks of life. A tool that may lend a hand in doing so is movies and series, notably those that go beyond one aspect of motherhood—movies and series that shed light on the multiple facets of being a mother.
Image Credit: Star Cinema
Anak (2000)
Sacrifice is embedded within the hearts of mothers, who are willing to sacrifice if their families need it. This facet of motherhood is unveiled in the 2000 movie ‘Anak,’ starring Vilma Santos. The movie puts the limelight on Josie, a Filipina mother, who spent a year in Hong Kong as a domestic helper. Though the evident silver lining of her sacrifice is that she became financially successful, it led to her being estranged from her children when she returned. Particularly, her eldest daughter, Carla, bresentsher mother for the physical and emotional distance that emerged adue toher mother’s career choices. The movie vividly captures the dichotomy that comes with the sacrifices of being a mother—it showcases the two sides of a coin. Yet, it shows that intention must be taken into account. Parallel to a coin that is intended for gaining tangible things, these sacrifices of a mother are likewise for the benefit of their family. Indeed, this movie captures mothers' deep-rooted intentions—intentions that must be held in esteem.
Image Credit: Disney/Pixar
Coco (2017)
Another movie materializes, further exploring the role of being a mother. This is Disney’s ‘Coco,” which was released in 2017. The responsibility of motherhood is not restricted by blood and familial label, nd this is the scenario that this movie uncovers. Furthermore, “Coco” highlights Miguel, a 12-year-old boy, who is immensely fond of music. The evident juxtaposition here is the fact that his family detests music. This is notable in his grandmother, Abuelita Elena—she is at the forefront of the music ban that plagues their home, making her strictness towards Miguel towering. As the movie unravels, it will eventually be revealed that her grandmother possesses pure intentions for why she remains strict towards her family, notably Miguel. Indeed, the film encapsulates the notion that, even though they may seem rigid on the outside, maternal figures unceasingly have the purest of intentions—intentions that they believe are for the sake of their families.
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Television
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
In the Philippines context, motherhood is conventionally intertwined with maturity, which likewise makes it intertwined with greater age. Nonetheless, the 2000-2007 series, ‘Gilmore Girls,’ illustrates that a mother’s love may be found at any age. This series features Lorelai Gilmore, a single mother who had her daughter at the ripe age of 16. Having grown up in an affluent family, Lorelai left this life behind in order to forge the path that she sought for her daughter. This series highlights how Lorelai started from scratch, gradually yet progressively building a life centered on her daughter, Rory. At its core, the series captures that mothers, regardless of age, will perpetually be willing to leave anything behind for the betterment of their children’s lives. It explores that to embody a good mother, one doesn't need to take on the traditional path. Lorelai proves that motherhood does not entail following a specific path, a specific regimen, or a specific lifestyle—the core of motherhood lies in one’s heart. This heart beats for one's children.
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Television
Freaky Friday (2003)
Contrary to Lorelai and her daughter, who had a close-knit relationship, ‘Freaky Friday,’ notably the 2003 version, exhibits the communication dilemmas that may surface between a mother and her children. The movie specifically centers on Tess, a diligent single mother, and her agitated teenage daughter, Anna. These two characters are perpetually at odds with one another, seemingly never able to fathom one another. Moreover, they arrive in a situation where they are compelled to see the other’s perspective figuratively and literally. They were given a magical fortune cookie that compels them to switch bodies, ultimately compelling them to live in the shoes of the other. The movie draws attention to the fact that misunderstandings are not rooted in the absence of love in a relationship, but rather the lack of perspective. Hence, it is anchored on the notion of communication, highlighting that it is paramount to communicate and comprehend mothers, primarily on days such as Mother’s Day.
Image Credit: Walt Disney Pictures
Maleficent (2014)
The paramount point here is that motherhood transcends specific roles, paths, and age—yet, another aspect that motherhood may transcend is blood. The final movie tremendously captures the last aspect, ‘Maleficent’ (2014). As a reimagined version of the quintessential Sleeping Beauty story, it highlights the perspective of the notorious villain of the original movie, Maleficent. Initially, Maleficent sought to exact revenge for the betrayal she suffered at the hands of the man she once loved by placing a curse on his newborn daughter. Yet, the unforeseen event of this movie is how, through the unfolding of time, she grew fond of this newborn daughter. An evident, passionate motherly love surfaced between them. From sentiments of hostility to sentiments of affection, it is Maleficent’s ingrained maternal love for Aurora that proves how motherhood may transcend blood relations, as it lies in the profound sacrifice that goes beyond mere anatomy. All manifestations of motherhood shall receive esteem.
Once more, with life being multifaceted, there is one figure that remains steadfast without cease—these are the mothers that are, indisputably, the unwavering bedrock of each Filipino family. At its core, Filipino mothers have long embodied a multitude of roles, as they demonstrate their love through a myriad of forms and gestures., Society now must reciprocate with an equally varied and profound expression of gratitude and fortitude. The mentioned films and series, in essence, capture the nature of motherhood that serve as vital instruments, ultimately prompting society to honor mothers in all their diverse roles in this year’s Mother’s Day.
Volume 30 | Issue 4
