#TeamMom: Forever Besties

As Expo Mom celebrates its tenth year, the longest running event of its kind pays tribute to #TeamMoms that have served as a lifeline for mothers all over the Philippines. Here, Mikaela Martinez’s very own #TeamMom, a group of strong, passionate women she’s known since she was young and who became part of her motherhood journey.
Mikaela Martinez, wears many different hats, among them commercial model, entrepreneur, and blogger. But first and foremost, she is the mother of three beautiful kids: Noelle, Tyler, and Maxen.

Fellow moms who follow her blog love her candid honesty.

A month or so after giving birth to her third child, she posted this on her website: “When you look at all these picture perfect mothers on the internet or on advertisements, you must think, “Wow! Motherhood must be so peaceful, so relaxing.” Until you actually become a mom, you realize you were deceived! Haha. Just kidding, there are moments of tranquility but then there is also a big chunk of crazy, restless moments especially for a first time mom.”

Yes, motherhood can definitely be challenging, and Mikaela is only too grateful for the support and affirmation of her very own #TeamMom, women she has known through the years.

Andi Manzano Reyes, Bianca Gonzalez Intal, Cat Arambulo Antonio, Stephanie Zubiri Crespi, Georgia Schulze del Rosario, and Xandra Rocha Araneta – these are moms whom Mikaela can count on when the going gets tough on the motherhood front. Each of these women she met in different seasons of her life.

Tracing the circumstances which brought these women in her life, she goes: “Andi and I met as teens! We did a commercial together and our friendship sprung on from there. It’s been a long time and now we’re neighbours! Yay!”

“Georgia and I are actually relatives. She was the first person I told when I had Noelle, my 13-year-old, and found at the same time that she was pregnant too with her eldest. We have a bond that is special.”

“Steph and Xandra I can’t even remember how we became good friends but all the more when we were all recently pregnant at the same time. It’s something that brought us closer together.”

“Cat, I also can’t remember exactly when, but we both have three kids: teens, mid, and a baby! We relate to each other in so many ways and she’s one person you can rely on. She’s got your back.”

“With Bianca, I’ve known her since college days. We met at a VTR and that’s where we found out we were neighbors! She’s always been like a sister to me and remains to be one of my bestest friends till this day. She’s someone I trust with my life.”

Mikaela considers having such a group of women essential in her motherhood journey. She explains, “It is definitely important because our journeys as moms are not all the same. We learn from each other, we cheer each other on, and we always, always need the support!”

Georgia, mom of four, shares how her friendship with Mikaela has evolved through the years. She says, “My very first #TeamMom experience was actually with Mika. We were pretty much the first of our generation to get pregnant, and were quite young at the time. So aside from our own moms, our only other support was each other. I remember being anxious and always questioning myself. But then she and I would talk and I would feel better, knowing I had someone going through the exact same thing with me. Mika even recommended her ObGyn to me, and I have not regretted that decision since. We recently had our third and fourth children, exactly a week apart! From hospital talk, to how we raise our tweens, breastfeeding discussions, or just laughing with each other, my moments with her are always treasured.”

Andi, mom of one, emphasizes the importance of having other mommas who rallied behind her. She says, “I’m a new momma so finding the right #TeamMom was important to me, moms that are true to themselves and encourage rather than discourage. From the time I got pregnant, to giving birth, to breastfeeding, the first solid food, the first birthday, disciplining, and handling tantrums, my #TeamMom has been a big inspiration and influence in my life.”

Xandra adds, “When I just gave birth and was dealing with the roller coaster ride or new emotions and adjustments of being a new mom, my #TeamMom was there for support and to make sure I got out of the house once in a while to refresh myself.”

Indeed, Mikaela counts herself blessed to have these women behind her, adding, “They all inspire me in their own different ways.”

Every mom has a #TeamMom cheering her on. Share your #TeamMom story on social media. Join Expo Mom #TeamMom as it continues its nationwide roadshow on July 2, 2017 at the Alabang Town Center. Bring your #TeamMom along and connect with other Team Moms.

Join the Mommy Mundo #TeamMom Grand Giveaway!

Go #TeamMom!