Children are life’s rewards

Children are the rewards of life, and old saying goes.

My very dear friend Kris Aquino proudly announced that my inaanak, Baby James Aquino Yap smiled and opened his eyes while doing his pictorial for Baby Bench. Baby James endorses one of the best-selling colognes in the market. He also stars in the new Pampers diaper ad. Baby James is a star. In spite of her dizzying workload, Kris’ sons come first. It’s a contagious joy you see in her face when she talks about Joshua and Baby James. And what’s most amazing is how Kris is able to be both an exciting, fabulous celebrity and an equally interesting, influential mother.

Celebrities in spite of the glitter and glamour become vulnerable mortals when it comes to their children. Kris is an ordinary “nanay” when she is with her sons Joshua and Baby James. She and husband James take turns changing baby James’ Pampers diapers.

Even million-dollar earning Hollywood moms shed their celebrity status when they are with their children. Hollywood drama queen Meryll Streep admits she is no queen in their house — her children are. Pretty Woman Julia Roberts is prioritizing her growing family over a glamorous career. Julia has just given birth to her third child, Henry Daniel. She has two-year-old twins Phinnaeus Walter and Hazel Patricia. Gwyneth Paltrow once said she is more happy tending to her children than being a celebrity. She has two children Apple and Moses by Coldplay front man Chris Martin.

Russell Crow has written a heartfelt letter for his two sons, Charlie Spencer, three-and-a-half, and Tennyson Spencer, 10 months. The letter was placed in a time capsule. The time capsule will be buried for 25 years. Part of the letter reads:

Dear Charlie and Tennyson,

When this capsule opens you will both be fully-grown men and God willing your mother and I will still be around. My hope for your future is that you find the things and the people and the love that bring you joy in life, and above anything that your hearts are happy. You have no idea how much our lives have been blessed by you.

I aim to be in every way the father that you need. Whatever comes along I will always love you with my whole being and my soul. I thank God for you both every day and show my gratitude to the universe in every way I can.

Boys, I know I will have brought you up to love your mother above all and I just want to remind you to look to her care.

Love,

Dad.

Hollywood is awash with children of famous personalities. On top of the list is Suri Cruise. Suri Cruise is perhaps the most popular child in the world. The child of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Suri’s every toss and turn is anticipated. The clothes she’s wearing, her shoes, her swimsuit, even her hairdo is talked about. Would she embrace Scientology like her parents? Would she become a movie star? Her name has been the subject of debate as to its origin by experts. Before her much-publicized first pictorial with Vanity Fair magazine, people were asking where is Baby Suri? And when the magazine finally came out — the questions were raised — why the luscious hair when she is only nine months old? She looks like she has Chinese blood, etc.

Angelina Jolie said that by next year she won’t be doing movie projects. Instead, she will be concentrating on raising her family. Angelina and Brad Pitt’s household include adopted children Maddox, a Cambodian, Zahara from Ethiopia and Pax, a Vietnamese aside from her and Brad’s biological child Shiloh Nouvel Pitt born last year. Shiloh is just as famous as her parents. She was two months old when her parents had her image copied in wax. A sleeping Shiloh is now on display at Madam Taussad’s Wax Museum.

Britney Spears has been severely criticized for her mothering skills. She has two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James by estranged husband Kevin Federline. Media had a field day with Britney when they saw her driving her SUV with her infant son on her lap.

On another occasion, another son almost fell to the ground when Britney tripped on her platform shoes.

Madonna caused media furor when she adapted Malawian David Banda. He is the new addition to Madonna and British film director Guy Richie’s growing family that includes children Lola and Rocco.

Ai Ai de las Alas does not miss out on all her children’s activities. She makes it a point to attend in her children’s school events. Ai Ai was a proud mother when eldest son Sancho graduated from high school. She says she is working very hard for her children’s future.

Manny Pacquiao enrolled his children at Brent School. The People’s Champ who barely finished high school, admits education is the best legacy he could give his children. He is right.

Walt Disney put it succinctly when he said, “Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children.”