Memorable moments with Nanay

Pictures are not mere mementoes of moments in time.

Although seemingly just a print of paper with images, they actually have the power to express the feelings the subject had when it was taken and even define who he was at that point in his life.

No wonder many Filipinos have a family portrait, usually displayed at the most conspicuous part of the house, or even at the workplace. We also have family albums pulled out when there are guests, during reunions or even in tracing family history.

Filipinos find strength, pride and meaning in life by being reminded of their relationships with family members. This is often captured in photos. To many of us, a good family life is the very definition of success.

One of the most high-profile relationships in showbiz this year is that of boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and his mom, Dionisia. No matter how far Manny has reached in his career, he will always simply be to Nanay Dionisia the son she loves.

The kind of relationship the two have is clearly seen whenever Manny enters the ring to fight. While Manny takes and gives a beating, Nanay Dionisia is inside a room in front of her crucifixes and santos, begging God to spare her son from harm.

The juxtaposition is a great image; one that touches the heart and underscores things that really matter in life: Family and relationships. Manny may lose all his wealth tomorrow but he will still have his family and Nanay Dionisia. In this sense, Manny to me is also a hero.

It’s not hard to relate to Manny and Nanay Dionisia’s relationship. When Great Image photo studio asked me if I’d be willing to be the face of their slogan “priceless photography” with a campaign dubbed, “Every boy has non-negotiables,” I immediately said yes. Besides being good friends with Great Image owners Robert and Toots Palomo (again, it’s relationship coming in to play), the campaign highlights the importance of family and relationships through billboards and print ads featuring me and Nanay Lesing!

The greatest mother in the world and the most important person in my life, Nanay is one of few people who can make me drop everything I’m doing in an instant. Even when I am in a meeting and my phone rings and I see that it’s Nanay calling, I stop the meeting and take Nanay’s call. 

The experience of our pictorial for Great Image is one I will treasure forever. Those were good times; one where I saw the wonderment and humor of Nanay who isn’t at all used to doing such things. It was great rediscovering her all over again.

Bill Clinton once said that in spite of the blessings the world has gotten for itself — meaning technology — our world has remained unstable, it has remained unequal, it has remained unsustainable.

The solution lies in our hands. If everyone would just go back to the concept of family, then everything would eventually turn around for the better. Just love your Nanay or Tatay and when everyone does this — the world becomes more stable, equal and even sustainable.

Go home. Try. You won’t regret it.

Happy new year!