Iwa Moto and Jodi Sta. Maria: 'Unexpected Friendships Are the Best Ones'

When comes to co-parenting goals, it will be hard to beat Jodi Sta. Maria and Iwa Moto, and we're glad to see the two moms are in it for the long haul. 

In a Pep.ph interview, Jodi expressed her gratitude for her friendship with Iwa, whom Jodi calls as son Thirdy's "pangalawang ina." Jodi's former husband and Thirdy's dad, Pampi Lacson, is now in a relationship with Iwa.

"Alam mo, siguro there’s no greater feeling na malaman mo na yung anak mo, minamahal siya," Jodi told writer Rey Pumaloy during the press conference of Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko, her team-up reunion with Richard Yap.

“Natutuwa ako na parang…yun nga ang sinasabi namin kay Thirdy. Hindi man nag-work out yung sa amin ng daddy niya, pero yung little family namin, yung blended family namin, di ba parang mas dumami pa yung mga taong nagmamahal sa kanya?”

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It was the birth of Iwa and Pampi's daughter, Hiromi Eve or Mimi, in 2013 that thawed the ice, so to speak, between the moms.

“It all started a few years back when she had just given birth to Mimi,” Jodi . “And ayun, I reached out to her and congratulated her for their new baby, and I just sent a little something din.”

In February 2015, Iwa posted a photo of her, daughter Mimi, Jodi, and Thirdy. "Lord thank you for yesterday. Thank you for giving us the time to bond with @jodistamaria. Ang saya ni muy super namiss ka daw niya, Jodi," Iwa wrote as the caption.

Since then, Iwa and Jodi have worked hard to make sure their kids get opportunities to build a sibling relationship. In November 2016, Iwa posted a memorable photo of the two moms and their kids, all together on a giant slide. Six months later, the two moms and Mimi were present to cheer Thirdy at a sports event in school

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In July 2017, Iwa and Jodi took the family bonding up a notch, Jodi posted a photo of her and Iwa after a gym session, cementing their friendship. 

Their blended family has even gone on a trip to Singapore in October 2017.

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And in case you need an "Instagram official" stamp on their friendship, Iwa's "best nine" had seven photos with Jodi in it. 

Those who follow the two moms know it's not for show and have praised Iwa and Jodi for their co-parenting skills. One comment reads: "Kapag nilawakan talaga pang-unawa at natutong magpatawad, ang imposible nagiging posible." Another commenter writes, "The kids are very lucky. What a wonderful life lesson you have taught them." One remarks, "The love and level of maturity." 

Both women realize their unique situation and are grateful for what they have received — a loving extended family.

As Iwa notes in the photo above, "Indeed unexpected friendships are the best ones."

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