Anthony Pangilinan’s Reflections on Growing as a Parent

After celebrating Ella’s birthday on July 13 and Solana’s on July 14, Anthony penned a heartfelt post on Instagram.

“First and Last. Alpha and Omega. Ate Ella and Baby Sola!” he began. He described Ella as their gracious firstborn and admitted that, like most new parents, they fumbled, stumbled, and “hopelessly messed up countless times” in raising her. But even then, Ella showed understanding.

He shared that when his wife, Maricel, was pregnant with their fifth and apologized for all their parenting mistakes, Ella simply said, “It’s okay, Mom. We can always try again with Solana.” 

Anthony also shared his thoughts about Solana. “And Solana — what fortitude!” he wrote. As the bunso, she grew up with “two ‘highly involved’ parents and four ‘not-to-be-outshone’ siblings.” Growing up with Ella, Donny, Hannah, and Benj, he said she carries everyone’s DNA and is “somehow, the sum of all we are.”

He reflected on how both daughters hold unique places in their family’s story. To him, Ella and Solana are like beautiful bookends, framing the chapter of their years spent raising kids.

“What a joy to carve out time as a family to celebrate their birthdays these past few days. Because truly, they are as special as special gets,” he added.

The proud father ended his post with a line many parents can relate to: “Behind every amazing daughter is a truly exhausted but deeply blessed parent.”

Read more about how these parents are raising strong, confident daughters here.