Sharon, Angeli, Maritoni Bid Their Daughters Goodbye As They Leave To Study Abroad

The days are long but the years are short — so goes a famous saying. And it is true — one day the baby you're holding now, causing you sleepless nights, will grow up. It is a bittersweet moment, but isn't this the reason you raised her well — so that she could stand on her own two feet? Yet, there's a pang of sadness when you realize that this child who depended on you as a child may no longer need you as she did before.

For celebrity moms Sharon Cuneta, Maritoni Fernandez, and Angeli Pangilinan, this reality has already it home. 

In August 2019, Sharon wrote about her remaining moments with second child Frankie, 19, before flying back home to Manila. The entire family — husband Francis, kids KC, Miel, and Miguel — all flew to New York, USA, to help Frankie settle in her new life as a student pursuing a university degree in the Big Apple.

"I will have to gather all my strength to be able to finally leave her here, in this big, beautiful city — all alone without her whole family, and her friends whom she has known and loved and been loved by since 7th grade. She has known nothing but love since the day she was born...and I worry too much about her.

"I am so crazy about all my children — but since Kakie’s second oldest and was born a “manang,” meaning she has always been more mature for her age, she has been for the past few years, my best friend. I miss her already. I cry every night, but I shouldn’t be selfish and just let her spread her wings and fly. I hope I can visit her often."

In December, Frankie was able to sneak a few days in to fly to Manila for the holidays, much to Sharon's delight.

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Over the weekend, on February 19, it was Sharon's sister-in-law, Angeli Pangilinan's turn to bid her child goodbye. Kiana Valenciano, 27, only daughter of Angeli and Gary Valenciano, was leaving for the United States. 

"No words. Just a lot of tears. I offer a prayer for my daughter’s journey," Angeli began her post on Instagram. 

"Soar Kiana and fly. With His Word tucked into your heart and mind, you will achieve His purpose and destiny for you. Step by step. I love you Kwinks. See you sooner than soon. All my love," Angeli captioned photos of her, Gary and Kiana during their sendoff at the airport.

Although it isn't clear what she would be doing abroad, it seems like the singer is about to embark on a new phase in her life on her own.

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Meantime, Lexi Fernandez, 25, daughter of character actress Maritoni Fernandez, also left the country on February 16 to pursue further studies. 

Maritoni captioned a beautiful photo of them hugging at the airport, "My eldest, my best friend, my forever date, my reason and the best of everything I am in a human being...remember all that I have taught you. Soar high and never forget or doubt who you are in Jesus. You are a Kingdom Citizen and the daughter of the most high! I love you. Safe travels my heart. Next chapter. #mypanganayisoff #masterstime

In the comments section, it was implied through an exchange with the young star's screen partner that she will be heading to Australia for her masters degree. Lexi graduated from the University of Asia and the Pacific with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and Education.  

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