In celebration of our 20th year, Smart Parenting proudly presents our new batch of Smart Parenting Mom and Dad Squad. This collective of parents share the same passion and dedication to raising happy, healthy Filipino families.
As we mark a new milestone of being the top resource for parents in the Philippines for two decades now, we gather 18 moms who have been present and witnessed Smart Parenting's journey and ever-evolving purpose in the parenthood scene.
Get to know them and discover how they took to heart Smart Parenting's mission and how they are applying it in their own ways. They are now lending their platforms alongside us in building a supportive community of like-minded parents.
We are thrilled to have them on board with us and excited to see the great impact that we can make together!
Meet The Smart Parenting Mom Squad 2023
Love Cosio, mom of twoMarriage Coach Mom of Laguna
Love Cosio on being an Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: It's such an amazing experience to grow with fellow moms and respect the dynamics of each parent. It's like you are trusted but at the same time, you have a group where you can trust people too.
Parenting is not boxed within the context of the parent-child relationship. Smart Parenting acknowledges that being a good parent begins with being a good spouse - something Love Cosio and her co-Smart Parenting Squad member husband, strongly advocate. They even authored a book about it!
“Not all need advice but each parent needs a support group to know that ‘hey, I am not alone after all. I can do this!’” Love Cosio
With a massive social media following of over 140,000, the Cosios are using their platforms to bring attention to issues faced by other couples, such as jealousy, quality time, finances, and managing conflicts and arguments. Alongside their channels, Love regards Smart Parenting as an extension of their platform and as one of their learning platforms.
“Smart Parenting has guided me to be an authentic mother while being open to new learnings and unlimited possibilities-to grow as a woman, wife, and mother, to nurture my relationships, take care of myself, and love my season to the fullest. It's like a compass for my parenting journey,” Love shared.
Being part of a community of parents, Love adds, “It's not to judge every parent but to listen first (or yes, read first) the story. Everyone is going through something. Not all need advice but each parent needs a support group to know that "hey, I am not alone after all. I can do this!"
For this mom, Smart Parenting means, “you are real, you are bold but you are also flexible to apologize to your kids, to humble yourself to your spouse, and to expand your territory without the need to explain your choices for as long as it is true to your calling, values, and heart. Most important is asking for help when you need one is being a smart parent.”
Follow Love Cosio on Instagram and TikTok.
Rosie Domingo, mom of threeMomma On The Go of Mandaluyong
Rosie Domingo on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: It’s being able to share. My life as a momma on the go who works, travels, and does a lot of extracurricular activities, it’s not easy. But I want to put my message out there that motherhood does not have to stop you from reaching your dreams. You just have to let it fuel you and restrategize.
Motherhood is not the end of a woman’s individuality. Take it from Mommy Rosie.
The 37-year-old mom of three is showing no signs of retiring her wanderlust self any time soon. Yes, she’s a mom but that’s not all that she is and she knows that this is also her way of being a good example for her kids to always be true to whatever they’re passionate about. For Rosie, Smart Parenting means “finding the balance between discipline and nourishing your kids’ healthy growth.”
“I want to put my message out there that motherhood does not have to stop you from reaching your dreams.” Rosie Domingo
It’s this same mindset of chasing growth and development that led her to the Smart Parenting community. Describing why she sees that it’s vital to have communities like Smart Parenting Village, Rosie tells us, “When you don’t belong to any groups or communities, the parenting style you know is limited and will mostly come with how your parents raised you. But times change. So Smart Parenting Village helps me keep up with the times.”
Follow Rosie Domingo on Instagram and TikTok.
Victoria Dang, mom of twoGo Momshie of Las Pinas
Victoria Dang on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: The best thing about being a part of the squad is having a family that enjoys and celebrates motherhood or parenting every day. Birds with the same feather flock together; that's my squad.
If there’s one thing Mommy Victoria Dang and us, Smart Parenting, have in common, it’s our strong desire to inspire parents to believe in themselves despite all the challenges that can make them believe they’re not capable enough.
“Smart Parenting influenced my parenting strategy because it gives me practical, factual information.” Victoria Dang
Being a great mom-tivator, Victoria went as far as writing a whole book to help first-time parents battle judgment and self-doubt. The mom of two knows how important it is to have these kinds of resources available for parents and for her, she’s thankful to have it through Smart Parenting.
“Smart Parenting influenced my parenting strategy because it gives me practical, factual information on disciplining my kids and creating a thriving home as a mom. So if there's a cheat sheet on how to care for your kids while being happy parents, that's Smart Parenting for me,” she shares.
She adds that it is this variety of options and resources that can make one a smart parent, “Smart is making the right choices after considering several available options.”
Follow Victoria Dang on Instagram and TikTok.
Joselle Ona, mom of twoCrafty Teacher Mom of Valenzuela
Joselle Ona on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: “The best thing about being a Smart Parenting Mom is that our squad is given a chance to reach a bigger audience. I get to share my journey, realizations, and learning based on my personal experiences and teaching and educational background.”
One could say that Smart Parenting’s connection with Mommy Joselle has gone full circle. She shares, “I’ve always drawn inspiration from the stories and articles that I’ve read in old Smart Parenting magazines which my mom used to collect.” Who would’ve thought that years later, not only did she become a part of the community her mom follows, but she has also made her way to becoming a Mom Squad who champions getting creative with her children!
“Smart parents put importance on their well-being because happy parents are the best ones.” Joselle Ona
This only proves how timeless and but at the same ever-evolving Smart Parenting has been to the current needs of today’s generation of parents. An active member of Smart Parenting Village, Joselle says one of the best things she learned from the community is that “there’s no single correct way to parent a child. Each parent has a unique journey. But no matter how challenging parenting is, it is always best to seek help, support, and advice from others. It does take a village to raise a child.”
Given this, she says, “realizing that one should not aspire to be a perfect parent but rather to strive to be a loving parent who is always present most especially when their kids need them. Smart parents put importance on their well-being because happy parents are the best ones.”
Follow Joselle Ona on Instagram and TikTok.
Ann Savage, mom of fiveTattoo Artist Mompreneur of Cebu
Ann Savage on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: “The best thing about it is how we unconsciously inspire other parents through Smart Parenting.”
“To be honest, most of the articles I read from Smart Parenting have unconsciously become my source of strength.” Ann Savage
For Ann Savage, Smart Parenting became her much-needed wake-up call. “I’ve always been a workaholic mom and for 10 years, I had given 70% of my time to my clients…but when I became part of the Squad, I was able to slowly achieve that work-life balance effectively,” she shares.
Anne adds, “I was able to weigh how I was before as a woman, especially as a mom, and realized a lot of things. To be honest, most of the articles I read from Smart Parenting have unconsciously become my source of strength as well as it has influenced me to be consistent with what truly makes life worth living.”
Doing the strides toward conscious parenting alongside Smart Parenting, the mom now embraces what it means to be a smart parent: “To be involved in our children’s lives. To be intentional and inspirational because I believe that oftentimes, kids are perfect mirrors of their parents.”
Follow Ann Savage on Instagram and TikTok.
Thara Advincula, mom of oneThe Mom Boss of Rizal
Thara Advincula on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: Being able to connect with a wider audience and share what has worked for me in raising my children has been rewarding. It's a great feeling to know that I can make a positive impact on someone else's life and help them navigate the challenges of parenting.
“Through reading articles, attending events, and participating in discussions, I have gained valuable insights into child development, effective discipline strategies, and ways to promote positive behavior and well-being in my children.” An on-the-go mompreneur, Thara Advincula credits Smart Parenting for giving her permission to explore her parenting style.
"Smart parents are intentional about their parenting choices and decisions." Thara Advincula
She says, “I have been able to implement the advice and strategies I've learned from Smart Parenting in my own family life, and have seen positive results in my children's behavior and well-being.”
The strong sense of community that Smart Parenting has fostered over the past two decades has been a source of comfort and support for Thara throughout her motherhood journey. “It's reassuring to know that I can discuss my parenting issues and concerns with others who understand, and also have the opportunity to celebrate successes and milestones.” For Thara, Smart Parenting is more than just a resource - it's a community of like-minded parents who have her back.
And this immense support has helped her form her vision of what it means to foster Smart Parenting: “Smart parents are intentional about their parenting choices and decisions. They think carefully about how their actions and words impact their children and strive to create a positive and nurturing environment.”
Follow Thara Advincula on Instagram and TikTok.
Nikki Viola, mom of oneHosting Diva of Marikina
Nikki Viola on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: “The best thing about it is that the group encourages you to be the best version of yourself.”
Single mom Nikki Viola may appear to be a superwoman, always wearing a smile and never running out of energy as an event host, but beneath the surface, she knows that she's not invincible and she alone can’t always save the day. Fortunately, she has found a supportive community in Smart Parenting, where she can embrace her vulnerabilities without fear of judgment.
"Being a smart parent means knowing that it's okay to not to be okay." Nikki Viola
Now, Nikki has come to acknowledge that “being a smart parent means knowing that it's okay to not to be okay, and asking for help doesn't affect your power and independence as a parent.”
Follow Nikki Viola on Instagram and TikTok.
Sarah May Tanhuanco, mom of oneFil-Chi Full Time Mommy from Manila
Sarah May Tanhuanco on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: "Being a Smart Parenting Mom opened new opportunities for me as a mom and as a content creator. It made me realize that I can be the best version of myself and am capable to share my parenting journey and inspire other parents as well.”
Throughout the years, Smart Parenting kept the stories it features authentic and as raw as possible, showing both the highs and downs of being a parent. This is exactly how Sarah May Tanhuanco got drawn to our community. She shares, “As a first-time mom, it was not easy but because of Smart Parenting’s informative articles, features, and stories, I realized that it's normal to make mistakes, learn from them and move on; that every parenting journey is different. Nagkaroon din ako ng ideas on what to prepare, what to do, and what to expect in the different seasons of parenting.”
"Through the informative articles, features, and stories, I realized that it's normal to make mistakes, learn from them and move on; that every parenting journey is different." Sarah May Tanhuanco
Now she hopes to embody and share with her audience what she picked up from the Smart Parenting community: “Being a smart parent creates a balance wherein I support and guide my child, set boundaries but at the same time, give my child the freedom to explore and learn on her own.”
Follow Sarah May Tanhuanco on Instagram and TikTok.
Shaina Santiago Moraga, mom of oneGo-getter Mom of Quezon City
Shaina Santiago Moraga on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: “It has given me an opportunity to empower other moms to pursue their dreams. It may be slower. It may be harder but it is never impossible!”
More than resource space, For Shaina Santiago Moraga, Smart Parenting has also become a safe space for parents to share their own experiences and learnings. She says that through Smart Parenting, she has come to realize that “parenting has made me view the world with another lens, a much clearer lens - it has made me more considerate, understanding, protective and empathic not only to my child but also to the people around me.”
"Motherhood brings out the best in us. With a good support system, we are more than what we could imagine." Shaina Santiago Moraga
For that, she hopes to no one should ever think that motherhood is limiting. Shaina emphasizes, “Sometimes, others focus on the limitations motherhood can bring to what a woman can do. But actually, motherhood brings out the best in us. With a good support system, we are more than what we could imagine.”
Her one last reminder to her fellow parents? “Being a "smart" parent is getting things done while having fun. Enjoy every moment, enjoy every season with your family!”
Follow Shaina Santiago Moraga on Instagram and TikTok.
Epo Sindayen, mom of oneE-Sports Mommy of Antipolo
Epo Sindayen on being a Smart Parenting Squad member: It helped me to embrace motherhood even more.
"Being a single mom, I needed a lot of support system, Smart Parenting Village is one of them." Epo Sindayen
And we agree with Mommy Epo Sindayen. Carving time and opportunity for yourself to be happy should never be equated to being a ‘bad’ mom.
Meeting various parents with various backgrounds, Epo said that Smart Parenting “made a huge impact on my parenting life. Reading articles and watching their content made me realize that I’m not a bad parent at all.” And as a single parent, she was happy to have found a sort of “partner” in our community.
“Being a single mom, I needed a lot of support system, Smart Parenting Village is one of them. Learned a lot from others’ parenting experiences which may somewhat apply to me,” she shared.
Follow Epo Sindayen on Instagram and TikTok.
Ella Libaton, mom of twoMom In Tech of Rizal
Ella Libaton on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: When I get to share my personal parenthood experiences with other parents.
Faced with various ever-evolving innovations in her field, Smart Parenting has been one of the things that remained constant for Mommy Ella Libaton. “Smart Parenting has been my online dictionary for parenting since day 1. When I was a first-time mom, Smart Parenting really helped me and my husband navigate this parenthood thru personal testimonies from different people,” she shares.
"Smart Parenting is when you intentionally be a role model to your children. Letting them learn positive habits and consistently model good behavior to them.” Ella Libaton
But while ever-present, Ella said the homegrown community of Smart Parenting never fails to offer new learnings. She says, “Every day, there's a post that you can learn from and can apply this to my family too. There are also lessons that parents are sharing that I can learn also.”
Follow Ella Libaton on Instagram and TikTok.
Dyan Dy-Gayas, mom of twoMommy Newborn Photographer of Cebu
Dyan Dy-Gayas on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: It builds my confidence as a Mom, especially in my line of work. Moms are more open to me because trust and confidence are there already.
For most of the Smart Parenting Mom Squad members, our community helped them with their family setups but for Dyan Dy-Gayas, the impact of Smart Parenting went beyond that and to her career life as a newborn and family hotographer.
"Even if our kids grow older, there is still room for learning." Dyan Dy-Gayas
“It helped me share what I read with new moms, especially in my line of work. I can share stories with mommies every day.” Through testimonials of other parents in the Smart Parenting community, Dyan got a clearer picture of how she’s capturing the meaning of a smart parent through her lens. “Being a smart parent means going through a process. We eventually learn day-to-day from different parents and their different experiences. Even if our kids grow older, there is still room for learning,” she shared.
Follow Dyan Dy-Gayas on Instagram and TikTok.
Jia Lacson, mom of oneMomtrepreneur of Pampanga
Jia Lacson on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: “People who follow you and know you personally, highly consider and trust your choices of brands and recommendations.”
“Smart Parenting Village made me realize even more how being transparent about your real emotions doesn't make you any weaker as a mom because there are also moms that felt or feel the same way!” For Mommy Jia Lacson, Smart Parenting is a sanctuary, a safe space where she can be herself.
"I always choose to see the beauty of any season and stage I am in." Jia Lacson
The community has always been welcoming, creating an environment where parents can confront their vulnerabilities and use them as a springboard for personal growth. “Because of Smart Parenting and my fellow mommies in this community, I always choose to see the beauty of any season and stage I am in. Because of Smart Parenting and of course, my love for my little family, I always aspire to be the best version of myself both as a mom and as a wife!”
Follow Jia Lacson on Instagram and TikTok.
Melissa Lozada, soon-to-be mom of twoMELlenial Momma of Rizal
Melissa Lozada on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: I get to showcase/influence other millennial mommas not to get affected by judgment of society because of being a mom at an early age (in their 20s). All women have different pacing in their life.
For Melissa Lozada, Smart Parenting has been a guiding force throughout her motherhood journey, filling the void left by her absent mother. Becoming a mother at a relatively young age brought about many changes, but with the unwavering support of Smart Parenting and its community, Melissa has navigated the challenges with grace and confidence.
"[The Smart Parenting] community welcomed me wholeheartedly without any judgments." Melissa Lozada
She shares, “It has helped me through my motherhood journey since I did not really have a mother who guided me by my side. Being a mother at an "early age" made a lot of changes but Smart Parenting and its community welcomed me wholeheartedly without any judgments.”
Taking fellow parents’ lead, Melissa now has a good grasp of how she can continue to grow as a smart parent. By “being genuinely true and contented to have a cultivating happier family home.”
Follow Melissa Lozada on Instagram and TikTok.
Genina Domingo, mom of oneSingle Mom by Choice of Marikina
Genina Domingo on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: The best thing about it is being able to share my advocacies as a Solo Parent using a platform that champions and supports parents.
Parenting is no easy task for a single person to handle. But taking on this decision, Mommy Genina Domingo can’t help but be grateful to have our community by her side. She recalls, “I have been an avid supporter and reader of the Summit Media magazines even before I was pregnant so when I decided to raise my son alone at 4 months preggy, I knew I need to get all the help I can get.”
"It literally takes a village to raise a child" Genina Domingo
“I was following Smart Parenting even before, then I joined Smart Parenting Village. I was fond of the Facebook group because it literally takes a village to raise a child. I read the articles on every phase of my pregnancy, from what to expect to what to prepare for my birth. I read what to put in the hospital bag, how to register for my child’s birth certificate, how to apply for a solo parent ID.”
For Genina, the Smart Parenting community has been a lifeline, providing her with the support and guidance she needs to be the best possible parent to her son. She is grateful for the invaluable resources and support provided by Smart Parenting and knows that she can always count on the community to be there for her.
Follow Genina Domingo on Instagram.
Kathy Alcala, mom of twoSelf-Care Mom of Mandaluyong
Kathy Alcala on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: “It's the reach that the platform opens up for us and the honor of being part of the group of exceptional moms and dads.”
Kathy has found a wealth of resources and support in the Smart Parenting community, particularly in the Smart Parenting Village Facebook group. She has binge-read posts from fellow villagers and gained valuable insights and advice from their experiences. To her, the group truly embodies the adage that it takes a village to raise a child.
"We can never be perfect but we can always be the best for our kids." Kathy Alcala
Beyond the practical advice and tips she's received, Kathy has also gained a new perspective on her own life as a parent and is more grateful.
Now, she understands that parenting is an ongoing learning process. “Being a smart parent is being well-rounded, open-minded, and patient. It is an ongoing learning process so to be smart is to accept that we can never be perfect but we can always be the best for our kids,” she tells Smart Parenting.
Follow Kathy Alcala on Instagram and TikTok.
Geli Tamayo, mom of twoCrafty Mom of Las Piñas
Geli Tamayo on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: The Smart Parenting Mom Squad gives me a sense of belonging. However diverse we may be--with different lifestyles, different views, and different ways--we all have the same purpose and that is to be able to build, guide, provide, protect, love, raise and care for a family in the best possible way that we can.
Smart Parenting has been there for Geli Tamayo since she took on the role of being a parent. She shares, "I've read so many articles in Smart Parenting and I guess there are times I unconsciously apply it in raising my own family because aside from my mom, my lola, and the other parents in our family, I have no other source to get parenting tips from."
"I've read so many articles of Smart Parenting, I unconsciously apply it in raising my own family." Geli Tamayo
What Geli is most impressed about is having a balanced mix of information even on topics that for a long time, have been subjects of debate.
"I like how Smart Parenting shares the knowledge of different kinds of parenting such as the traditional and gentle parenting, wherein they educate the community that both are acceptable and reasonable, that both can be applied at the same time or separately, whichever you think is the best for your family."
Follow Geli Tamayo on Instagram and TikTok.
Grace Ong-Donato, mom of twoThe Fashionista Mom of Pasig City
Grace Ong-Donato on being a Smart Parenting Mom Squad member: “I joined the Smart Parenting squad during the height of the pandemic. And every parent knows how tough this time can be. The feeling of belongingness and knowing that there is a community that is 100% supportive and always ready to help and share their own experiences—that is priceless!”
“I have always been more of the kind of person who prefers to be alone—being an only child— but Smart Parenting helped me to open up more about my experiences with the hope that I may be of help to my fellow parents.” Grace Ong-Donato says Smart Parenting has been a companion for her and the benefits of its community have been two-way.
"Smart Parenting definitely helped me be more involved and proactive in the parenting community." Grace Ong-Donato
“The journey of parenthood can be daunting sometimes. But it really does take a village to build a well-rounded environment for our children. Smart Parenting definitely helped me be more involved and proactive in the parenting community,” the mom shares.
Through her active participation in the community, Grace has gained a deeper understanding of different parenting styles and approaches. “Embracing yourself and how you raise your kids, acknowledging your shortcomings, and being aware of how you can improve by learning from other parents.”
Follow Grace Ong-Donato on Instagram and TikTok.
Get to know the 11 dashing dads who make up this year's Smart Parenting Dad Squad here.
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Profiles by Angela Baylon
Art by Maria Stephanie Ocampo
Influencer Relationship Specialist: Riri Cheng
Marketing Specialist: Marie Bilgera
Social Media Strategy: Romae Zen Arganda
Produced and Edited by Judy Santiago Aladin
Acting Editor-in-Chief: Ronna Capili Bonifacio
Publisher: Iza Santos-Cuyos
