In the beautiful journey that is motherhood, there's an indescribable feeling that fills each day. It's from the smallest things to the biggest milestones—like finding out that you are pregnant after years and years of trying or hearing your child's first sentence after countless hours of therapy. From feeling relieved that your toddler cooperated with tonight's toothbrush time, to bliss of seeing the face of the child you've waited for all your life and cradling their tiny body in your arms.
And when Smart Parenting launched the Parenthood100 photo contest for moms and dads in its second year, these moments of pure bliss, warmth, and happiness were captured, immortalizing that deep sense of contentment and gratitude, that enables every mother to keep going through the day and make it through the night.
The joy of motherhood can only be felt once you are on the journey. It's one that you can never ignore nor compare to any other pain you've been through—the exhausting pregnancy, the horrifying labor, the unexpected delivery, the postpartum anxiety. Everything is all freaking worth it.
Among 5,000 entries from across the Philippines, these photos captured the essence of a mother's purest joy. And it's our pride and honor to share these with you.
Smart Parenting Parenthood 100 Photo Contest Finalists: Joy
"After Bath"
By Melvin Pereira
Featuring Aiza Kristin Pereira
"After a bath, drying and applying organic moisturizer keeps the baby fresh, especially when they develop rashes due to their sensitive skin."
"Bedtime Routine"
By Jomarie R. Romaquin
Featuring Lovella Chris L. Palma
"Mirroring is important in a child's development. A mother teaching her child how to properly brush her teeth by letting her imitate is one way to stimulate learning. Moreover, establishing a bedtime routine allows a child to have stability."
"Beyond Human Parenthood"
By Dhearlie Balba
Featuring Tony Rose Ann Decena-Patimo
"Unconditional love is shared between a mother to her loyal furry pup together with a precious human baby inside. Her pet dog witnessed the day she lost her eldest son months before this photo shoot and stayed beside her when she was expecting another baby."
"Bonding Moment"
By Joseph Andrei B. Crisostomo
Featuring Rochelle Bartolome
"Mapagod man ako sa kalilinis ng iyong mga pinaglaruan, ay hinding hindi ko ipagpapalit ang moments na ito sa aking buhay. Sapagkat sa bawat oras na kasama kita ay mas nagkakaroon ako ng motibasyon upang galingan ko pang kumayod para sa atin."
"Crown with a Heart"
By Glenn Tiondo
Featuring Elaine Inlab
"Smart parenting involves striking a balance between providing support and allowing children to pursue their dreams autonomously. It's crucial for developing children's self-motivation, resilience, and independence. Parents can support their children in pursuing their aspirations with excitement and sincerity by providing a supportive environment where they feel free to explore their hobbies without feeling pressured."
"Faces of Joy"
By Gorvachev Bernardo
Featuring TJ Sumulong & Adie Padilla
"Finally, after three hours of waiting, from waves to pushes, we're able to hold you in our arms. This photo of our family is living proof that not only do smiling faces represent happiness, but joy and love can be expressed in many forms and in different ways."
"First Born Bond"
By Melody Ann Tomelden
Featuring Melody Ann Tomelden
"I am almost a mother of two. I can't imagine how I could love these tiny human beings so much, how my heart could accommodate another precious blessing and love him equally as his kuya. Savoring moments with my firstborn before diving back into diaper days and sleepless nights again."
"Graduation Day"
By King Erwin Perolina
Featuring Khriselda Mari Guarin
"Our precious miracle, Martha, blessed our lives a month ahead of schedule. She stayed in the NICU for 10 days, and it was heart-wrenching, leaving our hearts heavy with uncertainty for tomorrow's dawn. Today, our baby is ten months old. Witnessing her thriving every day fills our hearts with boundless gratitude and joy."
"Joyful Bonds"
By Christopher John M. Llerin
Featuring Joanna Marie Fernandez
"Joyful Bonds captures the heartwarming moments of a mother's playful interactions with her children. Through laughter, imagination, and boundless love, she fosters cherished memories and strengthens the unbreakable bond between herself and her children."
"Mommy And Daddy Are Here To Hold You Through The Night"
By Joymardeen Abad
Featuring Joymardeen Abad and Richard Abad
"A parent will show up for everything that celebrates his or her child."
"Overflow"
By Reichelle Felismino
Featuring Reichelle Felismino
"In this heartwarming moment, a mom and her kids share laughter as they overflow a tabo, letting water pour over their heads. With each splash, their bond grows stronger, filling their hearts with happiness and love. It's a simple joy that reminds them of the beauty in togetherness."
"So Together They Built A Life They Loved"
By Nellany Gould
Featuring Kevin and Nellany Gould
"As first-time parents, we felt so much joy and overwhelming emotion when our newborn Noah arrived."
"Thank You Mama For My Sibling"
By Yesha Hannah L. Benaro
Featuring Yesha Hannah Benaro
"This photo shows how the daughter is grateful to her mother after many years of asking for a sibling."
"Why Do We Take Photographs"
By Marlon Malabuyoc
Featuring Lyn Malabuyoc
"We take photographs so we can remember. Capturing candid moments and precious memories reminds each one of us what we've accomplished and achieved. Learning to ride a bike, balance using roller skates, or even surf with the family is an achievement."
Smart Parenting Parenthood 100 Photo Contest Winner: Joy
"Proud Ausome Mom"
By Melanie Jane Medina
Featuring Raquel Regado - Ong Sotto
"To all moms who haven’t heard the word 'mom.' The ones who are up all night and still show up during the day. The ones who fight like hell to get their kids what they deserve. The ones who say they are okay because they know people wouldn’t get it. We see you, and we admire you."
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Photos are arranged in alphabetical order.
See the other winning photos under the following categories: Love and Dedication.
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Produced by: Bettina Santos
Edited by Ronna Capili Bonifacio
Video Producer: Cherrie Julian
Social Media: Zen Arganda
Art Director: Maria Stephanie Ocampo
Video Editor: Olan Pingco
Marketing Specialist: Marie Bilgera
Publisher: Iza Santos-Cuyos
Interns: Yuuki dela Cruz, Justine Cruz, Angel Jose
