CREATED WITH BABY DOVE
It's a beautiful April morning. The studio at the Summit Media offices buzzes with a warm, inviting energy. Soft light spills across a baby blue-themed set, creating a serene backdrop for an exciting collaboration between baby care brand Baby Dove and Smart Parenting.
The two have teamed up to put a spotlight on the radiant woman of the hour—actress, beauty queen, and soon-to-be mom, Megan Young.
Stepping onto the set in an elegant white robe that softly accentuates her baby bump, Megan is a bundle of energy. She greets everyone with a warm, genuine smile that seems to light up the room. Her playful energy is infectious—she's doing mini dances between takes and even making the photo shoot crew chuckle with her antics.
There is also a distinct glow about her—and not just the pregnancy glow people talk about. It's a deeper, more subtle radiance that speaks of anticipation and quiet strength. Megan exudes the aura of someone wholeheartedly ready to embrace the new chapter in her life—motherhood.
In the afternoon, the mom-to-be sits down with us to chat about how she's navigating the wonderful, sometimes overwhelming world of soon-to-be parenthood—her way.
Navigating the Motherhood Journey
Even after a full day of photo and video shoots, Megan continues to glow, relaxed yet happy, as she settles in for the interview. She shares with us how her pregnancy is truly an era of personal discovery, making her realize a lot of surprising things about herself.
Megan reveals she's a "Type B" expectant mom—though she usually thinks of herself as "high-strung." This time around, she says she's embracing a more laid-back and calm approach as it allows her to enjoy the journey in a way she hadn't expected.
Still, like many expectant mothers, Megan isn't immune to the common concerns associated with pregnancy. "There are risks that come with [childbirth]. So, definitely, any type of unknown risk is scary for me," she says.
"You hear from friends that they had such a smooth pregnancy tapos pagdating ng childbirth, ang daming complications, ang daming nangyari. I think those are the main anxieties."
There is one worry the actress is glad to have overcome: the physical changes that happen when pregnant. "I really enjoyed the whole process of the changes I've had with my body," Megan explains. "I love enjoying the food that I love healthily. I forget about the superficial aspect of it."
"Now, I'm happy to be gaining weight because I know that it's for the growth of my child," she adds.
Megan also underscores the importance of having a supportive community around you. After all, the saying "It takes a village…" extends beyond the child; mothers also thrive with a solid support system.
In preparation for her little one's arrival, the actress shares that she has actively sought parenting wisdom from various trusted sources—her parents, close relatives, friends who have kids, and even online parenting groups. There is, however, a tiny caveat.
Amid the sea of opinions and perspectives, Megan thoughtfully considers what will best suit her family. She's also making sure her choices align with her OB-Gyne's advice.
Creating Her Own Parenting ‘Rules’
Asked what she thinks her parenting style will look like, Megan reflects on her childhood. She says she's thoughtfully considering the lessons and rules she grew up with.
"Times are changing … and we have to evolve with the times," she says, explaining that while it's okay for parents to instill in their kids the lessons they learned growing up, not everything applies the same way now. This is why the mom-to-be believes in making "small changes" that positively impact her child's quality of life.
In a mission to create her own parenting style, Megan found inspiration in one of her recent reads, The ABCs of Real Care by Baby Dove, an interactive book helping parents move away from outdated parenting rules by rewriting them into supportive and nonjudgmental affirmations.
It has water-activated pages and a magic pen that parents and children can play with during bathtime. When exposed to water, the pages transform to reveal encouraging messages, making the book a fun way to embrace gentle parenting.
"I loved how there was such a modern take on it," Megan points out. "It goes from what people would say back in the day to how our world has changed and how parenthood has changed in the past couple of years. It [offers] a more collaborative perspective."
One of the "rewritten" rules in the book even strikes a chord with her. "‘Independence means knowing when to ask for help,’" quotes Megan. This sentiment directly challenges the old-fashioned notion of "Never asking for help."
This resonated with her because it applies not just when raising a child, but also to her own journey as a new mother. "If you ask for help, it means you're curious about how to be better and [how to] improve yourself," she explains.
This idea of rewriting parenting rules strengthens Megan's belief in crafting a parenting style that's all her own. She says that she wants to find the balance between the wisdom shared by the people she trusts and her and her husband's, Mikael Daez, own beliefs and values.
Asked how this would look like, Megan speaks about her and her husband's upbringing. The two had contrasting childhoods; her more relaxed one taught her the value of appreciating the small wins while Mikael's competitive sports background instilled a focus on winning. So, they plan to meet halfway. They hope to nurture in their child a mindset that values both ambition and the joy in small achievements.
"One thing that we both agreed on was happiness—making sure that we're happy with what we do or find happiness in whatever we do," she adds. Gratitude is also important as they hope to teach their child how to "appreciate the life [and opportunities] that we're given."
Megan also believes that parenting shouldn't be set in stone. How you'll raise your family will change as time passes by, as your child and family grow. This is where open communication comes in. The actress says it will help her understand how to better support her child and her partner and provide for their evolving needs.
Choosing the Right Care for Her Baby
With only weeks away from welcoming her firstborn, Megan says she is carefully checking the baby care products she will use for her baby. Two things she considers? The products' trustworthiness and gentleness.
"For baby care products, I go with trusted brands, of course, like Baby Dove," the expectant mom shares, highlighting the brand's long-standing reputation and her own positive experience with its products. "[This is] something that I know will be good for my child's skin, na I know na aalagaan," she adds.
Baby Dove has earned Filipino moms' trust because it understands that every parenting journey is deeply personal. Believing there's no right or wrong way to be a parent, it aims to empower moms like Megan to discover their own path.
The baby care brand's thoughtfully formulated products are also designed to help nurture the special bond between parent and baby. Baby Dove Hair to Toe Baby Wash gently provides moisturizing and nurturing care from bath time and beyond.
For other soon-to-be parents navigating the overwhelming world of baby care products, Megan offers this practical advice: "When you're checking for items, always ask around. Word of mouth is really magical."
"Definitely, test things out here and there before deciding. If you're gonna be taking care of your baby, might as well give them the best."
Finding Her Own Path as a Mom
The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating pregnancy and motherhood. What worked for others may not necessarily work for you. With this in mind, Megan encourages soon-to-be moms like her to trust their gut.
"You know your body the most, di ba? You're the one who is in control of your body and what you need," she begins. "You know what's good for you. You consult with your doctor naman, you consult with professionals. So, go with your gut feel, go with what you feel is right, and with the guidance of your OB."
The actress also advises expectant parents to view things with a healthy dose of skepticism, especially toward rigid rules and old wives' tales. She encourages everyone to "make it make sense" for their own family.
And while it's normal to experience self-doubt, Megan has this to say: "Siyempre, ikaw yung leader. Ikaw yung magiging leader ng journey na ito… . Try something out if you're not sure. And if it doesn't work, you can try something else."
When asked for tips for expectant moms, Megan jokes, "What are your tips for me? I need tips, too, right? It's my first time, too!"
While this is true, it's undeniable that her journey so far is becoming a source of inspiration for moms. Instead of a tip, Megan shares these encouraging words: Stay calm, trust yourself, and embrace the journey.
"Enjoy every step of the way. Take care of yourself," she adds. "Focus on yourself during this time and make sure that you have a support system with you. You've got other moms out there looking out for you."
Megan is embracing pregnancy and motherhood on her own terms, and it's definitely okay for all moms-to-be to do the same. There's no one way to be a parent, no one way to raise a child. And remember, the most effective parenting rules will be the ones written with love and that prioritize your child's well-being.
For parents who want to follow in Megan's footsteps but don't know where to begin, check out Baby Dove's book "The ABCs of Real Care."
To learn more about its products, follow Baby Dove on Facebook and YouTube.
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Produced by Summit X
Photographer: Belg Belgica (@belgbegica)
Summit X Creative Director: Kat Cruz (@kjscrz)
Summit X Senior Art Director: Yela Lao (@ylalao)
Summit X Senior Native Editor: Cake Evangelista (@heycakey)
Summit X Creative Strategy Specialist: Kristine May Dela Cruz (@iamkristinedc)
Story: Fenichi Joy Lozada (@nichilzd)
Social Media: Nicole Gueco (@nicolegueco) and Fenichi Joy Lozada
Production Manager: Mary Joyce Lapasaran (@_joycelapasaran)
Video Director: Jino Del Mundo (@jinooftheworld)
Video Producer: Jo Andrian Tamesis (@ironman_013)
Video Production Manager: Susan Ali Mohamed El Hadad (@susanalimoh)
Video Editor: Jaymar Talabon (@mxrrr.vt)
Accounts: CJ Arceta (@cjarceta) and Dianne Suegay Dizon (@diannecdotes)
Implementor: Reggie Contreras
Set Styling: Arj Madarang (@arj_madz)
Makeup: Cielo Medved (@carissacielomedved)
Hair: Mark Ibarrola (@hairbymarkibarrola)
Stylist: Aldrin Ramon (@aldrin.ramos)
Assistant Stylist: Riah Liphad (@_ricarliphad)
Wardrobe: Angela Taloza (@himyprettyangela) and Feminism Clothing (@feminism_ph)
In partnership with Baby Dove
