Made with Love
Geraldine Zialcita
When a woman gives birth to a baby, she doesn’t only become a mother but serves as the gateway for her child’s dreams, hope, and future. While a mother is responsible for a child’s existence, witnessing her first cry, first word, and first step, she embodies multiple roles in one lifetime—a teacher, guardian, nurse, chef, confidante, friend, and many more.
Actress and comedian, Rufa Mae Quinto has successfully encountered fame in all levels—gracing the cover of magazines, performing on stage, and appearing in various roles on film and TV, yet if you ask her what is the most important vocation in the world, her response would be the job that doesn’t pay for sleepless nights, overtime work, and bittersweet experiences which include a lifetime commitment with no price tag—Motherhood.
Her five-year-old daughter, Alexandria Athena Magallanes―nicknamed Athena is the center of Rufa’s universe who has served to be an inspiration, enriching her life with a greater purpose, substance, and depth. “There’s more to parenting than feeding, bathing, and cradling your children to sleep. We need to provide them with unconditional love, approval, and positive discipline so they can grow up to be kind, loving, respectful, and compassionate human beings―a true Christian,” she shares.
Rufa’s mother portrayed a fundamental heroine in her life and reared her with good principles which set a strong foundation for her. She taught her to be brave, positive, kind, nice, and never judge people. “Dapat feel na feel ko daw, (I should always feel and express it in a deeper level) especially when I sing—I need to be the best I can be.” She smiles. Since both her mother and mother-in-law express their love through food, Rufa has continued the tradition of cooking their homemade recipes for her daughter―her labor of love. “Where there is food, there is love, where there is love, there is joy, and where there is joy, there is laughter—always a delight,” she informs.
Despite constantly being in the limelight, the gift of motherhood organically fell into place for Rufa who is currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area. This established the stage in Rufa’s life where she could express maternal instincts and radiate her nurturing spirit in a fostering environment. “I’m grateful to have a supportive husband who helps me with housework and raising Athena. We are both hands-on in waking her up for school, feeding, bathing, brushing her teeth, dropping her off at school, helping her with her homework, and getting ready for bed. Athena means the universe to me and I always think of her and my family before making a decision,” she relays.
Bursting with character and very much like her mother, Athena possesses a star quality—a fashionista who likes to dress up and complement her outfits with sparkly gems. “Athena loves to compose songs, sing, and dance. Our relationship is very special and we always have a memorable time together. She’s my one and only, my baby, my best friend—my little princess—my everything. I’m so inspired to live, love, and laugh with her,” she conveys.
Rufa has been true to herself and maintains her core values of being a God-fearing woman and good citizen. “I always encourage my daughter to be kind, grateful, strong, wise, and never forget to have fun while being funny. Laughter is an important part of our life and the best way to express your emotions―There should always be a reason to laugh,” she giggles.
Like every mother who has goals for her child, Rufa wants the best for Athena. “There are no limitations as what your child can be. Every child is born with gifts, talents, and the potential to succeed. I want her to know the value of being beautiful inside and out. My wish for Athena is to always be healthy, be filled with love, and have a positive outlook,” she states.
Balancing a career and family life requires time, effort, and commitment, yet this dynamic woman embraces her roles as an artist in the entertainment field, wife, and mother by managing her priorities matched with a beautiful smile etched on her face. “I stopped doing the unnecessary and irrelevant things, avoided distraction, and focus on important matters, so I could be more productive and spend quality time with my family. How we occupy our time defines what we value most―God, family, career—all in that sequence,” she affirms. I’m also blessed to have family and friends who have helped me babysit and adjust to the way of life in America.”
This thoughtful, sincere, and genuine woman comprehends the joy and pain of motherhood but is devoted, caring, and committed to being a good example for her daughter matched with love, kindness, patience, and understanding. “Motherhood is never easy but when there’s love, you will gain more energy to do everything for them―there is strength in love. It’s important to have your me-time so you can rest, recharge, and restore your power. You’ll never be bored and will always be inspired. Todo na to ! Go go go! (Go all the way!)” She vows.
Rufa is grateful for all the blessings in life—a flourishing career, a wonderful husband, and an amazing daughter—a loving family. She believes in the quote by Bro. Jorge Capacia which states, ‘Sa mga magulang, isusubo mo na lang, ibibigay mo pa sa anak mo. Sacrificial giving, that is love in action.’ (To all the parents, the meal you’re supposed to eat will be given to your child.) “Siya muna bago ang lahat—bago ikaw. (Your child should always comes first before anything―before you.) Athena is growing fast and I need to pay attention to the woman she wants to become while enjoying the many moments I have with her. I want her to know how much loved she is and that I will always be there to cheer for her, support her, and help her build the structure she needs to spread her wings and become the woman she deserves to be,” she imparts.
Rufa’s sweet smile, gracious laughter, and optimism are contagious. Her advise to other mothers is to, “Be ready, be excited, and get some rest. Stay fresh, be calm, trust your instincts, and listen to your child, but always support and guide them in the right direction. Don’t forget to pray as well.”
Rufa defines the essence of motherhood to its fullest serving her purpose to be the best example for her daughter. She pledges to be a part of her daughter’s growth and discovery. She shapes her thoughts and opens the door to new perspectives. She protects her and paves the way for greatness. Rufa is a mother who justifies life, supports her child with no limits, and loves with no conditions. Rufa Mae Quinto depicts a mother made whith love
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Head to the links for the full articles and exclusive images:
https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/2232616?__r=928185
https://pasalapagina.com/publicacion/dressy-for-kids/576.html
https://www.zinio.com/mx/dressy-for-kids-magazine-m40101
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Photo Credits:
Alexandra Athena Magallanes for DRESSY KIDS for MAY ISSUE
Model: ALEXANDRA ATHENA MAGALLANES @alexandriamagallanes with her Mother RUFA MAE QUINTO @rufamaequinto
HMUA: PEARL CABALAN @makeupbypurrrl
Writer: GERALDINE ZIALCITA @geraldineauthor
Photographer Assistant: REY DEL FIERRO @reydelfierrophotography
Art Director: NIGEL JOHN DEL MUNO @nigeldelmundo
Photographer: VINCENT GOTTI @vinniegotti
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Published by PLPG Global Media] | Copyright 2022 PLPG GLOBAL MEDIA S.A.S | Global CEO, Founder & Editor in Chief Edward R Rueda @ceo.plpg