Moms and Dads

Parents’ Choice Awards 2025: Moms Who Care

by Justin Convento
August 19, 2025

Meet the panel behind this year’s Parents’ Choice Awards

Now in its fourth year, the anticipated Parents’ Choice Awards continues to champion products and services that real parents truly love and trust.

What began as a “simple, heartfelt roundup of brands and products” has evolved into something far more meaningful. Editor-in-Chief Marga Tupaz shares: “For the first time ever, we’re bringing the awards to life with its own dedicated print issue and an actual celebration — a live awarding event where we will recognize the brands that have consistently shown up for parents and families in ways that truly matter.”

To help shape this year’s winners, Modern Parenting invited eight discerning and influential moms to join the selection panel. “These are moms who understand what today’s families truly need. Their insights, honesty, and real-life experiences helped us create a list that’s not only credible, but deeply resonant,” Marga adds.

Get to know the panel behind the 2025 edition—moms who bring heart, intention, and firsthand parenting wisdom to everything they do.

Meet the panel behind this year’s Parents’ Choice Awards

Andi Manzano-Reyes: The Joyful Girl Mom

“I have three little girls—and yes, it’s as wild and wonderful as it sounds,” says Andi Manzano-Reyes, mom to Olivia (10), Amelia (5), and Lucia (2).

A full-time mom and content creator, she shares that she still learns something new every day. Her favorite thing about motherhood? “Everything. It’s both exhausting and fulfilling. I love how being a mom challenges me, grows me, and teaches me more about myself as a woman, too.”

On selecting products best for her babies, Andi shares these tips: “Go for quality over quantity—it pays off when you’re on baby #2 or #3! [Then,] stick with tried-and-tested products—ones recommended by fellow moms who’ve actually used them. [Lastly,] if it brings comfort, convenience, or peace of mind, it’s usually worth it.”

Ari Kader-Cu: The Values-Driven Mom

For Ari Kader-Cu, motherhood is about presence and priorities. “Slow mornings with the family. When time feels like it stretches just for us,” she says.

Mom to Parker (5) and Millie (1), Ari is disciplined with structure, especially during the 5 to 8 p.m. window, which she calls a “major shift” for dinner, baths, books, and bedtime routines. “My phone is on Do Not Disturb. It’s a sacred time for me and the kids… and the only other time we are all together before the day ends.

Her approach to product selection mirrors her mindset: “Safety is always my first filter — if it’s not safe, it’s out. Then I look for great design… and last but not least, things that last.”

Winnie Wong: The Mindful Organizing Mom

Winnie Wong is raising daughter Suri(2) with intention and creativity. “There’s something magical about seeing everyday things through her eyes, everything becomes new again,” she shares.

She’s co-founder of Sorto, a personal inventory app, and leads organization workshops, community projects, and teaches Graphic Design and Photography at International School Manila. She also runs lifestyle brands, Pouf and The Everyday, while making time to create content that reflect her many creative pursuits and passions. “I’m often balancing motherhood, content shoots, school responsibilities, and running my businesses, all in one day,” she reveals.

Her mindful criteria for shopping? “Products that are safe, multi-functional, easy to clean, and visually clear… I also value brands that are travel-friendly, durable, and easy to integrate into our systems at home.”

Audrey Pastelero: The Conscious Curating Mom

Raising three young boys—Theo (8), Xandro (5), and Joaquin (3) —Audrey stays grounded in wonder and imagination. She’s founder of Momzilla, a platform she founded to support modern parenthood through a curated marketplace and a growing, engaged community.

“What began as a way to make family life easier through smart product discovery has evolved into a resource space where we also share evidence-based parenting tools. I’m deeply engaged with our community, often having real conversations and offering support,” she shares.

Her guiding principle in product curation? Her guiding principle in product curation? “I’m always drawn to products that solve real parenting problems without adding clutter— things that are well-designed, multipurpose, and aligned with values like sustainability and child-led play.

Jessica Tan-Gan: The Practical Homemaking Mom

Mom to three kids—Benjamin (7), Amina (5), and Apollo (3) —Jessica Tan-Gan thrives on structure with days plotted around school runs, outdoor time, and co-sleeping cuddles.

“This is such a fleeting season in life, and while it can be tiring, I truly cherish this time with my kids.”

When shopping for products for her family, Jes keeps it smart and simple: “Investing in well-made, durable products might cost more up front but they last through multiple stages, can be reused by younger siblings, and often serve a purpose well beyond the baby years.”

She adds: “After three kids, I’ve learned to be intentional with what I bring into our home. Not everything marketed as a ‘baby must-have’ is truly essential—sometimes a regular teaspoon works just as well as a baby spoon, and a shot glass makes the perfect first cup!”

Claud Baron Paulino: The Style-Savvy Mom

Mom of one—soon to be two!—Claudine finds joy in every stage of motherhood. “Each stage was so special… I enjoy doing activities together and sharing life with a mini me!”

Her son Evan (7) inspired a new passion project close to her heart: supporting ‘kiddie entrepreneurs’ and child-led businesses. “[When Evan started selling at Soirée last year,] it taught him so much about sales, inventory, handling money, and marketing. I would love to see more kids become inspired to make their own money and make a difference in the world, even in their own small way.”

And when it comes to her famously curated shopping events? Her discerning eye and standards extend to her home. “We curate and handpick all the brands who join Soirée… and we also support these brands by using them in our household.

Sam Valenciano: The Cool Soccer Mom

For almost 9 years, Sam Valenciano has been reveling in the joy—and chaos—of motherhood. With two kids—Nataleia (8) and Luciano (2) —she shares that her favorite part of being a mom is how it “gives my life more meaning” and allows her to experience “unconditional love, aside from my husband [Paolo,] of course!”

Sam is co-founder of a kids’ play couch brand called ImAGI, part of production company Fullhouse Asia and sound company Soundcheck, a content creator, and a full-time mom—especially when on the football field.

“My passion right now [is] my kids, really. So anything I can do to make them happy, and also help discover and enhance talents and reach dreams, I will invest myself in as well.”

When it comes to choosing products, she’s all about quality and practicality: “I look for things that last. Most of my things at home were once Leia’s and now Luch’s!” she grins.

Laura Lehmann-Pessumal: The Devoted New Mom

Just a few months into motherhood, Laura Lehmann-Pessumal is soaking it all in. “Becoming a mother was the one thing I was sure about since I was a little girl. I love everything about it and it has exceeded my expectations!”

The TV host and content creator’s days revolve on newborn rhythms—feeding, napping, tummy time. “My baby [Solana] just recently started to sleep through the night, so that means I’ve also just recently started to sleep through the night — for the first time since giving birth! Yay!” she laughs.

When choosing products for her little one, she’s guided by her 3 C’s: “Comfort, convenience, and cleanliness. Happy mom = happy baby!”

To read the full article, grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s special Parents’ Choice Awards 2025 Print Edition—available on sarisari.shopping. Download the e-magazine from Readly or Press Reader for more exclusive features and stories.