Moms and Dads

Meet Modern Parenting’s 100 List of 2025 Part 9

by The Modern Parenting Team
January 3, 2026

Meet the modern parents shaping the future of the family

Reese Fernandez Ruiz

The world is different from how today’s parents were raised. Reese is known as the fashion entrepreneur behind the brand Rags 2 Riches (R2R) and a business builder in Aluyan Food Groups, Accelerate Holdings, and Atin Ventures. As a mom to two kids, Miguel (9) and Rafa (6) , she believes that the Filipino family is about equipping children with tools like emotional regulation, kindness, a great work ethic, bravery, resilience, and grit. “I want my kids to know that their worth is not tied to their achievements, productivity, or external validation. I want them to have a foundation of self-worth that exists simply because they are loved,” she said.

Rica Peralejo Bonifacio

After taking time off the spotlight, Rica is making her return to showbiz as she stars in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry Manila’s Finest. As a mom of two sons, Philip and Manu, Rica sees the future of the Filipino family to look much like the one she grew up in—closely knit, joy-filled, and deeply rooted in love. She and her husband, Joseph, guide their sons to make choices that honor who they uniquely are, reminding them of a safe space and their steady presence. One lesson she hopes they carry into an ever-changing world is that they are profoundly loved.

Rhiza Pascua

Music is a world Rhiza knows intimately, steering Live Nation Philippines as its managing director and owner. Yet at home, as mom to Gabriel (30) , Jacob (28) and Isabella (26) , she holds fast to a simple truth: family flourishes when anchored in love, faith and support. It’s why she reminds her children that character will always outlast circumstance—that even in an age shaped by rapid technology, it is integrity, gratitude, and compassion that open the right doors and keep them grounded, no matter how far their paths may lead.

Richard and Maxine Sanz

As the the husband-and-wife team behind Senshin Hospitality Group and BBK Group, Richard and Maxine believe that the future of family is fluid, expansive, and beautifully unbound by traditional molds, like the blended home they nurture together. They want their children –Kyla (23) , Kimy (21) , Carinne (16) , and Enrique (14) to see openness as strength, that love can flow from many directions, and that respect, boundaries, and unity anchor every relationship. For the couple expecting their first child together, they want their kids to uphold accountability: taking ownership, apologizing, learning and rising.

Rose Fres Fausto

Known online as the “FQ Mom,” Rose carries the moniker with both expertise and heart. A former investment banker turned writer and speaker, she blends money wisdom with behavioral economics to guide families toward healthier financial habits. Between engagements, she teaches and serves on several boards. At home, Rose is mom to grown kids, Martin, Enrique and Anton—and a doting grandmother to almost-two-year-old Amelia, Enrique’s daughter. While she believes family will always matter, she also sees its shape shifting in the future, with more couples choosing to embrace the DINK lifestyle, or becoming devoted fur parents. What she hopes kids will carry forward are the enduring values of integrity and and the understanding that the true purpose of money is to uphold and honor one’s core values.

Sab Jose Gregorio

Although the world is filled with treasures to discover, there is no denying that it can take away the gift of innocence. Through her son Ignacio (4) and daughter Alba (1) , actress and artistic director of The Sandbox Collective, Sab—is reminded of the purest hearts of children. “The world will only continue to change, and sometimes those changes go in a backwards fashion, creating more division than peace. The responsibility of those of us who are parents, is to help our kids carry the innate kindness they are born with as they grow up.”

Sarah Genove Yu

For Sarah, the future of the family will be shaped by technological advancements, changing societal values, and evolving social norms. A mom of two boys, ages 9 and 3, Sarah envisions families prioritizing mindfulness, meaningful relationships, and diverse perspectives, blending tradition with innovation. Sarah said that she and her husband are dedicated to breaking cycles of generational trauma and creating a more mindful, intentional approach to family. The aim is to raise children who are not only resilient and adaptable but also compassionate and aware.

Their goal is to create a legacy that celebrates connection, creativity and sustainability—one that will inspire future generations to thrive.

Shiela Valderrama

For 30 years, Sheila has wowed and entertained audiences as a musical theater actress. Aside from theater, she is also a host, film and television actress, commercial model, brand ambassador, and serves as the Vice President for Export of Marby Food Ventures. As a mom to Simone (15) , who is also following her footsteps in theater, Sheila sees the family still leaning on the core values of love, respect, and kindness. She tries to raise her daughter with the same values she has learned from her parents honesty, hard work, being helpful, and always staying grateful. She wants her daughter to be reminded that success will come by building it with patience, effort, and purpose.

Steffi Chua Sun

As a commodities trader and co-founder of Print & Press, Steffi navigates a fast-paced world, yet she carves out intentional time for her three young children—Parker (5) , Scottie (3) , and 11-month-old Stella. She envisions the future of family life as one that thoughtfully embraces technology. While she allows her kids measured screen time, she’s equally committed to teaching them healthy boundaries online, reminding them that technology, when used well, can fuel curiosity, creativity, and valuable skills.

Stephanie Henares Dela Peña

How does one balance being a co-founder and creative director, serving on the board of an anti–human trafficking organization, and raising two young children? Just ask Stephanie, who manages all three with purpose and grace. As mom to three-year-old Elle and 11-month-old Noah, she imagines the future of family as a space where children grow up deeply grounded—emotionally, spiritually, and with a clear sense of purpose—guided by parents who are present, intentional, and truly connected. Above all, she hopes Elle and Noah will carry a steady sense of who they are, knowing their worth and understanding that their truest identity is rooted in God.

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