Patch Magtanong Cordoves: Embracing Motherhood With Grace and Gratitude
Former Binibining Pilipinas International 2019 and lawyer Patch Magtanong is embracing a new and deeply personal role – as a mom to baby Kenzo
For many Filipinos, Bea Patricia “Patch” Magtanong has always represented grace under pressure. In 2019, she captured the Binibining Pilipinas International crown and, in the same year, passed the Bar Exams — a feat that cemented her image as someone driven, disciplined, and purposeful.
Years later, life has taken on a gentler rhythm. After marrying longtime partner Josh Cordoves in 2023 and celebrating a larger wedding ceremony in 2024, Patch welcomed their son, Kenzo, earlier this year. Since then, her days have revolved around late-night feedings, newborn cuddles, and discovering what motherhood truly means for her.
Learning As She Goes
Like many first-time moms, Patch admits the transition into motherhood was far from seamless.
“As a first-time mom, the early days were definitely messy and overwhelming,” she shares. “Honestly, I felt like I had no idea what I was doing half the time, and every day came with something new to figure out.”
But somewhere between the sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, she slowly learned to trust herself more.
“Little by little, I’ve learned to trust myself more, and now I feel a lot more confident and settled into motherhood.”
The adjustment period, she says, became less about getting everything perfectly right and more about creating a rhythm that worked for their growing family. Together with Josh, she spent those first few weeks soaking in every newborn moment.
“We slowly built our own little routine while taking way too many photos because everyone says it goes by fast — and they’re right,” she says with a laugh. “Looking at him now at 3 months, he already feels like such a different baby from those tiny 3-week-old days.”
The Weight of Wanting To Do Everything Right
Even before Kenzo arrived, Patch found herself slipping into research mode — a habit many modern moms can relate to.
“I constantly researched everything,” she recalls. “Feeding, wake windows, sleep, milestones, developmental leaps, baby products — I probably searched ‘Is this normal?’ a hundred times.”
From parenting articles to online forums and Reddit threads, Patch immersed herself in information, hoping to prepare for every possible scenario.
“I even asked ChatGPT for advice,” she admits. “Honestly, even now when I have free time, I still find myself reading about babies.”
Still, beneath all the preparation was a quieter emotional reality: the pressure to be enough.
“I constantly wondered if I was doing enough or doing things ‘right,’” she says. “But whenever I start spiraling, I remind myself that I’m actually living the life I used to pray for — a healthy baby, a loving family, and people around me who genuinely support us.”
That shift in perspective, she shares, has helped her slow down and appreciate motherhood for what it is instead of getting consumed by expectations.
Rediscovering Strength Through Motherhood
One of the biggest surprises motherhood brought Patch was realizing how much stronger and more adaptable she could be.
“Before becoming a mom, I used to overthink everything and doubt myself a lot,” she says candidly. “But motherhood kind of forces you to just show up every day and do your best.”
There are still exhausting days, of course. The 3 a.m. wake-ups can feel endless, and the emotional load of caring for a tiny human can be overwhelming. But even in those moments, Patch says joy somehow finds its way in.
“The smiles and little interactions are definitely the best part,” she shares. “During the newborn stage, they mostly just sleep and don’t really respond yet, so when he started smiling back at us, it felt so rewarding.”
“Even during those exhausting 3 a.m. moments, one little smile or laugh from him somehow makes you forget how tired you are.”
She also credits much of her grounding to the people around her — especially Josh.
“My husband has really been my rock, especially during the early weeks when I was still recovering emotionally and physically,” she says. “It’s been really nice to see him consciously slow down for Kenzo, especially during those long nights of soothing him to sleep.”
Watching him grow into fatherhood, she adds, has become one of the most meaningful parts of this season in their lives.
A New Sense of Purpose
For Patch, motherhood has reshaped not only her daily routine, but also her understanding of purpose.
“Motherhood gave me a whole new sense of purpose,” she reflects. “It feels like my world shifted and suddenly everything revolves around him in the best way possible.”
Now, even the smallest decisions are made with Kenzo in mind — including how she cares for herself.
“Every big or small thing I do now is with him in mind. Even taking care of myself is really about being healthy, present, and able to give my best to him.”
As she embraces this new chapter, there is one value she already hopes to pass on to her son: gratitude.
“The world moves so fast now, and it’s easy to always look for more,” she says. “So I hope he learns to appreciate the simple things, the people who love him, and the little everyday moments.”
For Patch, happiness is no longer found in grand milestones, but in the quiet, fleeting moments of motherhood that make everything feel meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patch Magtanong is a Filipina lawyer, beauty queen, and influencer best known for winning Binibining Pilipinas International 2019 and passing the Philippine Bar Exams in the same year.
Patch Magtanong is married to Josh Cordoves. The couple tied the knot in 2023 and later celebrated their wedding in 2024.
Patch described motherhood as both overwhelming and fulfilling. She shared that becoming a mom taught her to trust herself more and gave her a deeper sense of purpose.
More on first-time motherhood
Kate Alejandrino Juan: The Privilege of Motherhood and Returning to Theater
Mila Gulfan: On Life as a New Mom and Rediscovering Herself After Birth
Erika Kristensen Lee: Preparing for Baby, Learning to Pause
