Spotlight

Andi Manzano-Reyes and Bianca Gonzalez-Intal: A Tale of Two Moms

Bianca Gonzalez-Intal and Andi Manzano-Reyes epitomize today’s modern moms who understand that self-care is essential to healthy parenthood.

This cover story on Andi Manzano-Reyes and Bianca Gonzalez-Intal first came out in Modern Parenting’s special Mother’s Day-Father’s Day 2023 Print Edition available on sarisari.shopping.

Andi Manzano-Reyes and Bianca Gonzalez-Intal Modern Parenting

When you scroll through the glossy feeds of social media alone, it would seem that Bianca Gonzalez-Intal and Andi Manzano-Reyes have it all. Established hosts and celebrities in their own right, the beautiful women are also proud girl moms. Bianca has Lucia, 7, and Carmen, 4. Meanwhile, Andi is mom to Olivia, 8, and Amelia, 4, with another giggling baby girl on the way. Superwomen as they may be to their families and hordes of fans and followers, Bianca and Andi get real with Modern Parenting about the ups
and downs of juggling motherhood and other aspects of their life, such as their careers, all of which happen behind closed doors.

Breaking the myth of the perfect parent

Like many modern parents, Bianca Gonzalez-Intal and Andi Manzano-Reyes understand and deal with the struggle of trying to achieve everything at once — being able to balance home life, career, and me-time with little effort. “I’ve learned that you can’t do it all,” Andi, who is married to nightlife entrepreneur GP Reyes, reflects. “There are seasons in your life where for example, this season you focus on your marriage [and say], ‘I’m going to work it out with my husband’ or ‘this season, I’ll focus on myself or career.’ You have to know what to prioritize first and not feel bad or guilty when there are some things you just can’t possibly do,” she shares.

Read the full story when you download the E-magazine via Readly or Press Reader or buy a copy from sarisari.shopping.

Bianca Gonzalez-Intal

Andi Manzano-Reyes and Bianca Gonzalez-Intal get real with motherhood struggles

While moms may have different parenting experiences, the journey of motherhood is truly an unforgettable one. For Andi, who is in her third trimester as of writing, going through the motions with Olivia and Amelia has prepared her for carrying a third child.

“When I found I was having a girl, I felt like I already knew what to do. I have learned and experienced so much with Olivia and Amelia, I don’t [even] know where to start,” Andi tells Modern Parenting. “Sometimes, it’s [already] a blur with so many milestones and so many things happening all around our household, especially with this third pregnancy.” That said, Andi bares that she did struggle with the emotional swings of her current pregnancy, experiencing symptoms of pre-partum depression. “During my second trimester, I didn’t know why I was feeling so sad. The feeling creeps up, and I would just cry. I
would ask my husband, ‘Am I doing this right?’ He would reassure me, snap me out of it and he’s been very understanding,” she shares.

Read the full story when you download the E-magazine via Readly or Press Reader or buy a copy from sarisari.shopping.

The importance of a support system

For Bianca, being pregnant and giving birth was the easy part. “I loved being pregnant. Thankfully, giving birth was not hard for me. It was that first year that I found really traumatic. At work, I was used to staying up late, but that time, it was different. You didn’t get any sleep, you couldn’t take baths just anytime you felt like it. It’d be 5 o’ clock and I hadn’t eaten,” she narrates. She added that her first year of parenthood made her feel like she was losing her sense of self.

Read the full story when you download the E-magazine via Readly or Press Reader or buy a copy from sarisari.shopping.

Andi Manzano-Reyes Modern Parenting

When doing less means doing more

Cliche as it may sound, Andi believes that there is a time for everything. And it’s the key to unlocking the secret to balancing the different aspects of her life. “As moms, we’re used to trying to juggle everything. I’ve learned that if you do less, you can do it better. One day at a time,” she says.

Meanwhile, Bianca shares that relieving oneself of the pressure to do it all can empower moms to do more. “I think it’s actually when I started indulging in the things I love doing, taking time off alone or with my husband was when I stopped feeling guilty. In fact, I felt more empowered to juggle everything and do more. Ginusto ko ‘to e. I wanted to be a full-time mom and I wanted to work full-time. So I have to find a way to make it work,” she reflects.

Read the full story when you download the E-magazine via Readly or Press Reader or buy a copy from sarisari.shopping.

Why self-care matters to Bianca Gonzalez-Intal and Andi Manzano-Reyes

Both Bianca Gonzalez-Intal and Andi Manzano-Reyes agree that self-care is essential to mothers who want to give more of themselves to their families while staying present for the other aspects of their lives. And while one can certainly pamper herself to recharge, both agree that self-care can even stem from the simplest activities that bring joy.

Read the full story when you download the E-magazine via Readly or Press Reader or buy a copy from sarisari.shopping.

Andi Manzano-Reyes Modern Parenting

Filling an empty cup

That said, both agree that one of the most essential forms of self-care is caring for one’s health and well-being. Andi and Bianca understand that part of self-care includes taking their health into their hands. This starts by getting enough sleep. Andi, in particular, says she needs at least eight hours of shut-eye. “I become moody when I don’t get enough sleep. I need to sleep. Even if I have to sacrifice dinner with friends or going out with my husband to watch a movie,” she shares.

Read the full story when you download the E-magazine via Readly or Press Reader or buy a copy from sarisari.shopping.

Bianca Gonzalez-Intal Modern Parenting

“It’s just harder to give when you feel ubos. Like what they say that you have to fill your cup first before you can fill others. When you’re ubos kasi, you pity yourself and you resent others. You start unnecessary narratives in your head. To save yourself, self-care is really needed,” Bianca reflects.

Andi shares, “I can have snippets within the day where I’m fully there. Completely present in what I am doing and nothing else is in my mind except the conversations I am having. For me, self-care helps and allows me to do that. When you take the time that you need for yourself, then you can do all your other jobs a hundred percent because you feel good and recharged.”

Words SAM BELTRAN
Photography JERICK SANCHEZ
Makeup JIGS MAYUGA (on Bianca) and DENISE OCHOA (on Andi)
Hair JA FELICIANO (on Bianca) and JAY WEE (on Andi)
Styling RAIN DAGALA
Shoot Coordination ANTHONY MENDOZA
Sittings Editor MARGA MEDRANO-TUPAZ
Assisted by GRETCHEN GATAN FRAGADA

Shot on location at HOTEL OKURA MANILA

Read more stories about Andi Manzano-Reyes and Bianca Gonzalez-Intal:

Andi Manzano On Trips: “It’s Natural to Feel Worried When You Leave.”

Bianca Gonzalez: Kids Know Best, Too!

7 Career Pointers for Kids From Bianca Gonzalez

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