Meet Modern Parenting’s 100 List of 2024 Part 7
In part 7 of our Modern Parenting’s The 100 List, parents share the ways they bond with their kids include singing, going out of town, and going out to movies
Bonding with kids can be in any form; these parents on our list do that. From singing, going to the movies, and having conversations, they sit down and listen to their children.
Meet the next 10 personalities.
Modern Parenting’s The 100 List
LES RABINOVICH
Les is the Founder of Esencia Day Spas, and has 3 kids, Nicole, Bella, and Enzo, with husband Nico. Her nifty trick to stay connected with her teens is by asking them to teach her something, be it a Gen-Z word or a song they can sing in the car, which is also a way for her kids to feel seen and mature.
LORALEE BARON SOONG
SoFa Design Institute founder and executive director Loralee finds her best bonding moments with her daughters, 16-year-old twins Gabbie and Noelle, through travel. A shared escape, traveling pulls them off their usual routines (and screens), allowing them to focus on each other’s company. Whether it’s exploring a new city or trying local dishes, these adventures spark conversations and create lasting memories that bring them closer to each other.
LULU MERIGUET CACCIATORE
Lulu is the Founder of L’Abondance, a home scents and candle brand, and is mom to 4-month-old Vittorio. She shares how her fully “functioning” home, which includes her studio and business, has allowed her to be present for her family. She loves doting on her baby, and loves that she can give him the attention and care he deserves.
MAE LAYUG
A nurse-turned-entrepreneur and founder of local beauty brand and cult favorite GRWM Cosmetics, Mae believes time is the greatest gift. Despite her busy schedule, the expectant mom prioritizes her 16 month-old daughter, Summer, planning her day around her needs, while eagerly awaiting the birth of her second baby. Navigating the challenges of first-time motherhood, Mae embraces parenting her way giving her daughter what she feels is best, one day at a time.
MAIA MALLARI KETTMAN
Brooklyn-based Maia balances life as an administrator at the Packer Collegiate Institute, a freelance UX specialist, and mom to four children—Bailey, 10, Teo, 7, Brielle, 5, and Tiago, 2, a.k.a. @thekettkids. In a city buzzing with energy, she finds magic with her family in the quiet, simple moments: one-on-one dates, kitchen conversations, catching a show together. The brood also loves taking summer journeys to Manila, where her children immerse in their Filipino roots.
MARICAR HOLOPAINEN
A former corporate executive, Maricar transitioned into wellness as co-founder of yoga school Urban Ashram and the New Zealand-based Maruia River Retreat—a shift that underscores her dedication to fostering a more balanced, health- conscious lifestyle for her family and the community. She stays connected to her kids by creating intentional moments of quiet and reflection (and even boredom!) often through time spent together appreciating nature or being at home.
MARIEL KLIATCHKO
Mariel, a preschool owner, corporate trainer, and content creator, is a proud mom to Jaime, 28, Mariela, 25, twins Juanma and Joaqui, 22, Julian, 19 and Alvaro (deceased) . Her secret to close bonds with her brood? Staying attuned to her kids’ interests—be it singing, martial arts and dancing, to simple things like sharing laughs over funny videos while always making sure that she listens to each of them.
MARIKA CELDRAN
Marika is the woman behind Casa Blanca and M&L Bakery. She is also the mom of 7-year-old Blanca. Cognizant of the power of quality time, their family makes sure to spend slow, simple and happy days together, going to the mall, or having movie nights on weekends. For her, no matter how busy life gets, family always comes first.
MARIKA MANGLAPUS LEDESMA
Marika, a self-confessed “silly mama” and ocean lover, is an advocate for Oceanus Conservation and founder of the Grounded Artist Network, a women-led creative community. She stays grounded amidst life’s noise by keeping God at the center, which helps her stay connected to her three kids. She stays anchored by prioritizing her family and faith over everything else.
MARS ABESAMIS BALAJADIA
Mars is a multi-industry mogul and mom to Liam, 13, Dior, 11, Rafe, 9, and twins, Noa and Luc, 2. Together with her husband, they lead DM Global Inc., home to brands like Stoned Steaks, Mines View Park Hotel, and The 3rd Fitness Lab. For them, family is always No.1. Her kids are at their happiest when they’re simply together. Each school year begins with planning travels around their kids’ schedules, so they always have something exciting to look forward to.
Written by Mariane Perez and Elaine Natividad-Reyes
Read more of the first six batches of MP’s 100 List of 2024
Meet Modern Parenting’s 100 of 2024 List Part 6
Meet Modern Parenting’s 100 List of 2024 Part 5
Meet Modern Parenting’s 100 List of 2024 Part 4
Meet Modern Parenting’s 100 List of 2024 Part 3
