Meet Modern Parenting’s 100 List of 2024 Part 8
These parents ensure to communicate and bond with their children without any interruptions
Parenting can be challenging today, especially with so many distractions. These parents ensure that they unhook themselves from their gadgets and bond with their kids, whether during gadget-free time or spontaneous lunches.
Meet the next 10 personalities.
Modern Parenting’s The 100 List
MAXINE MEDINA
Model, actress, and Miss Universe Philippines title holder Maxine welcomed her first child with husband Timmy in August and has been soaking up the joys of motherhood ever since. She keeps bonding time with son Zeke gadget-free—no phones, no TV— focusing fully on him and engaging in fun, enriching activities that nurture his growth and curiosity.
MELISSA VILLA
Melissa is the Founder of Project PEARLS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and families living in extreme poverty build better lives through education, healthcare, and empowerment. While she has one daughter, Chichai—a 33-year-old multidisciplinary artist and educator—she is also lovingly known as “Mommy Melissa” to many, and believes in listening deeply, and creating safe, nurturing spaces.
MILLET VALDEZ
As marketing and CRM Head for Nespresso Philippines, Millet often deals with packed workdays just as any working parent does. No matter how busy she gets, she prioritizes quality time with her daughter Mira Tadhana, 6, whether it’s through conversation, play, travel, or just relaxing with each other. She also believes in showing kids our true selves—not just getting to know them—as this fosters deeper, more meaningful bonds.
MITCH SUAREZ
As the deputy head of the partner relations unit at Ayala Malls, Mitch’s weekdays are hectic, but she makes up for it with what she calls “clingy weekends.” Saturdays and Sundays are dedicated to family time—cheering on her 12-year-old daughter Kylie at tennis tournaments, attending her 25-year-old son Manolo’s gigs, taking spontaneous road trips, or simply relaxing and soaking in the slow days.
NIKKI BONCAN BUENSALIDO
Award-winning architect and VP of Barchan Architecture (formerly Buensalido Architects) , which she runs with her husband Jason, Nikki is keen to push Philippine design forward through modern innovations. But passionate as she is about her craft, she’s a devoted mama through and through. She stays close to her girls Annika, 8, and Nadia, 3, with dedicated, uninterrupted time— playing and just talking (and traveling) to create lasting core memories.
NINA RICCI ELEAZAR
Nina runs a tight ship as founder, CEO, and designer at Unaricci, a multi-brand concept store blending locally made slow-fashion pieces with exclusive international finds. Despite running a business that operates seven days a week, this hands-on mom to two daughters makes Sundays strictly for family. She makes it a point to celebrate birthdays and special occasions—big or small, go on trips together and is always ready to set everything aside when her daughters need her.
NIÑA CUENCA
As a jeweler and designer, Niña speaks the language of beauty fluently, particularly when it comes to making stunning, bespoke pieces for her homegrown fine jewelry brand Atelier818, which she runs with her husband, Miguel. As a mom to their three kids, ages 14, 12, and 5, however, she’s all about the language of love—keen to understand each of them based on their own unique needs and language in order to effectively connect.
NING ICASAS
With nearly 20 years in agribusiness and as director at Rombe Philippines Inc. and Seastemas International Inc., Ning is committed to empowering communities and strengthening the country’s food systems. As a mom of boys aged 10, 6, and 2, though, her commitment is to continuously create pockets of meaningful experiences for their family—whether it’s indulging in their favorite restaurants, traveling together, or bonding at basketball games.
ODETTE DE GUZMAN PUMAREN
Odette is the wife of Congressman Franz Pumaren, and mother of Luigi, Maxine, and Nico who is married to Alia. The homemaker and VP of Lunimax Corporation believes in intentionally staying in touch with her adult children by engaging in their current interests or their favorite activities. Simple things like watching sports or hearing Sunday mass together, having spontaneous lunch meet ups, and going on family trips mean the world to her.
PAT PASTELERO TAÑEDO
A well-known supplier in the wedding industry, Pat—the talented force behind Spruce Designs—is no stranger to long workdays that take her away from her kids, Etienne, 8, and Davi, 6. As much as possible, she tries to start and end her day with her children, and shares that they have the best conversations right before bedtime—when everyone’s unplugged from the outside world and there are no interruptions.
Written by Mariane Perez and Elaine Natividad-Reyes
Read more of MP’s 100 List of 2024
Meet Modern Parenting’s 100 List of 2024 Part 7
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
