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Odette Pumaren: Flying the Nest

Odette Pumaren talks about the many facets of her motherhood journey, while wistfully recalling the moments that strengthened their familial bond.

This story of Odette Pumaren appeared in the Modern Parenting Mother’s Day and Father’s Day May 2024 issue.

Odette Pumaren may be best known as the wife and long-time sweetheart of basketball icon and Quezon City representative Franz Pumaren, but she isn’t someone who stays in the background. A respected socialite in her own right, Odette takes pride in being a wife and mother who can do it all with grace and style — while having successfully raised three grown and independent children, Luigi, Nico and Maxine. In fact, Nico just married his long-time girlfriend, Alia Hortaleza, in a dreamy Bali wedding several months ago.

As a mother of young adults, Odette has experienced many phases of motherhood and admits that she cherishes her time more with her children. “Family moments now are even more precious to me — exploring new destinations, sharing laughter over meals, and creating lifelong memories through simple pleasures like sports and music. These experiences have strengthened our bond and shaped our family’s culture,” she tells Modern Parenting.

Reflecting on Mother’s Day

Odette reflects on Mother’s Day and shares that the occasion evokes mixed emotions — nostalgia for the early years, pride in their accomplishments, and gratitude for the journey. “Mother’s Day is a celebration of love, legacy, and the joy of nurturing life. I cherish the memories of carrying them in my womb, guiding them through their formative yearsl, and now, watching them thrive as young adults,” she shares.

As a super wife and mother, she draws strength and inspiration from her mother’s unwavering love and support. “I’m grateful that my mom was a good role model to me, and that she was around as a grandmother. I strive to emulate her selflessness as a mother to my three children and daughter-in-law. I appreciate everything that she gave up for us. And now it’s like I’m paying it forward and trying to do even better,” she shares.

Watching them spread their wings

Yet even as she sees her children fly the nest and build their own lives, Odette says that a mother’s love never ends. “Being a mother, even if you have grown-up kids, you never stop praying for them, you never stop worrying about them and doing things for them. A mother’s love is everlasting and it just grows over time and multiplies. So regardless of what age they’re in, we’ll always be around to look out for them.”

It is clear that Odette takes pride in her children and believes her ability to raise them to make a positive impact in the world, as her greatest legacy. “I’m grateful for the privilege of being a mom and the opportunity to shape their lives,” she says.


To read the full article, grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s special Mother’s Day and Father’s Day 2024 Print Edition—available on sarisari.shopping. Download the e-magazine from Readly or Press Reader for more exclusive features and stories.

Words SAMANTHA BELTRAN
Photography KIERAN PUNAY of KLIQ, INC.
Make-Up TWINKLE BERNARDO
Hair ANGELI ALFONSO
Art Direction DENIELLE CARAG
Shoot Coordination ANTHONY MENDOZA, HELEN SCALES, MAE SICAT, and SHEM BARINAGA
Sittings Editor MARGA MEDRANO-TUPAZ

Shot on Location at AGC POWER HOLDING STUDIOS

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