by Robbie Pangilinan
LOS ANGELES - She was Bb. Pilipinas-Universe. She was Darna. She was a singer, endorser, actress. Now she is an international capital broker/dealer in the USA. But the role that Anjanette Abayari likes best is being both mom and dad to her two boys.
This coming mother’s day, AJ, 9-year-old Aiden and 6-year-old Ashton will celebrate as they do every year: a date to the theater to watch the boys’ chosen movie.
“Being a single mom is very challenging. But it was my choice to not get married, and I am getting by every day,” says Anjanette, who gets her strength just waking up to see the boys’ faces every day.
Even if AJ had Aiden when she was 36, the former beauty queen says she was not prepared.
“It was a surprise. I was not prepared, but I made sure I ate well and took care of myself,” admits AJ who adds that she craved and ate baby formula.
AJ describes Aiden, who looks a lot like her, as very affectionate and compassionate. He loves to sing while Ashton likes to dance. AJ says that Ashton looks like his dad and is very athletic.
“They are both intelligent and smart. They are at the top of their classes. I value education highly ,so I always remind them to do their best in school,” beams AJ, who winks that the boys got their intelligence from her.
But what makes Mommy prouder is that her boys are growing up to be sweet and respectful individuals who love humanity.
“I taught them to be polite to everyone, to respect their elders and be God-fearing, and to abide by the golden rule. I want them to grow up healthy, happy, and fulfilling their own dreams,” says AJ who describes herself as a strict, disciplinarian, and loving mom.
She says the secret is positive affirmation and compliments ,and letting the boys know that they don’t need to be perfect.
Still, AJ has fears.
“That I am not going to raise my boys masculine enough, that I don’t instill in them enough values, that I can’t be both mom and dad sometimes,” admits the Darna star who returned to the Philippines last year after 17 long years.
AJ can only look to the future with hope. When the boys become fathers, too, AJ will give them this advice: “Love your children with all your heart, especially while they are young; be patient and think with your head, as well as your heart.”
