For single mothers Janella Salvador and Elisse Joson, balancing parenthood and an acting career is not about mastering some perfect routine. It is about learning, adjusting and making sure their children always feel the effort behind every sacrifice.
At a media conference on April 16 for the returning kiddie reality series “BIBO-lilits Galing Challenges 2.0,” the two actresses opened up about the emotional and logistical juggle of raising their children while keeping up with the demands of show business.
Their children, Jude and Felize, are part of the new season, but beyond the show itself, Salvador and Joson ended up speaking about something many working mothers understand all too well: how difficult it can be to divide time, energy and attention between work and a child who still needs so much of you.
Joson was frank about how challenging that balance can be, saying that parenthood is already hard on its own and even more so for actors with tapings and packed schedules.
“It feels like balancing things really depends on how you prioritize each day,” she said, explaining that some days are set aside for work while others are meant entirely for Felize.
She added that it helps when her daughter is able to join her on set, as Felize did while she was filming the show.
“You just keep adjusting every day so you can give both roles what they need,” Joson said. “It is fulfilling because you do not have to sacrifice being a parent in order to continue pursuing your dreams.”
Salvador echoed that sentiment, especially in a profession where long hours and changing schedules do not always make it possible to bring a child along.
The actress admitted that guilt is part of the reality whenever she has to leave Jude at home or misses the kind of time with him that she wishes she could give more often. That is why, she said, she makes it a point to make up for it whenever she can.
Because her schedule is far from fixed, she said there is no strict formula to that “bawi” time. Every free day simply becomes an opportunity to be with her son. That effort has also meant bringing Jude along whenever possible.
For both actresses, the point is not getting the balance perfectly every time, but continuing to show up for their children in ways that matter.
“BIBO-lilits Galing Challenges 2.0” premieres April 24 on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel.
