In his speech Abunda spoke about the need to have an organization dedicated to mothers, “There are groups that take care of the environment, the poor, children, and many other sectors. I want to focus on mothers because by taking care of our mothers, we inspire people to be better people, we strengthen families and we build stronger communities.”
Aside from his own mother Nanay Lesing, Abunda also dedicated the movement to Conchita Sunico who was his second mother when as a probinsyano in Manila, he tried to make both ends meet. “I tried to make do with my life in Manila as a young man. And I owe so much to Tita Conching,” a teary-eyed Abunda explained. “I want to make her proud, too.”
Mike Sicat, another long-time friend of Abunda, who sits as president of the foundation said that he did not have second thoughts when Abunda broached the idea of putting up a foundation. Mike, who holds a masters degree in engineering at Stanford University, is also an advocate of loving mothers. Mike believes that a person who is good to his mother will certainly make a good citizen. He added that a nurturing son or daughter will nurture a community.
Manila based MYNP will be accepting members from all over the country. But for now, MYNP is invitational. Soon, it will be open to everyone who loves his mother.
The launch was also attended by members of the press Melo Esguerra, Rina Jimenez David, Amyline Ching, and various representatives of TV networks.
Former “Miss Saigon” lead actor Ima Castro sang a beautiful rendition of “Ugoy sa Duyan,” a Lucio San Pedro classic. While on stage Ima shared her personal relationship with her own parents. She was misty eyed as she related how she, then as a fledgling singer, would be accompanied by her parents as she commuted from her house in Quezon to Manila to fulfill a gig. “Mula Quezon hanggang Manila sinasamahan nila ako, pinagpupuyatan.” So much so, that when Ima’s dad passed away some years back, she felt that a part of her has been taken away. Ima still stays in the same house in Quezon that she built for her family.
Actress Angel Aquino recited a poem by Maya Angelou titled, “Mother: A Cradle To Hold Me,” part of which reads: “It is true/I was created in you./It is also true/That you were created for me./I owned your voice./It was shaped and tuned to soothe me./Your arms were molded/Into a cradle to hold me, to rock me./The scent of your body was the air/Perfumed for me to breathe.”
Other members of the MYNP Executive Committee are Nini Borja, vice president; Carlos Munda, program director; Gasper Gozo, secretary general; Aileen Robles, treasurer; Atty. Wendel Dimaculangan, corporate secretary.
