Why 'Sansó: Pusong Pilipino' is a must-visit at the National Museum

 

By Jane Kingsu-Cheng

Published Sep 6 2026 11:16 am

Walking into a major art exhibition can feel overwhelming, especially when the artist has worked for decades and explored different styles and mediums.

“Sansó: Pusong Pilipino,” now on view at the National Museum of Fine Arts, makes the experience easier to appreciate. The exhibition was formally celebrated on Aug. 26 with a program at the Old Senate Hall of the National Museum of the Philippines, Manila City.

“Sansó: Pusong Pilipino” (Photos: Fundacion Sansó)

Organized thematically, the show traces how Juvenal Sansó’s ideas and artistic practice developed over more than seven decades, from early student works and figurative pieces to landscapes, prints, textile design, fashion illustration, and later paintings.

Presented by Fundacion Sansó in collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines, it features nearly 100 works from the foundation and six private collections. It is also Sansó’s first solo retrospective at the National Museum.

As curator and Fundacion Sansó director Ricky Francisco explains, “Rather than focusing solely on chronology, the exhibition examines the many ways in which Sansó’s artistic identity was shaped by the country he ultimately chose as home, and why he entrusted both his collection and his advocacies to the Filipino people through Fundacion Sansó.”

Rare early works

Some of the highlights are rare, never-before-seen early landscape paintings made while Sansó was still a student at the UP School of Fine Arts in the 1940s. The exhibition also includes works from his “Baklad,” or fish trap, series, which show how Philippine imagery later became part of the visual language he developed overseas.

Ricky adds, “One of the exhibition’s most significant revelations is the extent to which the Philippines remained central to Sansó’s imagination throughout his life.”

A glimpse of the exhibition

A glimpse of the exhibition

A glimpse of the exhibition

The Filipino connection

Sansó built an international career, with works entering collections in Europe and the United States and exhibitions held in different parts of the world. Still, his connection to the Philippines remained.

National Museum director-general Jeremy Barns described the show as the museum’s first retrospective of an artist whose “artistic consciousness was deeply shaped right here in Manila.” This becomes especially interesting when viewing works associated with Paris or Brittany, adding another dimension to the exhibition.

"Nicole"

"Of Friendship and Devotion"

"Eve"

"Flower Market"

"Of Understated Grace"

"Lueurs"

Not just paintings

The fashion illustrations, textile designs, prints, and costume designs add an unexpected dimension to the exhibition. They also show a side of Sansó that goes beyond the landscapes and florals most closely associated with his name.

Six Sansó works and archival materials were also donated to the National Museum by Fundacion Sansó and private collectors. The works span different periods and media: “Nicole” (1959), “Lueurs” (1961), “Of Understated Grace” (circa 1980s), “Of Friendship and Devotion” (circa 1990s), “Flower Market” (2015), and “Eve” (2015).

Archival materials from Sansó’s exhibitions abroad from the 1960s to the 1980s were also donated, including catalogues, books, posters, and exhibition invitations. National Museum chairman Andoni Aboitiz noted that some of these works came from collections abroad, making their arrival at the museum especially significant.

Sanso and classmates at Padre Faura campus

Juvenal Sansó

Sansó sketching by Roxas Blvd.

The legacy lives on

Part of Sansó’s later life was spent building a foundation that could preserve his archives and help support younger artists. Today, Fundacion Sansó supports scholarships, exhibition opportunities, curatorial grants, travel grants, research support, and other programs.

Artist Gwen Dionisio, one of the foundation’s scholars, put it simply during the opening, “For Mr. Sansó, this was never just about financial aid. It was about breathing life into dreams.”

Sansó’s works may be the reason visitors enter the galleries, but the exhibition also shows how his legacy lives on through the people and programs he helped support.

“Sansó: Pusong Pilipino” is on view at Gallery XV, E. Aguilar Cruz Hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts until February 2027.

When violent videos spread online, what should parents tell their children?

(Image: Nancy Marie Andam)

By Jane Kingsu-Cheng

Published Aug 24, 2026 09:02 am

A few weeks ago, after several disturbing incidents involving young people, I wrote about children becoming desensitized to violence and how to reassure them when frightening news makes them ask, “Can that happen to me?”

I did not expect to have both conversations with my own children this soon.

The Aug. 18 shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School campus left two students dead, including the shooter, and two others injured. The incident was livestreamed, and authorities are investigating.

For parents, difficult questions follow. How could this happen inside a school? How did a student get access to firearms? Could it happen where our own children study?

There is another question we should ask—What are our children seeing on their phones right now?

Talk to them before the internet does

Conversations with our children can happen anytime and anywhere, during meals, in the car, while waiting for something, or when a child casually mentions something a classmate sent in a group chat. Sometimes they tell us something troubling almost in passing. We have to listen closely enough to notice.

The relationship we have with our children matters. It does not mean they will tell us everything, especially as they get older. But if they know they can come to us without immediately being judged, lectured, or punished, there is a better chance they will talk when something is bothering them.

There is no single age for these conversations. Even young children may hear about disturbing events from other people or media. What matters is keeping the explanation simple, honest, and appropriate for what they can understand. Start by asking what they already know, then answer their questions without giving graphic details.

When I spoke with developmental pediatrician Dr. Jack Herrin about children becoming desensitized to violence, he stressed the importance of parents staying involved in what their children are exposed to and talking about what they see.

When frightening news involves children their own age, we do not have to wait for them to bring it up. We can ask: Have you heard what happened? What have your friends been saying? Did anyone send you the video? Did you watch it? What was your immediate reaction?

Psychologist Raph G. Doval-Santos gave similar advice when we discussed how children process frightening news. He suggested finding out how they feel about what they have heard or seen. Sometimes, a simple question such as “How does that news make you feel?” is enough to get them talking. Before starting the conversation, it also helps to make sure we are calm enough to listen.

Whenever something like this happens, my husband and I usually talk about it first and remind each other, “We need to talk about this with the kids over dinner tonight.”

We do not bring these things up to scare them. But staying silent does not mean our children will not hear about it from friends, group chats, or social media. We would rather talk about it with them and give them the chance to ask questions.

That night, we stayed a little longer at the dining table and told our children what had happened. We also told them not to look for or watch the video of the shooting if someone sent it to them.

We have had these conversations before, sometimes because of the things our children watch or the games they play.

When our teenage son started playing first-person shooter video games, my husband would sometimes play with him and his friends. It became a way to bond, but also a chance to talk about the game and violence in general.

Playing a shooting game was never the same as real-life violence in our home. We wanted our children to understand the difference between playing a game and what it means when someone is actually hurt or killed.

We aren’t trying to interrogate them. We simply want to give them time to talk while we listen to what they really think or feel. We can also acknowledge that something frightening happened, answer what we can, and remind them of the people working to keep them safe.

Our children should also know that if disturbing footage is sent to them or appears on their feed, they do not have to watch, respond, or pass it on. They can leave the group chat, block or report an account, and tell us what happened.

If they have already seen it, try not to react with anger. Ask how it made them feel and give them time to talk about it. In the next few days, watch for trouble sleeping, unusual anxiety, or repeatedly returning to what they saw.

Not everything needs to be shared

The Zamboanga attack was livestreamed through a body-worn camera, giving viewers a first-person view of what happened. The footage itself is disturbing. As parents, it is even more worrying to know that our children could easily come across it online.

We no longer have to search for violent footage to come across it. The same can happen to our children through their feeds, group chats, or messages from friends.

The Council for the Welfare of Children has cautioned against circulating graphic clips and sensitive material involving minors following the shooting. The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center has also asked the public to stop spreading graphic images and videos connected to the incident.

Manila Bulletin’s Information and Communications Technology Department assistant vice president, Art Samaniego Jr., made a similar appeal on his Facebook account: “Ang dapat nating gawing viral ay information on how to prevent another tragedy, hindi ang footage ng tragedy itself (What we should make viral is information on how to prevent another tragedy, not footage of the tragedy itself).”

I couldn’t agree more.

There is a difference between knowing what happened and watching it happen. We need the facts and answers about school safety and access to firearms. We do not need to keep replaying the moment someone was hurt or killed, or send it to our children. If footage may have value as evidence, it should be turned over to the proper authorities instead of posted publicly or forwarded to group chats.

Parents also set an example. Before we forward something disturbing, we should ask ourselves: Does anyone really need to see this? If the answer is no, don’t share it.

Stay close

Talking about violence with our children should not begin only when something terrible happens. We can watch what they watch from time to time, ask about the games they play, know who their friends are, and listen when they tell us stories that may seem small.

Our relationship with them is built on ordinary days, when we listen without turning every conversation into a lecture and make it clear that difficult subjects are allowed at home, even when the answers make us uncomfortable.

There will be investigations into what happened in Zamboanga, and many questions will need answers.

At home, we have our own work to do.

When violent footage appears on our screens, we can choose not to pass it on. But just as important is making sure our children know they can come to us when something scares, confuses, or troubles them.

We may not always have the answers, but we can be there to listen, talk, and help them make sense of what they see.

How Happy Andrada turned Juvenal Sansó's paintings into wearable art

By Jane Kingsu-Cheng

Published Jun 14, 2026 09:38 am

Fashion and art have always influenced each other, but for designer Happy Andrada, her latest collaboration with Fundación Sansó was less about borrowing imagery and more about reinterpreting it. The challenge was to transform Juvenal Sansó's paintings into garments that could be worn, touched, and experienced.

Happy Andrada

Unveiled at Discovery Primea on June 6, the Happy Andrada x Sansó collection draws inspiration from the works of the renowned Filipino artist, whose landscapes, florals, and richly textured compositions have captivated audiences for decades.

The collaboration began with what was meant to be a simple visit. Invited to explore Fundación Sansó, Happy found herself immersed not only in the artist's works but also in the story behind the man himself.

"What started as a simple conversation gradually evolved into a much bigger idea, a solo collaborative exhibition and collection. The moment it was presented to me, I became incredibly excited. Ideas started flowing immediately," Happy tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle.

As she learned more about Sansó, she discovered unexpected parallels between their creative journeys. Sansó was a printmaker. Happy studied printmaking in London. He worked as a fashion illustrator and collaborated with Cristóbal Balenciaga, whose work she greatly admires. She also began her creative journey as a painter before focusing on fashion.

"Beyond the artworks themselves, it was his creative journey and multidisciplinary practice that truly inspired me," she says. "This is the first time I have directly created a collection inspired by a specific artist and his body of work."

The connection feels particularly fitting given Sansó's own multidisciplinary background. While best known for his paintings of flowers and landscapes, the artist also explored printmaking, textile design, theater design, and costume design throughout his career.

Rather than simply reproducing Sansó's paintings through prints or painted garments, Happy challenged herself to reinterpret his visual language through texture and craftsmanship.

For the collection, she explored airbrushing, felting, embroidery, crochet, beadwork, punch-needle work, borro, weaving, and hand painting. Since she was paying tribute to a painter, she consciously avoided relying solely on paint.

“Areas that felt soft, atmospheric, or fluid were interpreted through color and airbrushing, while elements that carried more depth, energy, or organic movement were translated into sculptural surfaces through felting and other textile techniques,” she explains about her execution.

Among Sansó's extensive body of work, it was his transitional floral paintings that resonated with the designer the most. "There's a quiet shift in energy, the darkness begins to soften, and color starts to emerge," Happy smiles. "The forms feel alive, almost like emotions unfolding into blooms."

The project also became a celebration of Philippine craftsmanship. Happy sourced materials from weaving communities across the country, incorporating piña, abaca, t'nalak, binakol, abel pinilian, yakan weaves, bamboo textiles, and other indigenous materials into the designs. Fabrics and weaves came from Ilocos, Baguio, Cavite, Sulu, Basilan, Palawan, Lake Sebu, and Aklan.

Initial discussions started in 2024, but the project was eventually moved to this year. The delay gave the concept room to develop more naturally—from an eight-piece collection that expanded to 30 looks.

When the Fundación Sansó team saw Happy’s first pieces and placed them beside Sansó's paintings, the designer knew she was on the right track. "That was a real 'aha' moment for me," she recalls. "Seeing that connection made everything click into place and gave me the confidence to move forward."

This collaboration also supports the community. Fundación Sansó continues the late artist's commitment to nurturing future generations through scholarship and grant programs that support emerging artists, curators, and museum workers. A significant portion of the proceeds from the collection will help fund these initiatives.

What began as a visit to Fundación Sansó eventually became a conversation between two artists separated by time but connected by craft. One worked with paint, the other with fabric. In Andrada's hands, Sansó's paintings leave the gallery wall and find another way of being seen.

What's the most Filipino way of saying 'I love you?'

By Jane Kingsu-Cheng   

Kato and daughter Georgie, 9

‘Mag-jacket ka malamig’

Bringing a jacket for your child wherever you go, even when they insist they are not cold, is a very Filipino mom’s way of saying “I love you.” It is less about the weather and more about care, protection, and foresight. I grew up hearing “Mag-jacket ka, malamig,” and now I find myself saying the same thing to my own child. It is a quiet habit passed down through generations, rooted in love and concern for a child’s health long before they realize they need it.—Kato Lim, Momzilla co-founder, mom of one

Micah with husband Rommel and daughters Luna, 6, and Astrid, 3

‘Para sa inyo’

For me and my kids, the most Filipino way of saying “I love you” is simply, “Para sa’yo, anak, oo.” It is not expressed through big words, but through acts of service and quiet patience. Every time they ask me to pick them up from school, help with small tasks, tie their hair in the morning, or get them ready for the day, I show up. Even while juggling work, home, and business, I make the time. No matter how busy life gets, they will always come first.—Micah Alvarez-Diaz, Here and There PH - Kaleia country director, mom of two

Sarabeth and husband Jake with their children

‘Kumain ka na ba?’

For me, the most Filipino way to show love is through food, especially by preparing meals for the whole family. Thinking about what someone would like to eat is not just about serving something delicious. It is an act of care, a way of knowing a person deeply and being attentive to their wants and needs. Asking “Kumain ka na ba?” carries a deeper meaning. When a meal is prepared, it does not have to be expensive. As long as it is made with love, it becomes a way of saying, “You matter to me, and I love you.”

Sharing meals brings everyone closer, and salu-salo is a very Filipino term that we Filipinos like to celebrate not just with family, but with friends, teammates, and workmates. The table where we sit around to eat is a place where stories and laughs are freely shared, making social bonds stronger. These salu-salos don't need to be grand. Even simple ones are enough to show that you appreciate their presence and that you want everyone to have a great time.—Sarabeth Salcedo Soriano, Baliwag Lechon Manok operations director, mom of three

How Filipino parents show love through action and words

 

From practical daily care to verbal encouragement, it's all about balancing tradition with emotional awareness

By Jane Kingsu-Cheng

Published Feb 7, 2026 01:52 pm

Filipino parents, like many Asian parents, have a special way of showing love—it’s in what they do more than what they say. Affection is expressed by preparing meals and managing daily chores.

A study by Lydia B. Aguilar and colleagues, “Cultural Values, Parenting, and Child Adjustment in the Philippines” in the International Journal of Psychology, explains why. In a collectivist culture like ours, family needs often take priority over words. Love is felt more, not heard, through daily acts.

Say it

Things have been changing lately. The younger generation of parents are increasingly saying “I love you” and encouraging children to share their feelings. The study “Emotional Socialization Practices Across Cultures” by Claudia A. Haight and Nancy L. Benson, published in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, shows that exposure to verbal emotional expression encourages open communication, even in traditionally reserved households.

“I make it a point to tell my kids I love them every morning,” says Marivic Santos, 32, marketing manager and mother of one. “It wasn’t something my mom did, so I’m trying to add it to our daily routine.”

Actions are still equally important. Reminding a child if they’ve eaten, checked their homework, cleaned their room are gestures that communicate care without saying it out loud. Maria Teresa A. Edillon’s research, “Filial Care Patterns Among Filipino Adults” in the Philippine Journal of Psychology, confirms that children recognize these as expressions of love.

Best of both

This evolution comes from a mix of cultural and modern influences. Exposure to different parenting styles through online resources, social media, and global discourse has given mothers the freedom to choose what works best for their families.

A 2024 study in Frontiers in Psychology, “How parenting styles affect primary school students’ subjective well‑being? The mediating role of self‑concept and emotional intelligence,” found that supportive and responsive parenting is linked with higher emotional intelligence and self‑concept in children. These qualities help kids grow more confident, socially aware, and emotionally resilient.

“I try to combine what I grew up with and what I learn online,” shares Anna Reyes, 38, school teacher and mother of two. “I prepare our meals and check homework like my mom did, but now I also ask my kids how they feel about school and friends. It’s a little of both old habits and new approaches.”

Balancing act

Parents, including younger grandparents, see the value of both showing and saying how much they love their children. Practical care builds a foundation of trust. Words give children the tools to understand their feelings. Together, they help kids feel secure and confident. This balance sums up how a parents’ love reveals itself in a Filipino home.

What parenting will look like in 2026

 

A shift toward emotional safety, growth, and resilience—without lowering standards

By Jane Kingsu-Cheng

Published Jan 24, 2026 01:18 pm

There is a subtle shift happening in Filipino homes. The idea that parenting must be perfect is finally being questioned. As families juggle long work hours, digital stress, and the lingering pressure of tradition, many parents are starting to choose a different path—one that values emotional connection, authenticity, and growth over performance.

We asked experts to share their parenting forecast for 2026, as families move toward gentler discipline, healthier expectations, and prioritizing each other’s wellbeing—by setting their own standards and defining personal family values.

Dr. Alexander Jack Herrin

Parenting forecast #1: Emotional regulation becomes a core parenting skill

By Dr. Alexander Jack Herrin, developmental pediatrician

From clinical practice and everyday interactions with families, there is growing awareness among parents that discipline and guidance cannot come solely from authority, rules, or reaction. While traditional structures remain, many parents are beginning to recognize the value of pausing, listening, and responding thoughtfully rather than reacting from frustration or anger. This shift is not yet universal, but it reflects the direction parents are increasingly working towards.

Why this is happening: Parents today are influenced by multiple forces—exposure to different parenting styles within extended families, schools, peer groups, and online communities has opened conversations that rarely happened before, while greater access to information about child development, mental health, and the long-term impact of discipline styles has encouraged reflection. At the same time, emotional regulation does not mean abandoning respect or authority, but it reframes respect as mutual, showing that listening to a child’s perspective can strengthen boundaries and cooperation rather than weaken them.

What this means: When parents regulate their emotions, decision-making becomes clearer and fairer. Rules, consequences, and rewards are set with intention rather than anger, which reduces regret and inconsistency. Children who experience this approach learn that disagreements can be discussed and not silenced. They develop self-restraint, empathy, and the ability to communicate during conflict. Emotional regulation becomes a legacy passed down and refined through generations, allowing parents to guide rather than control, discipline without fear, and build relationships grounded in respect and trust.

Practical tips:

• Model first. Children learn emotional regulation by observing how adults speak, listen, and handle frustration.

• Pause before responding. Avoid setting rules or consequences while angry. Take time to cool down so decisions are made with a clear mind.
• Present a united front. Parents or caregivers should align privately before addressing a child, supporting each other’s decisions rather than contradicting them in front of the child.
• Approach, don’t barge in. Simple actions like knocking, speaking calmly, and asking questions show respect and de-escalate tension.
• Focus on discussion, not dominance. Emotional regulation is not about having the last word, but about having a meaningful conversation where both sides are heard.

Jose Raphael “Raph” G. Doval-Santos

Parenting forecast #2: Parents let go of “perfect parenting” and aim for “good enough.”

By Jose Raphael “Raph” G. Doval-Santos, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist

Across therapy sessions and lived experience, there is a growing recognition that perfect parenting is neither realistic nor healthy. Many parents—especially those juggling work, distance, migration, long commutes, or demanding professions—are beginning to admit that the idealized version of parenting they hold themselves to is impossible to sustain. Rather than aspiring to do everything flawlessly, parents are slowly confronting the shared reality that parenting is hard, imperfect, and human. This shift is not about lowering standards, but about redefining what success in parenting should be.

Why this is happening: Modern parenting expectations have risen dramatically. Beyond meeting basic needs, parents now feel pressure to be constantly present, emotionally attuned, academically supportive, and available for every milestone. These expectations assume time, resources, and flexibility that many families simply do not have. At the same time, many parents reflect on their own childhoods and recognize that their caregivers were also tired, overwhelmed, and imperfect. Seeing this across generations has fostered empathy rather than blame, and psychological theory supports this shift through ideas such as the “good enough parent,” which emphasizes that children need consistency and care, and not perfection.

What this means: Letting go of perfect parenting creates space for resilience to develop in both parents and children. When parents stop removing every obstacle from a child’s path, children learn how to cope with frustration, disappointment, and challenge. These are skills that build grit, flexibility, and problem-solving. Children also learn something powerful when parents admit mistakes: apologies, accountability, and repair model emotional maturity and humility. At its core, letting go of perfect parenting is an act of honesty as it allows parents to show up as real people and permits children to grow into resilient, capable individuals.

Practical tips:

• Practice self-compassion. Parents will lose patience, miss events, and fall short. Responding to these moments with kindness toward oneself—not shame—leads to better behavior and emotional health over time.
• Repair when you make mistakes. Saying “I’m sorry” to a child and explaining what went wrong teaches accountability, empathy, and emotional honesty. These moments can be deeply healing and transformative.
• Allow children to struggle safely. Not every problem needs to be solved for them. Age-appropriate challenges help children develop grit and internal resources.
• Ask for help when needed. Support does not have to come only from professionals—it can come from trusted family members, community leaders, or mentors. Some help is always better than none.
• Redefine success. A good parent is not one who removes all hardship, but one who provides love, support, and guidance through hardship.

Jun Angelo "AJ" Sunglao

Parenting forecast #3: Breaking the cycle becomes the default for young Filipino parents

By Jun Angelo "AJ" Sunglao, licensed psychologist, global mental health consultant, family therapist

Many parents now find themselves caught between the ghost of their own upbringing and the reality of what they know doesn’t work. For previous generations, parenting was an exercise in unquestioned authority—discipline was rooted in fear, shame, and silence, and emotional expression was seen as weakness. Today’s parents still carry those imprints, but they are no longer accepting them as the gold standard; they aren’t rejecting their parents, only the methods that left them emotionally constrained and psychologically hurt.

Why this is happening: ​​This tension is unfolding in an environment with little margin for error. With high living costs, long work hours, and the constant hum of digital stress, the old fear-based model is exhausting to maintain, and it backfires by escalating conflict, pushing burnout, and building resentment. At the same time, parents are beginning to see that shame and hiya do not create discipline—only guardedness and reactivity.

What this means: Allowing children to express frustration without the threat of shame isn’t lax parenting. It builds emotional safety and helps children learn to regulate themselves. Parents who admit their own mistakes and focus on repair are not weakening their authority, they are building trust and predictability. This shift protects both parents and children from the heavy burden of perfection, helping families stay engaged, resilient, and emotionally healthy.

Practical tips:

• Seek professional support through therapy. Therapy is not only for those experiencing clinical conditions. It is a valuable, evidence-based space for understanding personal history, identifying patterns, and developing healthier emotional responses—especially for parents navigating intergenerational dynamics.
• Learn from evidence-based parenting resources. Research shows that many parents default to the methods they experienced growing up, even when those approaches are no longer considered developmentally sound. Today, parenting classes and expert-led programs—both locally and online—offer practical, science-backed guidance.
• Practice self-compassion during the process. Unlearning ingrained parenting behaviors while adopting healthier ones is cognitively and emotionally demanding. Experts emphasize the importance of pacing change, recognizing effort, and allowing growth to happen gradually rather than perfectly.

Monica L. Javier

Parenting forecast #4: Redefining school success

By Monica L. Javier, educational consultant and certified conscious parenting coach

While academic achievement still matters, more parents and schools now recognize that success cannot be measured by grades alone. Today, success also includes wellbeing, confidence, emotional regulation, and a child’s belief in their ability to grow.

Why this is happening: When success is defined too narrowly, children begin to associate learning with pressure, fear of mistakes, and comparison. We are already seeing the effects: burnout comes early, anxiety around schoolwork increases. Many learners hesitate to try unless they are sure they will succeed. Parents should consider this shift, because children learn and thrive when they feel safe, supported, and allowed to grow at a developmentally appropriate pace.

What this means: Redefining success does not mean lowering standards. Excellence still matters, but it should be rooted in growth rather than competition. True excellence looks like setting personal goals, persisting through challenges, learning from feedback, and striving to be better than you were before. When success includes wellbeing, children develop resilience without fear, understanding that mistakes are part of learning and effort matters. In homes and schools that nurture persistence and confidence, learners become motivated, grounded, and capable—driven by growth, not comparison, and carrying that mindset long after the grades are gone.

Practical tips:

• Talk about success as growth, effort, and progress, not just outcomes.
• Encourage children to set personal goals and reflect on improvement.
• Praise perseverance, strategies, and consistency.
• Remind children that success is not about being better than others, but about becoming better versions of themselves.

Kit Malvar-Llanes

Parenting forecast #5: Parenting is becoming more personalized and values-led

By Kit Malvar-Llanes, conscious parenting advocate, certified coach and facilitator

Filipino parents are moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting and becoming more intentional about choosing what works for their own children—while staying grounded in shared family values.

Why it’s happening: Parenting today requires a lot of balance between collective and inclusive. We recognize the importance of support from the “village,” but are also more discerning about which advice, methods, and schools of thought they adopt. With greater access to information and diverse parenting philosophies, families are learning to personalize their approach rather than follow trends blindly.

What this means: This shift allows parents to respond more closely to each child’s needs, temperament, and emotional development. While approaches may differ from one household to another, shared values and principles remain the glue that holds families together. Children benefit from feeling seen as individuals rather than being measured against rigid standards.

Practical tips:

• Parents can start by identifying their non-negotiable family values—respect, responsibility, empathy—then allow flexibility in how these are practiced.
• Seek support from the community when needed, but filter advice through what aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s principles.

Screen time isn't the enemy—unsupervised app culture is

Here's what a psychologist advises parents to focus on instead

By Jane Kingsu-Cheng

Published Jan 17, 2026 02:22 pm

For many parents, conversations about screen time come with guilt. We count minutes, set timers, and wonder if we’re doing enough, or too much, to protect our children from screens. According to registered psychologist Dr. Elaine Rose S. Ferrer, focusing on screen time alone is not enough.

“Framing the conversation purely around screen time misses the bigger picture,” she explains. “It doesn’t consider the quality and impact of how technology is being used.” The more important discussion should be about digital health, and how technology use intersects with a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive wellbeing.

Screen time alone isn’t enough

Not all screens and their experiences are the same. Watching a family movie, attending an online class, or video-calling relatives is different from unsupervised scrolling through short-form videos curated by an algorithm.

“When we only focus on screen time, we ignore what kids are actually exposed to,” Dr. Elaine says. “Screen time includes TV, tablets, and phones—but what truly matters is what children are seeing, engaging with, and internalizing.”

This is where intention becomes important. Screens can be used as tools that support learning and connection, or simply as a way to pass the time. Dr. Elaine recalls witnessing this scenario in everyday parenting moments.

“I remember eating at a restaurant with friends whose tendency was to pull out a tablet so their child could stay busy while they ate,” she shares. “We’re not here to judge parents who want a bit of peace and quiet. But it’s important to understand the intentionality behind digital use.”

With intention in mind, parents can make conscious choices about what their children engage with, how long, and in what context. “Screen time then becomes a tool to supplement children’s experiences, not just something to fill time.”

TV versus apps

One of the most significant shifts in children’s media consumption today is the move from passive screen use to app-driven engagement. Unlike television, apps are powered by algorithms designed to keep users watching.

“Apps are driven by algorithms,” Dr. Elaine explains. “Yes, you can scroll, but the more you watch a certain type of content, the more that same content is fed back to you.”

“If app use is unsupervised, it can greatly influence a person’s identity and behavior,” she warns. “That’s why guidance is important—so children engage with the digital world in a healthier way, rather than letting algorithms stimulate their thoughts and feelings.”

Dr. Elaine clarifies that not all apps are harmful, but they require more awareness and involvement from adults, especially when children are still developing self-regulation skills.

Intentional screen use

Many parents feel conflicted about using screens as temporary distractions. Dr. Elaine emphasizes that understanding—not guilt—should guide these conversations.

“By being intentional with app use or screen time, we can make conscious efforts and choices,” she says, adding that intentional screen use transforms technology from a default solution into a purposeful tool. One that supports learning, creativity, and connection, rather than replacing offline interaction.

Identifying screen use

To help families better understand their digital habits, Dr. Elaine suggests distinguishing between different types of screen time.

Productive screen time includes activities that help children perform tasks or learn skills, such as writing school papers, attending online classes, or creating presentations.

Participative or engaging screen time involves interaction such as video calls, collaborative games, or live workshops where children actively engage with others.

Passive screen time requires minimal thought or participation, such as watching random videos or endlessly scrolling. “This is where unhealthy habits like doomscrolling can begin,” Dr. Elaine notes, especially when left unchecked.

The goal, she emphasizes, is balance and not elimination.

Guidance is the key

Monitoring digital health is not about strict bans or constant monitoring. “Supervision is meant to guide, not control,” Dr. Elaine says. Conversations, co-viewing, and checking in about what children consume online help them process their experiences more meaningfully.

Technology has become an increasingly integral part of everyday life, and there is no escaping it. What parents can do is to guide children through each experience. By focusing on intention and balance, screens can become tools for learning and advancement that support children’s growth.