How Filipinos Celebrated Mother’s Day Before Shopping Malls

Mother’s Day na naman! It’s that special time of the year to remind us that we need to always show our appreciation and love to our Nanay–o tumatayong Nanay–who nurtured and cared for us everyday. When thinking of ways to treat our mothers, the first things that come to mind would be bringing them to an expensive restaurant, splurging in shopping malls, or sending them a big bouquet of flowers. All of these grand gestures of love toward our mothers are what’s in nowadays, but there was a time when people celebrated Mother’s Day in a more humble and wholesome way.

Parks and Gardens

© Patrick Cho / Greenpeace

© Patrick Cho / Greenpeace” class=”wp-image-56709″/>

One of the most popular places to celebrate Mother’s Day back then was at parks and gardens. Families would pack a picnic basket and head out to the nearest green and open space with lots of trees to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Ang saya at relaxing di ba? Children would play games such as luksong-tinik or chase each other around while their mothers relaxed on a banig, soaking up the warmth and beauty of nature.

Rivers and Beaches

© Ernesto Villanueva / Greenpeace

Rivers and beaches were also popular destinations for Mother’s Day celebrations (dahil malinis at wala pang polusyon). Families would swim, fish, or just sit on the shore and watch the waves. Children would build sandcastles and play with shells, while their mothers read a book or chatted with friends.

Community Stores and Thrift Shops

There were a lot of community stores that offered local goods, where they could refill their household essentials and buy other stuff wrapped in old newspapers (wala pa gaanong plastik noon). Children could buy sweets or snacks for their moms, or, if they had a bit more budget, they would get their Mother’s Day gift from thrift shops. Instead of buying new, expensive gifts, children get creative by finding unique, second-hand treasures that their mothers would love. Gifting and showing their appreciation back then was more environmentally conscious than how it is today.

Outdoor Restaurants and Cafes

Before heading to the malls for lunch became a thing, families would head to local outdoor restaurants and cafes after going to Church to savor delicious meals, while also enjoying the open air. There was something special about sharing a meal with loved ones under the sun or stars, enjoying each other’s company and the beauty of the surroundings. Plus, it was also a great way to support small businesses and the livelihood of local communities.

If feel mo ng ganitong vibes, check out Dampa seafood restaurants along Marikina Riverbanks where you’ll get to relish a variety of seafood choices that are within the budget, while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the river park. If you’d like to revisit the time when there were more trees around while enjoying your food, Gubat QC would be a great place to visit. They also practice zero-waste, so eating there is not only good for your tummy and well-being, but it’s also good for the planet!

Unfortunately, nowadays, many of these places are facing risks from Climate Change, pollution, and poor urban design. Parks and gardens are being replaced by concrete jungles, rivers and beaches are inundated with single-use plastic, at the same time outdoor establishments are exposed to polluted air and erratic weather conditions. The spaces people go to hang out and relax in are all threatened by worsening climate impacts, including typhoons and intense heat.

However, there is hope. Many communities are working to protect and restore these special places in our cities, to ensure that future generations can continue to celebrate Mother’s Day and other important events in a meaningful and memorable way.

© Andri Tambunan / Greenpeace © Andri Tambunan / Greenpeace” class=”wp-image-56703″/>

We can all do our part by supporting local initiatives, choosing environmentally-friendly options and establishments, and appreciating the beauty of nature. After all, our Nanay deserves nothing less than the best!