We really make it a point to be together during weekends. But in general, we often eat together whether it be breakfast, lunch (if Kiko has to come home from work, he will) or dinner. We really talk as a family and dig deep into the conversation with the kids. They’re open to us and are used to having us around all the time. I personally grew up eating together with my family so it was not really an effort for us back then so now that I have my own family, I strive for the same upbringing. Frankie, Miguel, Miel are in a good position because we are home a lot.
Growing up, we were required to sit down together as a family everyday for meals especially Sundays. Now things are different; I live alone and have my own life so anytime I have a free schedule, I run to the family especially for Sunday lunch or dinner. It actually makes meals more meaningful during those times: more things to talk about, time to catch up with everyone. After dinner, you’re not just “busog” with food but with “kuwentos”.
Not so much an effort for me because I’m close to my family. Every morning (titas’ and titos’ houses are nearby) we would have breakfast together. It’s been going on for 2 years and I enjoy those times very much; it reached a point na pag hindi ko siya nagagawa I feel bad because I really enjoy the company of family. I also make an effort cancel schedulesjust to be with the family for special occasions.
Sundays is one of the busiest days for me so there is really no set day. I guess whenever there is a chance to be together as a family, I grab that opportunity, giving high importance to the meals to be with the family is what’s critical to me.
My parents are based in the States so holidays are very special. In the event they can be home or are in town, we really make time for meals because it’s our way of being together, catching up, bonding. If family is here, they are my priority so I bring them around whenever I can, in between tapings, concerts, guestings, etc.
My children are very important to me; I’m grateful because I get to spend time with them daily, we really make it a point to eat together (Showtime ends in the afternoon so we have the rest of the day together). I also accepted ASAP guesting once a month nalang so I can be with kids. Kahit busy kakailangan mo gumawa ng oras, mahalaga yun sakin.
What do you do to make family meals a regular occasion?
Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day proclaimed
The importance of the Filipino family meal has not escaped the notice of President
Benigno Aquino III, “One of the meaningful traditions of Filipinos is the common family meal where all members of the family are present to signify their unity and thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings.” He noted, “Having a common family meal encourages parents to stay connected with their children and understand the challenges they face.”
In timely fashion, he further underlined its significance with Presidential Proclamation 326 dated January 26, 2012, which declared the 4th Monday of September of every year as “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” day in conjunction with the annual celebration of Family Week.
The President issued the declaration “to highlight and celebrate the value of families sharing meals together as a national tradition that should be observed annually and sustained by all Filipino families.”
