CO Mom Feature: World Edition - Meet Iza

Motherhood is a journey as unique as you are. Here at Colored Organics, we love to unite you together, even if it's only virtually, to share some wisdom and camaraderie on the rollercoaster journey of parenting. We are thrilled to take our CO Mom Features overseas and share stories of motherhood across the globe. For our very first international feature, we are traveling all the way to the Philippines to introduce you to Iza!

Tell us about yourself!

Hi, my name is Iza! I’m 36 years old from the Philippines. My husband and I have been married for almost seven years now and we have two lovely children, Ischka, who is 5 years old and Jakov, who just turned one. I’ve been a full time primary grade teacher for 15 years already. I love teaching, but I also enjoy taking photos and videos. I think I was a photographer and videographer in a past life. My favorite subjects are interiors and of course my children.

What is your favorite part about living in the Philippines?

My favorite part of living in the Philippines is first, a majority of my family, relatives, and friends are here. I couldn’t imagine living somewhere alone. Second, the food. The food here is amazing and nothing beats the authentic taste of Filipino food. Third, the tropical weather. Sunny days make me happy and lift up my mood.

Jakov is wearing the Nils Muslin Button Suit in Tan, and Ischka is wearing the Mabel Muslin Button Dress in Tan.

Are there any unique cultural norms in the Philippines when it comes to raising children that may seem foreign to other countries?

One unique cultural norm here in the Philippines that I’m very proud of is saying “po” and “opo” when talking to elders. It is our way to show respect and good manners. Another unique Filipino norm is doing “mano po” or we call it “pagmamano”. It is also a respectful gesture we do to our elders where we gently press our elders’ hands to our forehead. It is our way to ask for our elders’ blessing.

What language(s) do you and your family speak? What language do you want your child to learn as they grow?

The languages we speak at home are our Filipino language which is Tagalog and we also speak in English. I want my children to speak fluently in both languages.

What values of life in the Philippines do you want to instill in your children?

The values of life here in the Philippines that I want to in-still in my children are first, love for God. I grew up in a Catholic family and I want my children to grow knowing and loving God. Second, close family ties. Filipinos are known for having strong family ties. In our family, we always have each other’s backs and family is priority. I hope my children will do the same, that they will always be there for each other until they grow old. Third, being courteous. Filipinos are also known for being polite and respectful, especially to elders. I want my children to grow up as respectful persons as well. And lastly, having a positive outlook. Filipinos are well known for being optimistic, vibrant, and we always find a way to work things out.

What day-to-day activities do you like to do with your children? What are some of your favorite local spots to hang out?

It’s Ischka’s vacation now, so our day-to-day activities consist of lots of play time, doing summer art activities, going out and walking around the village, and going to our favorite hang out spots. Our favorite local hang out spots are Cafe Breton and Bean and Yolk in Alabang, because Ischka loves crepes, waffles and lava cakes just like her mama.

What are some of your children's favorite toys or toy brands?

Ischka has a lot of favorite toys! One of her favorites is her dolls from Cuddle + Kind. She loves them. She actually sleeps with them. She also does a lot of pretend plays, so she loves her wooden toys from Coco Village, Elm + Otter, and Melissa & Doug.

To follow along with Iza's motherhood journey, follow her on Instagram!