Being a mom is one of life's greatest gifts. Regardless of how one has become a mother, a mother is graced with unconditional love, continuous care and limitless sacrifice. She is the source of peace, strength, joy and love.
As Mother's Day draws near, we are proud to share with you stories of two moms who excel in their respective fields. Different careers, but the same in their dream for their children to soar and fly.
DRA. GERALDINE ZAMORA and NALA
Dra. Geraldine "Ging" Zamora is a prominent doctor in the Philippines. Oddly enough, as a child, medicine was the furthest from her mind. She dabbled a bit into modelling and loved dancing, specifically jazz. However, due to the influence of friends, she entered medicine, shall we dare say, on a whim. And we are thankful that she did.
Having received continues accolades from her chosen field beginning with graduating as the class valedictorian and magna cum laude, Dra. Ging is a highly respected internist and a rheumatologist. She has received numerous awards for her contribution to the health industry including The Outstanding Women in Nation's Service Award (TOWNS) in 2019 and Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in 2016. But her biggest award and most fulfilling is being a mom to Nala.
"My wish for you is that you continue growing up to be God-fearing, generous, kind-hearted, spirited individual."
Nala is a place in the Maldives. Known for it's clear emerald waters and magnificent underwater scenery, it is paradise on earth. Nala is also Maldivian for "Beautiful" and this is the inspiration for Nala's name. At 13 years young, Nala is full of big dreams, including possibly studying abroad to broaden her horizons. But while she is still searching and discovering what her future lies in store for her, maybe it's something she'll also decide on a whim, one thing is for certain, her mom will always be her biggest supporter.
COACH DORAY ELLIS and KIRA
Coach Doray is a competitive age group triathlete. She started triathlon in 2005 and soon after completed her first Ironman race in Langkawi, Malaysia (Ironman is a combination of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run), she is indeed a true Iron Woman. Aside from that, she has been a consistent podium-finisher in her age group category. Truly, no pain, no gain.
A mom of 2 active and athletic daughters, Gabbi and Kira, Coach Doray wanted to be an effective coach to her daughters. While Gabbie decided on other pursuits, Kira continued to do triathlons. She got certified by World Triathlon in Korea in 2017 which paved the way for her to begin Get Coach'd Academy (GCA) in 2018, whose main of objective to help scout and develop young athletes who can potentially represent the country in international races. Now, 4 years later she has almost 50 students of various ages.
Kira is indeed her mother's daughter. She started racing at the tender of 3. Now at only 15 years old, she has already won numerous races in triathlon and in running. Just last February 2022 she won the Junior Female Elite Sprint category in the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT), besting athletes aged 18 to 19 years old. She is currently trying to qualify for the Asian Sprint Triathlon Championships in Sejong, Korea, slated for the middle of this year.
Coach Doray has decided to put aside her own athletic dreams for a bigger and more fulfilling one, that is to be a full-time coach of Kira. There is no doubt that Kira is on the road to success and a seat in the Olympics is indeed in her horizon. And with her every stroke, pedal and step, her mom will always be coaching and cheering for her all the way to the finish line.
Motherhood is the beginning and the end of love. No other love is greater. Show your Mom how much you appreciate her. Spend some quality time with her today.
Introducing GAIA, our new styling EXCLUSIVE for MOTHER'S DAY. Get in touch with us to know more about our special Mother's Day photoshoot promotion.
Featured personalities: Dra. Ging / Coach Doray / Kira Ellis.
Hair and Make-Up: Bojane Beltran / Sarah Monteza