Spotlight
Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano: A Blessing Worth the Wait
Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano are excited to celebrate the holidays as they await the arrival of their biggest blessing—their daughter Peanut!
The past months have been busy for soon-to-be parents Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano. In between hectic showbiz commitments, the couple has been preparing themselves for the arrival of their daughter, whom they nicknamed Peanut. The two have also posted vlogs about their learnings as they patiently wait for Peanut to arrive. In fact, they have gotten a lot of support and tips from their respective families.
This holiday season will definitely be different for Jessy and Luis as they gear up to welcome their biggest blessing yet.
Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano on celebrating Christmas this year
Jessy and Luis shared that they’ve moved into a new house recently. “We moved into a new home and fixed up our baby’s room. We also set up our Christmas tree and other decorations, too,” Jessy beams.
Luis, on the other hand, is excited about prepping for Peanut’s arrival. “We are having fun getting our new home ready for Christmas, and in preparation for the coming of the gift given to us, too,” he adds.
Their Christmas celebration will be simple. “We are planning to celebrate Christmas with a simple dinner and just staying in our home while waiting for our baby’s arrival. The fact that we are going to be parents this year or early next year is already better than last year’s Christmas celebration,” Jessy shares.
Meanwhile, for Luis, Christmas is an opportunity to be with family. “Christmas is always about family. It’s something intimate, and full of laughter and stories. This year is better since the health situation is better, and we get to spend it with more loved ones while still taking care of each other.”
As this is their first Christmas as soon-to-be-parents, Jessy and Luis admit to being both nervous and excited. “The thought leaves us excited and anxious. We can’t wait to have someone to carry around while celebrating Christmas with the family,” Luis says.
“We’re so excited and nervous about our baby’s arrival. This is our greatest blessing from up above. We are looking forward to meeting her,” Jessy gushes.
Jessy and Luis on connecting with their families during the holidays
Although they have been busy with moving as well as showbiz commitments, it hasn’t stopped them from reading up on things they can do once Peanut is born. “We’ve been researching a lot about dos and don’ts and we’ve prepared our baby’s room. We can’t wait to show everyone,” says Jessy.
Additionally, her pregnancy has taught her to relax a little bit more. “Being pregnant requires a lot of patience and sacrifice. You will have to let go of so many things in order to be able to move on to the next chapter of your life. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Not only it will affect you physically but also emotionally and mentally. That’s why you must be committed to preparing yourself for what’s to come.”
Although they will get to celebrate with many family members this year, not everyone will be able to come for the holidays, most especially from Jessy’s side since her parents are abroad. Thankfully, PLDT Home helps them make Christmas better with stronger connections at home this season.
“Since my family won’t be able to celebrate Christmas with me, PLDT Home will play a huge part in updating them when I give birth. That way, I’ll still be able to connect with them even if they are far away,” Jessy says.
“We have so many loved ones who won’t be able to join us but maybe a Zoom call or a video call may mean the world to them and us. And that is where PLDT Home helps us out!” Luis mentions.
Life ahead as soon-to-be-parents
With just weeks until Peanut’s arrival, both Jessy and Luis are looking forward to sharing the values they’ve learned from their parents.
“[I want her to learn the importance of] patience. Being a parent requires a lot of patience. You will need to learn so much about so many things and apply them as you go along with the experience of taking care of your own child,” says Jessy.
“The best way to teach is to actually do and let them observe,” Luis adds. “Lip service is easy but doing what you teach is the best.”
Like any other parent, they have dreams for their incoming child. “My dream for my family is happiness and good health. Of course, life is not perfect. There will be bumps along the way. But as long as my family is with me and we are complete, we will be okay,” Jessy states. “My dream for our child is the freedom to choose whoever she wants to be.”
Luis wrapped it up in a few words. “Just a quiet and meaningful life—waking up loving and knowing you are loved.”
Words ALEXA VILLANO
Photos Care of PLDT Home
Read more about soon-to-be parents:
Francesca Taruc to Her Unborn Son: Ngayong Pa Lang Mahal na Mahal na Kita
Mari Jasmine is Expecting Her First Child
Iza Calzado Is Pregnant With Her First Child
