Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

'I wore many hats, but being a mum means the most': Filipina mother reflects on motherhood, migration, and new beginnings

Jennifer Phillips

Beyond career success, Jennifer Phillips said she values the close relationship she now shares with her children the most.

For many mothers, raising children means putting dreams and ambitions on hold. But for Filipina mother of four Jennifer Phillips, motherhood became not the end of her journey, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with sacrifice, resilience, and purpose. Listen to her story.


Published

Presented by Edinel Magtibay, Dan Villanueva

Source: SBS


Share this with family and friends


For many mothers, raising children means putting dreams and ambitions on hold. But for Filipina mother of four Jennifer Phillips, motherhood became not the end of her journey, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with sacrifice, resilience, and purpose. Listen to her story.


Key Points

  • Despite having a flourishing modelling career in Hong Kong and Indonesia, Jeninifer chose to step away from the spotlight to become a full-time mother to her children.
  • Jennifer made sure Filipino culture remained part of their upbringing from teaching respect for elders to making sure her children learned household responsibilities and life skills growing up.
  • While raising their family in Australia, she completed studies in child care and beauty therapy before eventually undertaking a postgraduate degree in Psychology and Counselling. Jennifer graduated in 2010 at the age of 50, a milestone she says reflected her determination to continue learning, growing, and finding new purpose later in life.
  • Her children — Alexandra, Elizabeth, Sebastian, and Francisco — shared that some of life’s most important lessons came from the discipline, sacrifices, and Filipino values their mother taught at home.

📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino

🔊 On Air – Tune in to SBS Filipino on radio stations across Australia and website live stream, and TV Channel 302 from 10 AM to 11 AM AEST daily.

📲 Catch up episodes and stories – Visit sbs.com.au/filipino or stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube Podcasts, and SBS Audio app.

📣 Follow Us on Social Media – Stay updated by following us on Facebook and Instagram.


Latest podcast episodes

Follow SBS Filipino

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS News in Filipino

Watch it onDemand

Watch now