Many of us must already be aware of the Thank You Mom campaign. After all, there are commercials about it appearing in between TV shows. It actually started last March when Procter & Gamble (P&G) expressed its support to the Filipino athletes who will be competing in the 2012 Olympics. The event moreover honored mothers and highlighted their importance in the life of their children. Read more about it here.
Last Thursday, as the world cheered for this year's London Olympic Games opening in the Isles of Wonder, P&G, the Proud Sponsor of Moms, recognized a milestone for Momsky Melita Barriga. She is a simple housewife from Davao who happens to be the mother of 18-year-old Mark Anthony Barriga, the Philippines' first qualified athlete to compete in light flyweight boxing. He is among the youngest who's coming up against more experienced boxers in the division.
P&G and several members of the online media celebrated with Momsky as her support and diligence as a mom is fulfilled while her son's accomplishment is realized when he walked past huge crowds at the Parade of Colors bearing the Philippine flag on his uniform.
In an intimate afternoon tea party at the Manila Peninsula, Momsky and her husband, Popsky Edgar Barriga, were prepared for their trip to London for the Olympic Games this Sunday. The event was lively hosted by Anama Dimapilis, P&G's Corporate Communications Manager, while the very educational briefing was conducted by Mike Cabigon of the British Council. Along with Momsky and Popsky, we learned about the London weather, what to wear, the nuances in culture, how to interact with the locals plus a crash course on geography and how to get around in the city.
We also picked up some words that will help the Barrigas communicate better using the language of Londoners such as "the loo" for comfort room, "lift" for elevator, and "telly" for television. And then there's the typical English food fare like the famous Fish and Chips. At the cozy party, we all got to experience having "tea" the British way because we were served with fancy little cakes and scones.
The setup created inside the Nolledo Hernandez room of The Pen was the perfect setting because it personified the culture and elegance that London is known for. We female guests were even given fancy headbands to wear while the guys got really nice hats. All the information shared that afternoon prepared Momsky when she gets to meet other moms from other countries who, through P&G, will also be in London to cheer for their athlete children. I can just imagine how exciting it would be for all those ladies to see their offspring compete in the sports they excel in.
Toward the end of the program, P&G presented the Barriga couple their passports stamped with UK Visa, jackets, and a care package to help them during their first trip outside the country. The British Council also gave them a book of games about London and the Olympics to help while their time in the plane during the long trip.
As Momsky flies to London today, she is bringing the hopes of those who yearn for the first Olympic gold medal for the Philippines as well as the faith of those who wish for her son's success. However, the most important thing she is bringing to London is the unwavering love and support she has always given Mark whom she raised to be the Olympic athlete he is now through her own rather Olympic feat as a champion mom.
Happy trip Momsky and Popsky! Enjoy your time in London! :)
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