It’s been five months since Ethel Booba gave birth to a lovely baby daughter she named as Michaela. In this episode of “I Feel U,” the singer-comedienne shared the changes motherhood brought into her life and how she’s coping as a new mom at a time of a pandemic.
There came a point in Ethel’s life wherein she gave up on wanting to become a mother. Not known to many, she had a medical condition that made bearing a child almost impossible. It made her thought that being a second mom to her nieces and nephews is already enough. But then again, life surprised her in the most unexpected hour. She exclaimed during the interview, “Isa na akong ganap na babae!”
Ethel added, “Kasi may mga intriga sa akin na baog ako. ‘Di ko sinasabi na may problema kasi ayoko din mag worry ‘yung family ko. Ngayon may matris ako, hindi ako baog, at nakahabol ako.” So, the moment she had her child, Ethel promised to take care of the miracle she received.
Being pregnant at 42 was definitely a challenge for Ethel. The complications in her red blood cells required her constant blood transfusion and it almost put her own life at risk. Plus, the typical hormonal changes that often played at her appetite and emotions. Add to that the exhaustion from working non-stop despite her growing belly. Ethel was worried about the expenses, so she kept on taking projects despite the pregnancy.
Ethel’s sacrifices do not end there and she’s willing to do more for her daughter. Sometimes she’s even surprised with how much more she could offer her little one. “’Yung magmahal nang higit pa sa sarili ko. Naa-amaze ako sa sarili ko na parang nagawa kong magtiyaga at mag-sacrifice. Kasi mahal na mahal mo, kaya mong gawin lahat,” she said. Her priority now is her family’s health especially that of Baby Michaela.
With the pandemic halting the operations of comedy bars, Ethel is faced with anxieties on how she’d manage to provide for her child. “Minsan natutulala na lang ako. Parang gusto mong umiyak. Ano kayang mangyayari? Ano kayang future?” She also worries about Michaela’s happiness. “Hindi ko alam kung mae-enjoy ba niya ‘yung life niya, kung makakalabas ba siya, kung mae-experience na niya lahat ng kaligayahan na na-experience ko din,” expressed Ethel.
In the midst of all uncertainties, she draws strength from her daughter and partner. There are still more reasons to smile. And for Ethel, being a mom to Baby Michaela is more than enough. “’Pag may anak ka pala, pwede mong ibigay ang buhay mo sa kanya. Sa kanya umiikot ang buhay ko ngayon,” she said.