'Bawi talaga': Janella Salvador, Elisse Joson on balancing work, motherhood

MANILA, Philippines — Being single mothers and working actresses is a true balancing act for both Janella Salvador and Elisse Joson, who try to spend time with their kids as much as they can.

Janella's son Jude and Elisse's daughter Felize return for another edition of kiddie reality series "Bibo-lilits."

Thurdsday's media conference in Quezon City showed how Janella and Elisse talked about taking on their roles as parents and actors.

Elisse began by pointing out that being a parent is difficult by itself, and it gets harder for actors like her who have tapings and jampacked schedules.

"Parang 'yung pagba-balance is really up to how you prioritze daily," she said, sharing that days can be dedicated for work while others are solely for Felize.

It becomes easier when Felize gets to tag along with her for work, just like when she was shooting "Bibo-lilits."

"You just continuously adjust every day para mabigay mo [to] both roles," Elisse continued. "Fulfilling siya kasi hindi mo kailangan i-sacrifice ang pagiging parent to be able to work on one's dreams."

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Janella echoed Elisse's thoughts, especially as acting requires a lot of their time and they cannot always bring their children to work.

She admitted feeling guilty every time she has to leave Jude at home or she does not have enough time to spend with him as often as she would have wanted to. The single mom said that to compensate for this, she brings Jude along whenever it is possible.

"It takes a lot of bawi talaga, kapag kaya kong bumawi sa kanya talagang one-on-one quality time," Janella said, making sure Jude feels their bonding moment. 

Janella added her "bawi" time with Jude depends on work since she does not have a fixed regular schedule, which is why every spare day is spent with her son.

When Janella shot "Under Parallel Skies" opposite Thai star Win Metawin, she brought Jude with her to Hong Kong.

"I try, I try to bring him when I can, pero if I can't... bawi-bawi na lang talaga," Janella said. 

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