Although we don’t really need this one particular day once a year to appreciate the mothers and mother figures in our lives, there’s no better time to remember how they’ve helped formed us (and perhaps our musical tastes too!) into who we are today. Allow us to celebrate by letting some of our local musicians tell stories about how their mothers have backed them up in their pursuits, music and otherwise.

Degs De Guia, Tom’s Story

Fondest music-related memory of your mum from when you were younger: It’s probably when she was singing me songs by the Carpenters when I was a child. I find it quite soothing. It gives me so much good memories when everything was much simple back then.

Your mum’s reaction when you decided to pursue music: Well, she didn’t have the most pleasant reaction. She’s quite traditional in terms of career path in which music isn’t an ideal and secure choice for a “career”. Over time, she eventually accepted what I do and I assured her that I won’t be doing music at all if I didn’t love what I do.

The role she’s played in your music career: She’s not really involved with my music life, but she did help me out a couple of times, financially! In between my graduation and job hunt, she helped me shoulder some of the expenses my band needed to record our new album. In terms of current involvement, it’s enough for me to know that she supports the music that I make.

That one song that reminds you of your mum: "Close to You" by the Carpenters. It reminds me of my mom’s 50th birthday, when we surprised her at her childhood home. She never celebrated her 18th birthday debut so we threw her one during her 50th. She danced with my dad for the 18 roses dance and I thought it was really sweet. It still never fails to bring tears to my eyes whenever I think of it.

Your Mothers' Day plans: Celebrate over food, stories, drinks, and good company! Everyday is Mother’s Day for me, but this Sunday, it’s going to be an extra special Mother’s Day for my mum!

Mariah Reodica, The Buildings/ Perfect Sound Forever

Fondest music-related memory of your mum from when you were younger: When I'd see my mom and dad get home with a new stack of records and CDs, new and used. They were always excited to listen together.

Your mum’s reaction when you decided to pursue music: She was always very supportive especially with allowing me to go to gigs at a young age. She and my dad took me to see my first gig at Route, actually. I was 16 and I wanted to watch Outerhope.

The role she’s played in your music career: My mom doesn't play an instrument but my family always grew up around music, and I have so much respect for her for always supporting me and my sisters.

That one song that reminds you of your mum: "The Ghost in You" by Psychedelic Furs.

Your Mothers' Day plans: My mom is my favorite chef on earth so I'm looking forward to dinner and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Carlos Castaño

Fondest music-related memory of your mum from when you were younger: I was 5 or 6 years old and I was asked to sing at a family concert thing--I remember it was Michael Jackson's "Heal the World". My mum was so proud, she probably thought I'd be the next Martin Nievera.

Your mum’s reaction when you decided to pursue music: She was all for it. She loves me and is definitely my number 1 or number 3 fan. But she also reminded me, along with my dad, about the practical side to life and I'm glad I listened.

The role she’s played in your music career: Whether she knows it or not, a LOT of my lyrics pass through her filter, like if it's about women, it always has to be respectful at the very least. Like, would my mum be okay with this? Guitar-playing and arrangement is all my dad but message and meaning, it's the mum-filter. I was raised to be a gentleman and that's tricky writing bitter love songs.

That one song that reminds you of your mum: "I Shot the Sheriff" by Eric Clapton. She used to tell me a story when I was young that she had a band and they used to play that song a lot. So every time I hear it now, I picture my mom singing it.

Your Mothers' Day plans: My parents and I live about an hour away by plane so we won't be together--am with her now though, and she's reading what I'm writing (half-joke).

Reese Lansangan

Fondest music-related memory of your mum from when you were younger: One time, she bribed me and made me sign a WRITTEN contract as a promise to take voice lessons in exchange for an iPod (1st gen). Nobody in my batch had an iPod (and obviously, it was such a technological marvel at the time) and I felt like there was no other choice but to say yes.

Your mum’s reaction when you decided to pursue music: I believe she was a bit taken aback as she always expected me to take over the family business, and music sort of just fell into place. Like any normal parent, I think she was just scared of the “instability” of having music as a career, but I took it as a challenge to surprise and appease her.

The role she’s played in your music career: Though I always say that my Dad and his family has music in the blood, it was my mom who enrolled my sister and I to several music classes in UP College of Music. I took up classical piano, guitar, violin (and at some point, drums!) to fill up our Saturdays. When I started getting gigs, she was understandably skeptical of the late hours & the other factors that doing gigs usually entail because it was such a foreign concept to the both of us. But I am very grateful that she has trusted and allowed me to keep playing in obscure bars in far-flung places. When I brought her to watch my set at Wanderland, she was fresh out of eye-surgery but she sat there patiently and I knew she was proud.

That one song that reminds you of your mum: Dance With My Father Again. My dad passed away when I was nine and our family took it pretty hard. I sang this as a surprise on my debut and the whole family broke down. Also, if I am allowed to be cliche and old-school - WIND BENEATH MY WINGS!

Your Mothers' Day plans: I had a whole afternoon of leisurely malling planned, but my Mom just wants to chill at home and order good takeout, so that’s what we’re doing! Air conditioning on full blast + food to last us for days.