In a heartfelt and inspiring interview with Toni Gonzaga, Senator Risa Hontiveros shared the values that have shaped her life, her journey, and the profound challenges of single parenthood following the loss of her husband.

The conversation, which aired in celebration of Women’s Month, offered a glimpse into the senator’s personal struggles and triumphs as a widow raising four children.

Hontiveros began by reflecting on the lessons instilled by her parents.

“Endurance,” she said, was the most valuable trait they taught her.

She remarked, “‘Yung mga bagay na we dreamed of, kailangan pagtrabahuin natin.”

The senator elaborated that people don’t always achieve our dreams right away. One has to face many challenges, endure hardships, and be patient while waiting. This principle carried her through both her activism and personal challenges.

Risa also shared an anecdote that inspired her to do activism, which sparked when her mother brought her to a symposium on the Nuclear-Free Philippines Coalition.

“Sobra akong nainspire sa symposium na ‘yun sa mga women leaders nun, like Nini Quezon Avanceña, Mary Concepcion Bautista, Sr. Mary John Mananzan. These women are really carrying the conversation, really speaking up,” she recalled.

“Pagbalik ko sa school the next school year, naagaw na ako ng second love ko [which is] activism,” she recounted.

At one point, the conversation shifted to the senator’s experience in navigating challenges as a widow and solo parent.

When asked how life changed after losing her husband in 2005, she candidly admitted, “In every way talaga.”

She elaborated the challenges of facing financial and emotional burdens from being thrusted into the role of sole provider for her four children.

“Biglang, kailangan ako lahat mag-iisip paano sila patatapusin mag-aral,” she shared.

Despite the pain and loss, she found strength in moving forward for her children.

When asked about second chances at love, Hontiveros revealed that she had tried but never remarried.

“Wish ko lang,” she said.

She then added, “Pero minsan pala later in life… bakit pa ako magpa-pine sa isang bagay na in the future baka hindi mangyari?”

Senator Risa Hontiveros is an advocate for women’s rights, social justice, and healthcare reform. Born Ana Theresia Navarro Hontiveros-Baraquel on February 24, 1966, she has served as a journalist, activist, and legislator.

Sources: (1)

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