Celebrating moms: Stories of strength, balance, and love

Dreams move people to build, create, and imagine better possibilities. At EastWest, supporting those dreams has long been central to its purpose. Guided by the belief that every ambition deserves thoughtful care and deliberate focus, the bank honors those who nurture hope and create lasting change. Among them are the mothers and mother figures who continue to reshape what it means to dream with clarity, courage, and heart.

“Across EastWest, we see how motherhood shows up in different ways. Sometimes it's through family ties, sometimes through the roles people play in the lives of others,” said Atty. Alfie Suarez, EastWest chief People, Corporate Services and Sustainability officer. “What matters is the impact. The care that uplifts, the presence that brings stability, the character that quietly shapes a culture where people feel supported.”

Motherhood today comes in many forms. It may mean raising children, guiding loved ones, building communities, or creating an enviroment filled with warmth—and yes, even caring for furbabies. However their journeys unfold, these mothers and mother figures have common characteristics: the strength to nurture, the wisdom to guide, and the patience to build futures one meaningful choice at a time.

Motherhood, the EastWest way

At EastWest, this spirit of motherhood lives not only in the customers it serves, but in the women across its teams. Many of them balance personal and professional goals, showing that motherhood is not defined by a single path but by the purpose, presence, and care poured into the lives of others each day. From mothers of young children to team “Mumshies,” single parents, mentors, and those who lead with love in unexpected ways, their stories reflect EastWest’s belief in making life easier, more secure, and more meaningful.

The many faces of motherhood reveal lessons that are timeless. Each story offers a different lens on what it means to build dreams with care, resilience, and love. Below, we share a few of these journeys:

Established mom: Ces

She is the keeper of traditions and the quiet architect of futures. Her days are often spent balancing the present while planting seeds for tomorrow. For Cecilia Treyes, this journey of growth encompasses both her personal and professional life.

“My journey as a mother and a career woman has been one of constant growth, and I’m proud to say I’ve reached a point where I can navigate the beautiful challenges of raising children while building a fulfilling career,” she shared.

Through lessons shared around the dinner table, thoughtful plans for her children's education, and a presence that never falters, she built a home where dreams are nourished. She recalls that joining EastWest was a turning point in her journey as a mother: “EastWest didn’t just offer me a job, it gave me a space to grow. As a division head, I’ve been trusted to lead, mentor, and coach other officers into becoming strong leaders. I’ve also been given the opportunity to take on various projects, keeping me challenged and constantly learning.”

“I’m proud of the mother I’ve become through the years. I’ve built a meaningful career without compromising the moments that matter most at home. And that, to me, is what being an established mom is all about,” she noted. 

Mother figure: Marilloyd

She answered life’s call before she even realized she had a choice. Whether as the eldest sibling, a cousin, or a relative who took responsibility when it mattered most, she became the steady hand when others needed it.

That same instinct to care for others followed her into the workplace.

“Working in banking for many years has introduced me to people from all walks of life. I’ve built meaningful friendships with colleagues from every bank I’ve been part of,” shared Marilloyd R. Miranda, relationship officer at the Paseo de Roxas - Legaspi store in Makati City.

In these roles, she found herself naturally creating a nurturing space.

“Many of them still keep in touch with me. They’ve seen me not just as a colleague or supervisor, but as someone they can trust: a mother figure, a confidant, a friend.”

Her story reminds us that motherhood isn’t always defined by birth. It lives in the way someone shows up for others, offers guidance, and becomes a source of comfort and stability.

Furmom: Apple

She creates a home filled with warmth for the ones who cannot speak but understands what caring is about. Through morning walks, playful afternoons, and quiet moments of simply being together, she nurtures a bond built on pure trust and unconditional love.

“Being a fur mom means cherishing my cats as beloved members of the family, showering them with love, care, and attention that goes beyond mere pet ownership. They are my companions and my joy, deserving every ounce of nurturing that I can give. In their playful antics and gentle purrs, I find endless joy, knowing that they are more than just pets. They are my children in every sense,” gushed Apple G. Teves, SAVP sales director of the Retail Banking Group.

Her story reminds us that motherhood is not defined by blood or societal norms; motherhood exists wherever there is loyalty, care, and a heart willing to give without asking for anything in return.

Mumshie: Roma

She is the one everyone naturally turns to, the “Mother” or “Mumshie” of the team, barkada, or any group that needs grounding. She brings homemade remedies when someone is sick, remembers birthdays, mediates misunderstandings, and reminds others to rest when they forget to care for themselves.

“I feel honored when friends and colleagues treat me as the extension of their moms, someone they are comfortable confiding in, laughing and crying with. It’s quite a humbling experience when the people I work with feel that they can rely on me,” expressed Rosemarie R. Dumalaog, executive assistant at the Office of the CEO.

“I feel grateful for the opportunity to nurture and support my younger colleagues in realizing their full potential in and out of the office set-up,” she explained. She offers the kind of leadership that brings calm and care into any space. No title made her a mother; her presence did.

New mom: Jillian 

She stands at the fragile yet fierce beginning of an unfolding story. In the haze of sleepless nights, small victories, and overwhelming firsts, she discovered the kind of love and strength that has reshaped her view of the world. Her dreams now go beyond herself, woven into the tiny fingers she holds and the possibilities she wants to protect. Every small act of care becomes an act of hope in her hands.

“I find myself discovering a deeper kind of strength, the kind that is born from love, sacrifice, and late nights that stretch into early mornings,” shared Jillian Hillary Sy Castellar, manager of the EastWest Binondo branch.

Now raising her firstborn, Baby Joseph Richard, she remains focused and steady, proving that excellence does not have to pause even in life’s most transformative seasons.

A lasting tribute

These stories serve as a reminder that dreams are built with care. They take shape in unseen moments, guided by steady hands and choices made with heart and conviction. At EastWest, mothers and mother figures are seen not just as part of the workforce but as leaders who shape the culture, build trust, and strengthen the work daily.

“What truly defines our workplace is not just talent, but the empathy, responsibility, and care that hold everything together,” adds Atty. Suarez.

This Mother’s Day, EastWest honors every mother and mother figure who continues building, nurturing, and inspiring dreams—one thoughtful choice at a time. Through every season of life, their care becomes the steady force that turns hopes and possibilities into something real and lasting.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by EastWest Bank.