How Grace Tanfelix Became A Content Creator & What Made Her Son Say Yes | Women's Month | Toni Talks

-Hi. -Hello. Mama's too nervous.

He gets annoyed sometimes. He'll be like, "Mommy, don't take videos of me. This is the only time I can rest.

" Then I'll say, "It won't take long. " Then I realized, when you told your mom that you wanted to pursue acting when you were five years old she accompanied you to audition for Starstruck without complaint, despite being pregnant at the time so you can fulfill your dreams. I'm about to cry.

Right? So, this is the conversation between three different generations and ages. How many children do you have, Grace?

There are two of them. He is my first born. And my youngest is 20 years old.

You're still too young. 47. I hear that forty is the new 20s.

It is. And it's not only the new 20s. For me, 40s is the full-blown essence of a woman.

You'll experience a greater sense of womanhood in your 40s. Maybe another factor is that my kids are all grown up now. Because they were still little during my 20s and 30s.

So your time will be focused on them. And you don't have time for yourself. Our mom doesn't get stressed with us because we are good boys.

-Wow! -I'm just kidding. But it's true.

They are good children. They did not give me a headache. But it was you who initially desired and dreamed of becoming an actress.

Slight. -You wanted to be an actress when you were young? -Yes, I want to.

Not to the point where I auditioned, I just wanted to. It was just a dream. Why did you want to become an actress before?

Because I love watching TV that time. Especially "Ang TV," and "Esperanza" starring Judy Ann Santos. But I never tried to audition.

Because I know it to myself. . .

Who was your idol before? Desiree del Valle. Lindsay Custodio.

Yes, Lindsay Custodio. Yes. Jolina Magdangal.

Jolina. That was their era. Angelou de Leon.

Angelou de Leon. -He was still young that time. -Yes, he was still young.

I haven't been born yet, I think. You were born in 1998. 1998.

Yes, 1998. You were born 1998 because your parents got married in 1999. Mm-hmm.

You were close to becoming a millennium baby. Is he a Gen Z? I am a Gen Z.

Like a borderline between Gen Z and Millennial. Mm-hmm. Am I Gen X?

Gen X, I think. I was born in 1977. Yes, because I talked to PJ (Piolo Pascual) and he said he belonged to Gen X.

GenX. I'm a Millennial. Millennial.

So, Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z. Okay, so this is the conversation betweet three different generations and ages. Your relationship and dynamics as mother and son is beautiful.

Because it seemed like you reached the point that you treat each other as friends. But, there's boundary. There's respect.

Yes, right? But usually, that's how I show my love to my mom. I would pester and annoy her when she's busy.

When he's in the mood, he's playful. When he's not in the mood he's- -Quiet. -quiet.

Maybe he's tired from taping. When he's like that, I don't talk to him. How did you let him join showbiz?

Because he was just five years old? Five years old. Starstruck Kids.

Starstruck Kids. 2004. Yes.

2004. That was after the batch of Mark Herras and Jennylyn Mercado. The reason why I had an idea to join was because I watched Mark Herras and Jennylyn Mercado's batch on TV.

I remember our TV was just small and it was on top of our cabinet. You still remember that? -The square one?

-Yes. That was it and then he told me that he wants to audition. At five?

Mm-hmm. Oh, wow. I never forced him like, "Be an actor, son.

" I was surprised when he told me. I was washing the dishes that time. "Mommy, come with me to audition for Starstruck Kids.

" And I even told him that, "Oh, but the line will be long. " And I was pregnant during that time with my youngest. "Mommy is pregnant.

" But he really wanted to, "Mommy, please? " -Mm-hmm. -Then his dad said, "Let's just go with him.

" It was really him who wanted to become an actor. We've been to several malls and the last mall we went to, we really came at midnight to line up with my auntie. -At five years old you went in line?

-Yes. Because it was the last day of audition, so we really needed to go. And then when he got in, we were in a room where you show your talents.

"So, what's your talent, Miguel? " He answered, "Singing. " He wasn't energetic.

I was like, "Oh no, why is he like that? " "Do you know how to dance? " "Yes.

" So, they told me, "Mommy, we'll just call you. " So, while we were on our way home, I was nagging him. I told him, "You forced me to come and audition but when we got there you didn't do your best.

They will not get you. " What happened was, we rode a jeepney going home. I was crying by the window, and the wind was blowing my tears away.

-Really? -Yes, he was crying. -It's like a drama series.

-It was his dramatic moment. Yes because initially, I didn't want to go due to the difficulty in my pregnancy. Then I'll see how his audition goes with that energy.

So, I was like, "You forced me to come here with you and audition but you will not do your best. You will not get in. " But I was at fault at that.

I shouldn't have said that to him. My experience was, my dad yelled at me in the bus. "From now on, I will never accompany you in any audition.

" -He did that to me. -DId you also cry? Yes, I did.

Because he said, "If you think this is all just a game and will not take this seriously. . .

" Because during that time, I was acting lazily but I was the one who wanted to go in the first place. But when we got there, I didn't do my best. Just like you.

You were still young, you're just 5 years old. How old were you that time? Nine.

But you still remembered that moment you got scolded? -Yes, he cried. -Yes, I remember it.

Actually, it's not just outside the mall. It started from the elevator until we got home. Same thing with my dad.

Our whole trip in the bus. He was so mad at me. But I didn't forget about that because after that happened, I told myself, "I will take my next audition seriously.

" How about you? What happened during that time? After that, I didn't audition anymore.

I got in. After one week, they called us. So, there was no next audition after that.

So, I forgot about my dream of becoming an actor then eventually, someone called my mom. I felt guilty that time. -So he passed the audition?

-He passed. They told us to go to GMA and it started from there. A week before, she was telling me, "You will never become an actor.

" Then one week after she was like, "I told you you'll be an actor. " It's just a joke. So after that, you continued to become an actor at five years old?

Yes, it continued from there but there are times where I went through an awkward stage. 12, 13, 14? Yeah, 12.

Grade six and going second year high school. During that time, I focused on my studies. Then at 14, I got relaunched and it continued from there again.

I feel that it's a big importance of having the support of at least one parent. I don't want to let other people take care of him during that time. I wanted to guide him myself.

And they did not let me being in showbiz get to my head. So, I grew up having a simple life. There's no, "Hey, you're already famous so you shouldn't go there or do this.

" If I can live a normal life, we still try it. I go to regular school. He has to experience the normal life of a normal student.

Because my dad is a teacher. Where did you concentrate the most on his upbringing? When he was growing up in showbiz he eventually got paired up with a girl and getting into relationships -Love team.

-Yes, love teams. That's it. What was your-- okay, they are laughing.

-Looks like there's something. . .

-Because I was a bit strict with him when he was younger He has to be home before 12am. Wow. He was 16 or 17 that time.

How strict is your mom? -Not that strict. -She's not super strict but there are limitations.

-Like? -For example, I can't be out too late. I don't go out that much.

But once in a while, she lets me go out. Because if she was super strict with me I might have the tendency to rebel. But that was just before when he was a bit younger.

But when he reached 21 years old, I laid back since he's at the right age already. How would you describe him as a son? Responsible and loving.

-Is he sweet? -Mm-hmm. There are times when he's snob.

I have my own ways of showing my love. My youngest is sweeter. The eldest usually isn't affectionate.

That's what I notice. Maybe because it's seldom for us to see each other since he's always working. That's why I always bond with my youngest.

For me, it's not that easy to be vulnerable in front of her. Yes, eldest usually has that trait. And when you're the eldest, you take on the responsibility.

You have that, "I have to be responsible" feeling. "I am the eldest. " How was it when he was already earning?

How was your dynamics? Before, I used to handle his money. And when he turned 21, I gave him his bank account.

Really? But how was it? Did you teach him how to handle his finances?

"This is your money. This is your savings, etc. " I told him not to spend too much.

He's good at handling finances. I'm a practical person. I'm a bit frugal.

Not just a bit. He's really frugal. But it's good.

Because he's the eldest. Yeah, that's good. I don't know why but maybe it's because you're the eldest, you witnessed how hard it is for your parents to earn money?

And how to earn for the family. That's why when you're the one earning, it's hard for you to spend it. That's usually the case when you've worked hard for the money, it's hard for you to spend it, right?

It's easier for me to spend money on other people. For example, if it's for the house like that. "We need to pay the bills," "Okay.

" But when it's for myself, even if I'm already holding the money, I will put it back. "I'll buy it next time. " In terms of love life.

What advice do you give? -It made Miguel laugh. -May I go to the restroom?

I don't meddle with that. I read something. All of them are beautiful.

There's Bianca Umali, Kyline Alcantara and Barbie Forteza. All of the beautiful women. Because he's handsome.

-Maybe because he's just too loving. -A lover boy. All of his past girlfriends were okay with me.

They were all kind. Whoever my son likes, I also like. As long as there is a limitation.

I have my mom's full support. What's the limitation? Like staying out too late.

-And always ask permission if going out. -Always ask permission. And update on your whereabouts.

Who are you with. -Was mommy strict with you in terms of having a girlfriend? -No, not really.

He can have a girlfriend during that time because he's just-- how old were you when you dated Bianca? Around 15 or 16? Maybe 16.

So, what advice did you give him when he had a girlfriend? Just enjoy it. Make each other your inspiration.

Mommy, how will you know if Miguel is heartbroken? Oh, here we go. His first heartbreak.

-She's laughing. -I laugh because I remember his first heartbreak-- Oh, it was Barbie Forteza. Oh, mommy dropped the name.

So, why was he heartbroken that time? He was still very young that time. He's like 15 or 16.

I was 14 that time. -I remember we saw each other by the stairs. -I remember this one.

I remember this. He said, "Mommy, we broke up. " -And I was crying.

-He said that. -He was crying? -Yes.

"Mommy, we broke up. " -He was 15 that time? -Mm-hmm.

-Him and Barbie. -Good thing you didn't laugh at me then. I found it funny and I immediately told my mother-in-law about it.

What did you tell your 15-year-old son who's crying? Nothing, I just said, "Oh really? " I was like, "Awww.

" She was like, "This is okay. " It's like you're mocking him, "Awww. " What was your advice to him when he was crying?

It wasn't that serious. It's like nothing happened after that. He was already playing after crying.

No, that's not what happened. Now that you're already 26 years old, you're already matured and you've gone through experiences in showbiz and in life. You are realizing what you like and what you don't like in a woman, right?

Personality has become a big factor for me especially now with my relationship with Ysabel. Because I feel like it's the reason why we have a solid relationship because our personalities are compatible. Does he seek your permission whenever he plans to have a girlfriend?

No. -So you just find out about it. -Yes.

He'll just introduce her. -You already know it. -Yes.

-Moms already know it. -I know because I know all of his moves. What part of showbiz do you find the most difficult?

Maybe to experience the normal life. I mean I am not that famous. That's why I wanted to have a simple life.

That's the reason why I go backpacking to other countries so that I can experience how to commute. So I can experience buying stuff on the sidewalk. -You're not a celebrity.

-People will not treat me as a celebrity. Sometimes I feel uneasy whenever people give me special treatment because I'm a celebrity. "Don't treat me like that.

" That's why he doesn't like it when I take videos of him. Right. -He gets annoyed when I take his videos.

-What happened there? How did it come about? How did it start?

And you become a social media star. I want him to be in my videos but he gets annoyed. "Mommy, don't take my videos.

This is the only time I can rest. " Then I'll say, "It won't take long. " -And then.

. . -I do it eventually.

He'll do it eventually. Then I discovered that the viewers like me more with my cooking. So, even without him, it's fine.

I'm the one who told you to focus on cooking. Then he told me, "Mommy, focus on what you love to do. Like cooking, you like cooking so do that instead.

" But were you hesistant at first when your mom started in social media? Not really because I remember during the pandemic or tail end of the pandemic, we used to do skits with my brother. Like for example we'll act and ask, "Mommy, what's for lunch today?

" Then mommy will answer back then cook the food. But I wasn't uncomfortable with it. I just get uncomfortable sometimes when I wake up in my pajamas still sleepy from coming home late last night then when I go inside, she's already taking a video.

I feel shy. "Mommy, don't post that. " But I'd still post it.

That's why sometimes when I eat I lowered my head because I'm shy. He gets shy. And I'll be like, "Just do it, Miggy.

It will just take five seconds. " But how would you describe your dynamics as mother and son? It's like we're happier now.

-It's like before. . .

-We have more bonding now, right? Before, our relationship is just as mother and son, but now, it's like we have team work. In terms of our content creation, finances at home since I also provide for the house now.

It's not just a mother and son tandem, we also help each other out. How do you handle public misconception? Because it's like you are inviting the viewers into your house since you are sharing your intimate moments with them.

Actually, that's also one of my hesitations why I was a bit uncomfortable at some point that she would enter the world of showbiz. Because I wanted my private life to remain private. But if my mom is happy at the same time she earns from it and she enjoys it and will make a name for herself I've decided that it's okay.

As long as I decide on the limitations on what to share. For example, my room is off limits. "Mommy, it's okay to take videos just not inside my room.

" Now, he has set the boundaries. At first, there are bashers. I sometimes get hurt on what they say.

Then Miguel will tell me, "Just let them be, Mommy. Don't mind them. " But you know, it takes a lot of maturity to accept whatever it is that will make your parents happy.

Because if it's up to us, we will be like, "Please don't do that for me. " And then, I remember when I interviewed Small Laude, her whole family was against her vlogging. And then she got sad because she said, "I support them in what they want.

" "But when it comes to me, they're not supportive. " Then I realized, when you told your mom that you wanted to become an actor when you were five years old she accompanied you to audition for Starstruck without complaint, despite being pregnant at the time so you can fulfill your dreams. I'm about to cry.

Right? -As an emotional mother. -Now, you know.

So let me take your videos from now on. Hey, I let you take my videos. I just realized that when you told your mom, she accompanied you without hesitation.

"You want that? Even if I'm pregnant and it's hard for me and I can't breathe, I have a huge belly -"It's hard to wait in line. " -I remember that.

She went with you because she knows that this will make her son happy. And when the time she feels that this would make me happy, It takes a lot of maturity for a child or a son to say, "Okay, I will support you. " "Okay, mommy.

If this makes you happy. " Now, mommy is crying. "Okay, mommy.

If taking videos makes you happy, I will not stop you from doing so. " But I know that feeling because when our mom takes our videos before, we didn't like it too. Because for us, "That's already our job, mommy.

" Because as the eldest, it's painful for us to see hurtful things being thrown at our parents. It made me cry because I always force him, "Come on, join the video. " Eventually, I understood it.

I join her when I have time. I can't remember when exactly. It was gradual until I got used to being part of her videos.

But until now, sometimes, I still feel uncomfortable. -He still feels uncomfortable. -Not all the time.

-Oh, there are still times like that? -Not all the time. -Especially when you just woke up.

-Yeah, when you just woke up. And I understand that. How about your brother and father?

They're fine with it. -They're supportive. -I have their full support.

-Especially the youngest. -Yes, because he is my videographer and editor. -So, he's really supportive.

Wow. -He's also my secretary. He's also my driver.

That's why we're always together. And he also gets inpired by mommy to do content creation. So, he also makes his own contents.

He'll borrow my motorcyle and he'll ride it. -He does motor vlogging. -Motor vlogging for him.

He got inspired by me. What is your favorite dish your mom cooks for you? Spareribs caldereta.

But is it the most delicious dish she cooks? She has a lot of delicious dishes but that one is on my top 3 list. Dessert would be Leche Flan.

It's the best. -Your mom's? -Yes, it's really the best.

-For instance, I go to a different place then I taste. . .

-It makes my heart swell. Mommy Grace was touched. The most delicious Leche flan is mommy's.

Then when I taste it, "Mommy's is still more delicious. " And I always bring it --not always but when we have it, I bring it even just one tray or sometimes I request, "Mommy, please make Leche flan and I'll bring it to All Out Sunday taping. " Then I tell her to make it and I'll bring it to taping because it's really delicious.

That's too much! Promise. Maybe you should turn that into a business, mommy.

-That's what he said. -You should sell it online. -Yellow basket.

-That's what he's been telling me. But how did social media help your relationship now as mother and son. Now, we are more understanding with each other.

Now, I can show my support for mommy that I didn't know how to show before. Understanding on who mommy really is and our understanding towards each other. And now, I go with him in his guestings.

Right. Is this your first time? -Yes.

It's mommy's first time. -That's cute. So, this is how it feels.

Because I also like to honor the people behind the success of a celebrity. For you, it's your mom. Because whoever you are now as a human being, as a celebrity, as a friend, and as a son a huge part of it is your mom.

This is also a nice way of honoring your mom for all the years that she has supported you. And now you're also supporting her. It should be a give and take relationship.

Yes. I am very thankful that they brought me up this way. I grew up to be this way, not even as a celebrity.

I am more proud to be Miguel as a person more than Miguel the celebrity. How about you, mommy? What are you most grateful for in your life right now?

My family. They are my inspiration. And I am grateful to have a family that is there to support me.

And I am really grateful that my children are good people. They didn't give me a headache. I can't remember a time they gave me a headache.

That's why I am very grateful to the Lord. How about you? What are you most grateful for to your mother?

Her effort to be a mother to us. How she cooks us food, like that. Because being a mother is not a joke.

If you become a mom, it's a full time job. You have to focus on your children. And that's what I'm most grateful for.

Her efforts to be a mother to us since I was a kid until now. Even though I am busy sometimes. And when I get home, she never forgets to be a mother to us.

What were you craving for when you were pregnant with him? Sardines. Sardines is all it takes to have a handsome son like that.

If you're pregnant, eat sardines and you'll have a Miguel Tanfelix. I told my friend that my mom used to eat sardines when she was pregnant with me and my friends was like "Where's the sardines in you? " I like going to tight spaces.

Aww that's cute.