It’s not every day that a bad mom can draw out the good mom, but last week, that was exactly what happened.

Thanks to the promise of an entertaining movie, delicious afternoon treats and best of all, the amazing company of over a hundred mothers and dear friends, a special screening of the box office comedy hit “Bad Moms” ended up bringing out the best in everyone.

The idea began in a casual and natural way. Lifestyle and fashion blogger Cat Arambulo-Antonio saw the trailer of the movie with her husband, Carlo Antonio, and she knew right away it was a movie she wanted to share with friends.

She made plans with Cara de Ocampo and Monique Gonzalez to see the film, but a thought entered Monique’s mind. Why not share the laughter and fun with a whole theater full of friends?

Cat got in touch with her sister-in-law, Jackie Cohen-Antonio, proprietor of the children’s store, Chibimomo, and host/radio DJ and blogger Andi Manzano-Reyes.

Snowballed

With these three women at work, it’s not hard to see how a simple movie date snowballed into the prime event of the week. Invites were sent out, not just to the mommy mates, but also to friends interested in having children, as well as women with no inclinations but who have served as second moms as beloved aunts and godmothers. Indeed, it takes a village to raise a child!

Before the screening, guests assembled at Hole in the Wall at Century City Mall, a gourmet food hall with the most innovative food concepts in town, spearheaded by hardcore foodie and successful entrepreneur Charlie Paw.

Since its opening, it has been drawing everyone, from millennials to professionals, from all over the metro who enjoy great food in a truly hip environment.

To the surprise of their guests, everyone received gift certificates from MAC Cosmetics, La Mer, Jo Malone, Beyond Yoga, The Parenting Emporium, Pampers and Bath Origins, and vouchers from Hole in the Wall and Toby’s Estate for their preferred meals and coffee, plus popcorn and drinks from Taters.

The movie was a hit with everyone. The mothers were laughing out loud at scenes that seemed to come straight out of their own lives, while those without children yet got an honest and real view of what awaits them.

Making the viewing experience even better was the fact that the screening was held at the Century City Mall cinema, which offers a boutique cinema experience, with all four cinemas equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems. This premier cinema has super comfortable, Italian leather-clad reclining La-Z-Boy seats, with popcorn and soda or Toby’s Estate coffee and a cookie delivered to your seat.

The cinema is the first in the country to have the Dolby 7.1 sound system.

After the movie, the fun continued, with raffle prizes such as gift certificates from Centuria Medical Makati, The Aivee Institute, Melissa, Paez shoes and, of course, Chibimomo. There were also Gucci Sunglasses, Cross Pens, Zyji Luxury Beddings, an Ecomom sterilizer and an Arms Reach co-sleeper.

But without a doubt, the best part of the day was meeting the incredibly brave 5-year-old cancer warrior and survivor, Robbie Austin Cajucom, and his inspiring mom, Erika Cajucom.

Fighting for his life

At a time when most children have their whole lives ahead of them, Robbie was fighting for his life and relying on God’s grace. One day, Erika thought of getting in touch with Andi’s husband, GP Reyes, about her son’s condition.

Robbie had been diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, an “aggressive and highly malignant form of cancer.”

Relatively rare, when it does strike, it is usually found as soft tissue tumors in children, which makes it more difficult to diagnose early.

“She wasn’t expecting anything in return,” Andi says.

“My husband wrote back and from then on, we started exchanging e-mails. We wanted to do something for her, and we thought that this event was a good opportunity to help out a fellow mom. I know how taxing it is emotionally and financially, because my mom is a cancer survivor, too. You will be so inspired with how brave this little boy is.”

Today, Robbie is on the road to recovery, but roads such as these are long and arduous. There is also, of course, the financial burden. The guests knew this and generously shared what they could.

He also received presents from Chibimomo, a pair of sunglasses from Trendspotter to protect his eyes, and he gained a whole new circle of friends, as everyone crowded around him.

At the end of the day, everyone went home with so much more than they had counted on receiving.

For too long, being “bad moms” has been given undue attention.

What we have are women doing their best and raising their children the best way they can. There is no shame in doing it as you see fit and the world has no business judging a mother’s parenting skills and comparing them with others, unless they are actually causing harm to the child.

Being a “good” mom, is not about being perfect. As Cat puts it, “I feel that a ‘good mom’ is someone who brings out the best in her children. It’s about instilling values, teaching them about hard work and discipline, but still giving them enough space to make amazing mistakes to learn on their own and grow. Balance is the key!”

And judging from how graciously Cat, Jackie and Andi balance their responsibilities, motherhood and personal lives, these women have definitely found that key!

For those interested in helping Robbie Austin Cajucom, e-mail [email protected]; he also has a PayPal account. Check out #hugsforrobbie to learn more.