alike.com.ph—I always remember the sound of the song my mother sang to me as she cradled me to sleep. Her scent would always send a message of familiarity and comfort which made me feel safe, and the smell of her cooking would always remind me of home. Most of us remember our mothers this way. We remember them as pillars of strength who selflessly devote their time and effort in supporting us in everything that we do. Indeed, there is no greater love than that of a mother.

In a biological point of view, a mother is pertained to as someone who has given birth to a child. A mother is often associated to feminine qualities such as hospitable, nurturing, loving and most of all, a mother should be female.

Mamu; and a Mother Too, directed by Rod Singh, redefines what it means to be a mother through Mamu’s character, played by Iyah Mina.

Mamu, a middle-aged transgender sex worker, is often seen as a generous transwoman to her friends and lover Vincent, played by Arron Villaflor. Regardless, as human as she is, she also has her own personal desires such as wanting to undergo breast implant surgery to fulfill her aspirations of becoming a “true” woman. Throughout the film, she thought of ways to earn money so she could save up for her surgery. But when she learns about her sister’s death, Mamu becomes a surrogate mother to Bona, played by Ej Jallorina.

Photo from Mamu; and a Mother Too

When faced by the challenge of being a mother to Bona, her transgender niece, Mamu decides between her wants and Bona’s needs. She has to make a decision on whether she’ll fulfill her dream to become the woman she aspires to be or the be a mother to Bona.

Bona, on the other hand, seeks for a mother’s love through Mamu as she goes through the adolescent journey in becoming a woman. As she discovers who she is, Bona faces physical and emotional challenges of being a young transgender girl transitioning to become a transwoman.

Photo from Mamu; and a Mother Too

As the story progresses, Mamu eventually learns the value of selflessness as she learns to become a mother to Bona by giving up her personal wants. She then realized that she could be a mother with or without the female organs that fulfill the function of the female body as a mother. While Bona transitions to become the woman she aspires to be, despite her physical form with the love and support of her mother Mamu.

Through Mamu, the film teaches its audience that the essence of motherhood lies beyond the assigned sex at birth or the capacity to give birth. To be a mother means to be selfless and have the undying love for her children, regardless of the physical aspects that define what it is to be one. It also shows that the journey to womanhood is beyond the female physical qualities, as it tells its audience that transitioning is beyond physical and solely depends on the transformation within.

Photo from Mamu; and a Mother Too

The film also addresses some of the issues which the LGBTQ community continue to face – such as repression, access to health care and education, poverty, and prostitution. The film serves as a platform for us to better understand the struggles of the LGBTQ members. It sends out a powerful message that the members of the LGBTQ community’s rights should be recognized as they are no different from us. Just like us, they dream, love, and grow to be individuals they aspire to be. The film reflects our human struggle to become the people we aspire to be and learning to accept ourselves throughout the journey.  

Rod Singh brilliantly took these issues and the untold narratives of the LGBTQ community through the colorful story of Mamu and Bona.

A film of dreams, adolescence, and the journey of womanhood and motherhood, Mamu; and a Mother Too revolves around the story of love and resilience through its characters and powerful message.

REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES. WE COVER PERSONALITIES WHO ARE WORTHY OF MAKING THE HEADLINES. PROFILES, LIFESTYLE, CULTURE,  ARTS, LITERATURE, ENTERTAINMENT—TELLING STORIES THAT MAKE US FEEL AND CELEBRATE LIFE. WE ARE ALIKE. FOR STORY PITCHES, PERSONAL ESSAY, LITERARY, AND ART SUBMISSIONS: EDITORIAL@ALIKE.COM.PH