Our moms are the superwomen of our lives. They’ve cared for us and gave us everything they could give since our birth. They were the ones who first showed us real love — one without condition. And until now, they make it a point to express their love in everything they do. They cook for us, they clean after us, they make sure we’re healthy all the time.

But without us realizing it, we neglect to reciprocate that love. We take her actions for granted, showing no clear sign of gratitude or appreciation. And the sad part is that our moms are fine with it because they’re used to it.

This Mother’s Day, we can’t let our moms feel the barrier between us and them. We can’t let them feel that our love can only be expressed through a mere Facebook status for everyone to like and comment on. If we really do love our moms, we have to connect with them for real, not hide behind a computer screen.

So put down that phone and set aside that laptop. Reconnect with your mom and give her your true love and attention through these simple bonding moments. Because love unexpressed is love unfelt.

Have brunch at home

Your mom has been preparing breakfast for you every single day. She has always set aside time and given so much effort to cook your favorite dishes. Now, it’s time to return the favor! Whip up something delicious in your kitchen, no matter how simple. Better yet, cook together instead so you can learn a thing or two about your mom’s cooking techniques and, at the same time, you can infect her with your audacity to experiment with ingredients. And once you’re done, indulge in your homemade brunch feast while sharing stories you haven’t shared before.

Help her clean the house

She isn’t your maid, and it’s time to stop making her feel like one. Finally tidy up your room like how she’s always nagged you to do. Ease her burden by calling dibs on the broom or vacuum, or offering to clean the dirty dishes instead, or helping her fold the laundry. Even though it’s all taxing work, both of you won’t ever feel like it is because you’re doing it together. You could even make it all a friendly competition — the first to fold their portion of the laundry pile first wins a reward!

Do each other’s nails

It can get difficult to catch up on each other’s lives on a normal day, especially when you both have your own situations to worry about. But don’t forget that your mom is always thinking about your well-being even if she doesn’t ask you directly how you are. Give her this chance to connect with you for real and be updated with your life — your academics, your work, your relationships — past what you show on social media. Do this while pampering each other with a mani-pedi in your bedroom!

Work on a coloring book together

You don’t have to do much work to be able to connect with your mom, too. Something as simple as working on a grown-up coloring book without talking much is enough to make your mom feel your presence. Plus, these coloring books are stress-relieving so you don’t have to give your mom an expensive spa treatment to help her unwind.

Play board games for a couple of hours

She was once your playmate when you were little. She can still be even now that you’ve grown because, no matter how old you get, you’re still her baby. Have a little fun with her over board games or card games you have stowed away in your storage room or closet. Let her win at least once; she also used to do that anyway when you were a kid. You’ll realize how great the feeling is just having real fun with one another.

Shop for clothes online

The best kind of bonding is always when it’s over shared interests, whether it’s about make-up, clothes, or shopping. But going to the mall to shop might be too distracting for the both of you to connect for real, so open your laptop at least this once and browse for stuff side-by-side on the couch. Criticize tacky clothing or fawn over beautiful bags together. Even if you don’t end up purchasing anything, at least you had that moment of connection.

Snuggle in bed the whole day and just talk

You know how difficult it is to be a mom. She goes to work during the day, and then comes home to a wave of household responsibilities like it’s a second job. What she really needs on her special day is a day off.

So let her rest and laze the day away in bed, as long as you’re there beside her. Remember when you once loved to cuddle with mom in bed and you’d hold onto her tight because you don’t want her to leave you alone? Relive those memories together and just lie in bed doing nothing but just talking. Talking about anything under the sun. About your struggles, your fears, your friends, your dreams. Open up your heart to her so she may understand what you’re going through, and at the same time, listen to her advice. Cry on her shoulder when you need to. You’ll find that opening yourself up already connects you two in the most real way possible.

Browse old photo albums

Maybe it annoys you when your mom talks about your embarrassing moments as a child especially to others, but you have to realize that it’s her way of coping with how fast time is flying. And every day, she still remembers the little details and everything you do will remind her of what you used to do.

Don’t let her be alone in remembering those memories. Bring out all the photo albums hidden and gathering dust in your closet and take a trip down memory lane with your mom. Listen to all the stories behind each photo — all the silly things you did that made her smile, all the tantrums you gave that stressed her out, and all the beautiful moments you shared throughout your life. And when you realize just how wonderful your mom had been all your days, give her a huge hug or kiss in heartfelt gratitude — and to her, that would be enough.

This Mother’s Day, we want people to realize that to truly reciprocate a mother’s love, we need to EXPRESS IT. Because love unexpressed, is love unfelt. Show your mom that you truly love her in ways that will make her physically feel it, and not just via text or social media post. Disconnect from the virtual world that becomes a barrier between the both of you and connect with her for real. Talk to her. Spend time with her. Listen to her.

Because while you may be growing up, your mom isn’t getting any younger either. Don’t keep her waiting for the day she finally feels your love and appreciation for her. And even through a simple act like in the video below, you can make your mom feel the happiest she can ever be.

How do you #ConnectForReal?

What are your other plans to #ConnectForReal with your mom this Mother’s Day? Share PLDT Home’s video and tell us how you #ConnectForReal.

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