Nikki Valdez and Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio On Politics and Motherhood


They took an active role in VP Leni Robredo’s presidential campaign.


Celebrities becoming involved with politics is common in the Philippines. In the recent elections, Nikki Valdez and Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio supported the same candidate. They threw themselves into campaigning for Vice President Leni Robredo.

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Nikki Valdez, supermom

Most ’90s kids know Nikki from her stints on Gimik and Home Along Da Riles. But the actress says her best and most important role to date has to do with her family. She and her husband Luis Garcia, are raising Nikki’s daughter from a previous marriage.

Olivia is now in her teens. She’s also an inspiration to many. She was born with a condition called symbrachydactyly. Despite this, she moves through life like every other teenager.

Nikki first chose to take part in the election because of Olivia. In an Instagram post, she acknowledged that being on the campaign trail kept her busy. “Thank you for understanding what Mama and Dada are doing for a better Philippines,” she wrote.

Olivia soon followed in her mother’s footsteps. According to Nikki, “Ang anak ko kusang nag-offer at sinabing, ‘Sama po ako sa house to house niyo.’ So ayan, nagbitbit siya ng pinamimigay namin at naglakad sa init. Kung nasaan ako, nakasalo din siya agad ng pagbibigay ng flyers at nakikinig sa sinasabi ko.”


Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio’s story

After she allowed Jesus to transform her life and settled down with Ptr. Joseph Bonifacio, Rica left showbiz. She focused on building her faith and family. God gave her two sons: Philip and Manu.

By the time 2020 rolled around, she found herself losing faith in the Philippines as a whole. But the campaign of VP Leni Robredo lit a fire under her.

“Isa sa gusto kong i-model sa mga anak ko ay yung pagmamalasakit ko sa aking bayan. Gusto kong nakikita nila akong may paninindigan at umaaksyon para sa bayan. Hindi para sa self-interest lamang,” she says.

VP Leni being a mother also resonated with her. “I keep thinking of her sacrifice as a mom, and as a person who would probably rather stay out of the public eye. Not because she has something to hide, but because she isn’t the type to want attention.”

Nikki and Rica are two of many mothers who took a stand during the campaign period. They and others like them prove how love for country and one’s children can bring out the best in anyone.

Featured Image Daniella Sison

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