Our Favourite Local Personalities Pay Tribute To The Mums In Their Lives

Mums are awesome. From bringing us into this world to seeing us through the biggest moments in our lives, mothers shower us with unconditional love and offer their unwavering support no matter rain or shine. We know we can always count on them.

With Mother's Day around the corner, we asked local personalities to share what they find most inspiring about their mums, their favourite bonding activities, and more.

Eleanor Lee

How would you describe your relationship with your mum?

My mum's my best friend; I tell her everything—including juicy gossip and details of my life. It's too much information at times, but we are just so open with things and she’s such a fun mum to have. Of course, she’s strict when she has to be!

What do you find most inspiring about her?

My mum’s super strong. I mean her story is no secret—almost everything good or bad has been documented. But as her daughter and someone close to her, I know what she’s been and gone through—things that people don’t know about. I'd want people to know the truth if I was wronged, but many times she just got through life without the apology she deserves and that I really salute.

What is your most precious memory of your mum? 

Everyone only sees the fierce and feisty woman that she is, but no one sees that side of her when she's being a baby. She doesn’t show it to anyone but me hahaha!

The best advice she has given you?

My mum has given me a lot of advice, but here's a funny one—before I got braces I said I didn’t want to do it for fear that it would hurt. She said, "it’s more painful to be ugly." Thanks to that, I got my teeth fixed. I’m thankful I did.

Your favourite mother-daughter activity?

I love staying home but my mum loves exploring. I bought her a mini electronic car in Beijing, so she likes driving around and experiencing new things. She literally has to drag me out of the house when we go out, but we have fun!

What is one item of clothing you’d steal from your mum’s wardrobe?

We have very different styles and I can’t ever wear her stuff—she’s the one usually stealing my bags and clothes!

What is one self-care technique she has taught you?

My mum’s really into beauty—she’s taught me how to take care of my skin with facial masks and hydrating creams. How to dab slowly around your eyes, and how to apply cream the right way—don't rub it in a circular motion because that may loosen your skin, but dab in an upward motion—so that your skin wouldn’t wrinkle or droop easily as you get older.

What have you learnt about love from your mum?

That love is brave and unconditional.

How will you be celebrating Mother's Day?

It's sad we can’t spend as much time with our loved ones during the pandemic, especially if you’re in different countries. I’d probably make it up to her when she visits me in Beijing next time!

Related article: Here’s Why Triple Threat Eleanor Lee Is The Next Rising Star To Watch

Yung Raja

How would you describe your relationship with your mum?

My mother is my everything—my rock, my lifeline, my strength and the reason behind my smile. I love her so much! She’s such a giving and loving person, and she’s always been a positive force in my life. I’d say my relationship with her is nothing short of blessed.

What do you find most inspiring about her?

She’s always smiling! She’s always optimistic, and that’s something I love so much about her. No matter how upset she is, she quickly moves on without holding it in. I’ve always been inspired by that.

What is your most precious memory of your mum? 

The first time I had an emotional breakdown—around the age of 14. I’ll never forget how she consoled me and even cried with me. She was able to make me feel better with her love and I’ll never forget that day. 

The best advice she has given you?

To keep working hard without losing focus.

Your favourite mother-son activity?

Jalan jalan (a.k.a window shopping)!

What is one item of clothing you’d steal from your mum’s wardrobe?

She mostly wears a sari so, there’s honestly nothing much but she has some nice gold jewellery in her collection—I might steal them for my next music video!

What is one self-care technique she has taught you?

Always be in touch with nature. She makes it a point to go to the beach, or go to the park once a week. She says it’s soothing for the spirit.

What have you learnt about love from your mum?

Love is not a feeling, it’s a choice. And we choose to love unconditionally.

How will you be celebrating Mother's Day?

Bring her out for a really nice dinner and get her a little gift—preferably shiny. 

Related article: All Hail Yung Raja, The Rapper Who Is Making Singapore Proud

Hafiiz Karim aka The Next Most Famous Artist

How would you describe your relationship with your mum?

I have a close relationship with her. She has taught me the value of creativity since I was very young, and it has helped me in my artistic journey. We may not see eye to eye on many things, which may seem like a challenge, but it all comes from a place of love.  

What do you find most inspiring about her?

Her strength. She took care of the family in spite of losing her husband, putting in all of her time and energy to care for me and my siblings all these years. She's the nurturer, teacher, protector—the list goes on! 

What is your most precious memory of your mum? 

One time, my mom stayed up till midnight to finish up a shirt that she had tie-dyed and altered for me to wear to work the next day. It was made with love and I showed it off it to all my colleagues. 

The best advice she has given you? 

Work hard and always be kind to others, even if you're having a bad day. 

Your favourite mother-son activity? 

Watching old Malay films together while drinking bubble tea.  

What is one item of clothing you’d steal from your mum’s wardrobe? 

Her hand-painted head scarf.  

What is one self-care technique she has taught you? 

Practicing kindness. She tells me to always project positive energy because you get what you put out. 

What have you learnt about love from your mum?

My mom taught me that love is about selflessness. It is easy for us to have role models that are successful and famous but my role model is at home.

How will you be celebrating Mother's Day? 

I'll be treating my mum to a special dinner for Iftar. 

Related article: Meet Hafiiz Karim, The Man Behind The Famed Art Instagram Account

Preeti Nair aka Preetipls

How would you describe your relationship with your mum?

I describe my relationship with my mother as a pretty solid friendship. I think as I grew older the more I’d turn to her as a listening ear. I confide in her about anything and everything, whether or not she has any advice or solutions to my problems. I always know there’s someone ready to listen to me whenever I just need to talk. 

What do you find most inspiring about her? 

My mother is the most resilient person I know—she’s been through hell and back, and is easily the most inspirational person I have in my life. I’m so grateful and honoured to have her in mine. 

What is your most precious memory of your mum?  

Some time in 2018 I had the opportunity to travel with my mother—we went to Japan on a work trip. This was her first time in Japan! We took Neoprints, went to Tokyo Disneyland (a first for us both!), go-karted on the streets of Shibuya—I also watched my mother eat ramen and sushi for the first time. I had no idea how much the both of us needed that trip at that point in our lives and it was amazing. 

The best advice she has given you? 

I think it’s the same piece of advice I still receive today because I tend to stretch myself out way too thin—my mum always gives me an earful about taking care of myself, drinking more water and getting enough rest. It’s really the kind of advice that you just need from your mum and only your mum for it to work (ha ha), even though you’ve heard this your entire life.

What is one item of clothing you’d steal from your mum’s wardrobe? 

She has way too many cardigans, so every time I’m feeling the need to cover up a little I’d grab one from her closet! Also every time I need a sari, I go straight to her wardrobe because she has really beautiful ones—I’d need her help to put it on anyway.

What is one self-care technique your mum has taught you? 

C’mon, I can’t give away all her beauty secrets like that...

What have you learnt about love from your mum?

To not wear my heart on a sleeve. I've learnt that love is not easy. Growing up watching my parents’ relationship really taught me a lot about sacrifice, boundaries, and looking out for yourself and your heart.

How will you be celebrating Mother's Day?

Unfortunately I’m gonna be on a full day shoot on Mother’s Day but earlier this week, I was able to take her out for lunch after running some errands with her. It turned into a random and really nice lunch date in town, which is very very rare considering how my mother cooks most of the time and we have our meals at home. We also indulged in two different cakes at home a week before Mother’s Day, so we were way too early (every day is Mother’s Day la!) but no complains!

Related article: Preeti Nair, aka Preetipls Is Not Just A Controversial YouTuber