Peak Support Q&A: Maria Cecilia Acido

Ces is a devoted mother and wife, who considers her family and friends her greatest treasures. Seeing her kids happy and healthy, as well as being able to provide for all their needs, are what she considers to be the best thing about being a mom. How do you know if she’s unhappy about something? She usually just keeps quiet and waits for her head to cool down. Ces gets excited about Christmas because according to her, it’s the most wonderful time of the year where families come together, and homes are filled with love, joy, and hope. When asked which five words best describe her, she says that she is loving, organized, sensitive, meticulous, and considerate. If you ever visit Ces at her house, get ready to satisfy your pasta cravings with her delicious spaghetti. Get to know Ces better by reading this month’s Q&A blog.

What has been the toughest part about the pandemic for you?

One of the toughest things for a parent with a child who has special needs, is having my son’s occupational therapy sessions stopped due to the pandemic.

Please complete the sentence: I wish I was a kid so I can _____.

Live more carelessly and just have fun.

Which Disney princess are you?

Merida from the movie “Brave.” I can relate to her personality a lot because like her, I am also tough, courageous, headstrong, stubborn, and rebellious at times.

Who’s your favorite sibling?

I have four siblings so it’s hard to choose just one. But I’d say, my second sister, Yna. She’s easy to deal with and is very considerate. I love that I can always count on her for almost anything and everything.

What scares you the most about being lost out in sea?

Being lost out in the sea is probably one of the most challenging survival situations anyone can ever be in. I’m afraid that if that were to happen to me, that I won’t make it and nobody will take care of my kids.

If you had the extra time, what other college degree would you be willing to go back to school for?

Being a mom of a kid with special needs, I would like to get a degree in something that’s related to developmental therapy. I want to have a more meaningful profession that I can use to help my firstborn and other children with health, educational, and behavioral challenges, to live more normal lives.

Who has never left your side, through all the good and bad times?

My parents, my siblings, and of course my husband.

When was the last time you cried so hard?

It has been almost three years since my son, Lyle – who has a congenital heart defect, suffered a mild stroke due to a brain abscess. It was very unexpected. At the time, we were waiting for his second operation which got delayed. I cried so hard and even pleaded to God to save his life. So he underwent surgery to remove the abscess and stayed in the hospital for two months. 6 months later, he underwent his second heart surgery. Not the last one though, as the doctors found out another problem that would require him to undergo another surgery after 10 years.

Do you like living in the present, or getting stuck in the past?

I like to live in the present. Our past is the foundation of who we are now. We have to move forward and learn from our past experiences.

What’s the most romantic thing your husband has ever done for you?

My husband isn’t the type who showers me with gifts or makes surprises. But every single day, he would ask me what I want him to cook for us and he will definitely prepare it. And that is something I find very romantic. Not to mention, he also does the laundry and goes to the market.

Where’s the one place that you wish you could go to right now?

Manila. My family and I want to make it a tradition to always go back there to celebrate either Christmas or the New Year with my side of the family. I want my children to meet their cousins in Manila at least once a year, so that they can play in person and have memories together.

What’s the cutest thing you’ve ever seen in your entire life?

The first social smiles of my children as babies. Seeing them smile, especially the first ones, is one of the most gratifying moments of parenthood. In those instances, the pain of giving birth, sleepless nights, never-ending diaper changes, breastfeeding challenges, newborn stress – it all becomes worth it.

How good are you at fixing broken things around the house?

Not very good actually. I leave the fixing to my husband. He is our handyman.

If sleep wasn’t issue, what will you do for 24 hours straight?

I will go on a road trip all day because that’s where I feel the most calm and relaxed. I also love seeing different sceneries.

What food is always present at your parties?

Cheesecake! I just love it and can’t resist it.

Check out our other previous Q&As below:

Peak Support Q&A: Manuel Co Jr.

Peak Support Q&A: Bianca Lazaro

Peak Support Q&A: Shirleen Telis

Peak Support Q&A: Roland Allan Papa

Peak Support Q&A: Marichel Natividad

Peak Support Q&A: Hannah Steiman

Peak Support Q&A: Carlos Cornista

Peak Support Q&A: Francis Eronico

Peak Support Q&A: Raezalaine Tayag

Peak Support Q&A: Bryan Rosario

Peak Support Q&A: Patrick Pilares

Peak Support Q&A: Honey Faith Belnas

Peak Support Q&A: Jonathan Steiman

Peak Support Q&A: Hazel Abijay

Peak Support Q&A: Kevin Calatrava

Peak Support Q&A: Leizl Joy Yee

Peak Support Q&A: Jan Merrick Lazaro

Peak Support Q&A: Kathleen Egger

Peak Support Q&A: Kaci Barker

Peak Support Q&A: George Tillotson

Peak Support Q&A: Mark Pabriaga

Peak Support Q&A: Iar Indus

Peak Support Q&A: Mimi Abelarde

Illustration by Rhea Avanceña