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Mom and Daughter: Mary Rose and Robyn Marbil

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<p>Parenthood is a journey of letting go. In the early years, a child clings to their mother—a bond forged in sleepless nights, comforting embraces, and the small, quiet acts of care that build a deep connection. Mother and daughter become inseparable. But as the child grows, the true measure of a parent’s success is not in how tightly their child holds on, but in how confidently they let go—standing tall, secure in who they are, and ready to carve out a life of their own.</p><p>As we celebrate all mothers this month, <strong>Mary Rose Marbil</strong>, founder of the <strong>PNP OLC Foundation</strong>, and her daughter, <strong>Robyn Marbil</strong>, exemplify that quiet triumph. As the devoted wife of PNP Chief <strong>Rommel Francisco Marbil </strong>and a corporate professional turned philanthropist, Mary Rose has led with grace, resilience, and compassion. Her daughter Robyn, now an aspiring architect, pursues her dreams with confidence and independence. </p><p>Together, they reflect on their evolving bond—one grounded in love, mutual respect, and the beauty of growing up side by side.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747193590997Metro Ms Marbil Feature-16.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>A well-rounded mom</strong></div><p>Coming from a typical Filipino family, Robyn shares that their family may not be the most openly affectionate, but the love is unmistakable. “My mom and I are close, and I really enjoy spending time with her, just the two of us,” the 26-year-old says.</p><p>Fresh from earning a master’s degree from Columbia University and engaged to be married next year, Robyn appreciates her relationship with her mother more than ever. Though they haven&#x27;t lived under the same roof for some time—Mary Rose resides within Camp Crame while Robyn stays in the family home—their bond has only deepened. In fact, the distance has only made their time together all the more meaningful.</p><p>At this phase of her life, Robyn sees her mother not just as a parent, but as a confidante and friend. It’s not unusual to find Robyn, Mary Rose, and Robyn’s friends sharing a drink after a long day. Mary Rose has become an honorary member of Robyn’s inner circle—the kind of “<em>Tita</em>” everyone wants around. Once, Robyn even discovered her mom had gone clubbing with her friends—without her! “She’s a social butterfly!” Robyn laughs. “I’m more like Dad—quiet and a bit of a homebody.”</p><p>Despite Mary Rose’s outgoing personality and seemingly relaxed parenting style, her protective instincts remain intact. She does all the loving (and mildly annoying) mom things—texting Robyn to ask if she’s home safe, checking who she’s out with, and sending reminders about adult responsibilities.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747193851031Metro Ms Marbil Feature-22.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Robyn Marbil</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>“She’s reasonably protective. I think it’s because she’s experienced so much herself. She just wants me to do things right,” Robyn shares. Now, the roles are shifting slightly—Robyn finds herself checking in on her mom, too. “Even when I was in the US for a year, I was texting her updates.”</p><p>As a mom who understands the importance of building character and discovering your purpose, Mary Rose has always given Robyn room to grow, guiding her from a respectful distance, never hovering, never holding her back. It’s not always easy for mothers to embrace their children’s independence, but Mary Rose knows when to step in and when to step aside.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>“Thank you, Mom”</strong></div><p>The journey of growing up isn’t one-sided. Children eventually reach a point where they, too, reflect on everything their mothers have done for them.</p><p>“Even when we didn’t talk much (throughout my growing-up years), just knowing that mom was there made a difference,” Robyn says. “Her presence was important to me.”</p><p>Though life has changed and quiet moments are now rarer, Robyn remains grateful. “Today, I just want to thank her for teaching me compassion and for showing me how to put my whole heart into the things I do.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747194041131Metro Ms Marbil Feature-10.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Mary Rose Marbil</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Mary Rose is one of Robyn’s greatest inspirations. While most women her age would be slowing down, Mary Rose is just getting started—pouring her time and energy into the PNP OLC Foundation, an organization that supports PNP uniformed and non-uniformed personnel and their dependents. Though formally established in 2024, the foundation had long existed as a club traditionally led by the wife of the PNP Chief. The foundation provides financial and medical assistance and is expanding to launch more initiatives of greater impact. </p><p>“I found a different kind of fulfillment that I never felt before,” Mary Rose says of her work—an inspiring shift from a successful career in telecom to philanthropy.</p><p>Mary Rose hopes to pass her newfound wisdom and gratitude onto Robyn. “I always tell her to keep an open mind and to stay present,” she shares.</p><p>A former interior designer with a daughter in architecture, Mary Rose understands her daughter deeply. Their shared creativity and complementary personalities make them a perfect team—opposites who bring out the best in each other.</p><p>“My wish for my mom is that all of her dreams come true,” Robyn says. “Actually, they already are. She’s always wanted to help people and travel the country—and now she’s doing that through her work with the foundation.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747194224552Metro Ms Marbil Feature-44.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false"></span></span></span></div><p>Mother and daughter stand beside a sentimental gift by a local artist </p><div><br/></div><p>In the quiet strength of Mary Rose and the blooming independence of Robyn, we see what motherhood is truly about—not just raising a child, but raising a woman who will thrive, love deeply, and live meaningfully. Their story reminds us that the best kind of parenting is one that prepares a child to walk boldly on her own—and that the most beautiful relationships are those that grow, not apart, but deeper with distance.</p>

<p>Mary Rose Marbil, founder of the PNP OLC Foundation, and her daughter, Robyn Marbil, reflect on their evolving bond—one grounded in love, mutual respect, and the beauty of growing up side by side.</p>

Mary Rose Marbil, founder of the PNP OLC Foundation, and her daughter, Robyn Marbil, reflect on their evolving bond—one grounded in love, mutual respect, and the beauty of growing up side by side.

This Mom and Daughter Duo Reflects on the Beauty of Growing Up Side by Side

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This Mom and Daughter Duo Reflects on the Beauty of Growing Up Side by Side

Metro.Style

Published May 15, 2025 06:00 PM PHT

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