A legacy of love for children lives on in this family, passed down through generations like a treasured heirloom.
Imagine a family tree with roots so deep that its branches stretch across generations, reaching into various aspects of society. The Mañosa-Tanjutco family embodies this concept. Their story is not just about lineage and success but also about community impact.
We had the privilege of interviewing three generations of the Mañosa-Tanjutco family: Denise Mañosa, Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco, and Bambi’s daughters, Tasha and Bella.
It is clear that their love for children runs deeply in this family’s veins, passed down from generation to generation, like a beloved heirloom.
Denise Mañosa, Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco, and Tasha Tanjutco / Photo by Kieran Punay of KLIQ, Inc.
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A Compassionate Heart Passed Down
Denise, the matriarch of the family, infused her philanthropic spirit into her daughter, Bambi, who has nurtured that same spirit in her daughters, Tasha and Bella.
Bambi with daughter Bella Tanjutco / Photo courtesy of Bambi Mañosa
We asked Denise, whom they fondly call “Mitch,” to share a memorable experience as a mother and professional.
Dimples Children’s World
In 1971, she started her first business, a children’s store called Dimples Children’s World. She conceived the idea after their first child, Bambi, was born in 1968 when they realized there was no children’s furniture available for rent for parties.
Her husband, National Artist for Architecture Fransisco “Bobby” Mañosa, one of the most influential Filipino architects of the 20th century, was very conscious of how scale affects children. He and her sister Medilen began designing decor and items for friends’ parties, leading him to create juvenile furniture, which her sister produced.
They found it challenging to sell these items through established stores, so they decided to open their own store. Dimples Children’s World launched in 1971, just before Martial Law was declared, which banned the importation of toys. This spurred local creativity, and their store became a hub for friends making dresses, furniture, games, and even colognes for kids.
The Department of Trade noticed their juvenile furniture and invited them to international fairs, where they saw new toy trends. They brought home samples, allowing their children to enjoy the latest toys even during difficult times. Her business focused on meeting her children’s needs. They tested new items and toys before selling them, and their needs guided the store’s inventory.
She closed the store in 1981 when Martial Law ended, and importation resumed. Competing with department stores like SM became too difficult, and her children had outgrown the need for the store.
From the Nest to the Sky
If she could give advice to mothers, she would emphasize recognizing that children are highly observant and absorb everything around them, both good and bad.
“They watch and emulate how you live your life. As their first and primary teacher, you must set a good example,” Denise said.
Photo by Kieran Punay of KLIQ, Inc.
“Give your children the time they deserve when they are young. Listen to them and acknowledge their thoughts, providing encouragement and praise for their efforts. Stay in the background for support but allow them to lead, shine, and be the stars. Teach them right from wrong, good manners, and proper conduct, instilling Christian values and practices during their formative years,” she added.
Photo by Kieran Punay of KLIQ, Inc.
According to the matriarch, by the time they reach about 16 years of age, they are largely on their own.
“At that point, all you can do is hope and pray that they have absorbed the values and practices you wanted them to have and then let them fly to live their own lives,” she said.
A Family Tree of Compassion and Creativity
When we asked what she is most proud of regarding her daughter Bambi and granddaughters Tasha and Bella, she said, “Of my three children, I believe Bambi absorbed my belief the most, which I got from my mother and from Assumption College, that ‘to those who have been given much, much is expected.'”
She explained that Bambi inherited a love for children, excellent taste in design and aesthetics, and pride in her country from her dad. Bambi has a thousand creative ideas daily, which she wishes could be materialized just as fast with the help of others.
“Bambi, in turn, has imparted all the values and skills she learned from us, especially creativity, love of country, and love for others, to her daughters Tasha and Bella,” she said.
“I am completely amazed at what Tasha and Bella have achieved at such a young age. Imagine the heights they can reach in the future. I thank God for them,” she added.
Raising a Family, Raising Hope
Denise Mañosa’s passion for charity is an integral part of the Mañosa-Tanjutco legacy. Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco inherited this passion and embraced philanthropy in her own way.
Bambi shared how her role as a mother deeply influenced her work with Creative Kids Studio, Museo Pambata, and other initiatives focused on children.
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She began her journey in art education long before having her own children, enjoying summer art projects with kids.
When she decided to further her education, her father, Bobby, suggested she pursue a master’s in Art Education to understand how children learn and how art impacts their lives. This knowledge profoundly impacted her approach at Creative Kids Studio, especially after becoming a mother.
Her own children became her “consultants,” helping her experiment with different teaching methods and creative projects. This hands-on experience with her kids and her nieces and nephews allowed her to develop a deeper understanding of child development and creativity.
The Nurturing Hand
When Bambi founded Kids for Kids, she envisioned creating a platform where teenagers could imagine and create a better world.
She always ensured that a portion of the workshop fees went towards outreach projects, often involving her children in these initiatives.
They traveled together for art outreach projects, exposing her kids to different communities and teaching them the importance of giving back. “For me, strike while the iron is hot,” she said.
At Museo Pambata, Bambi’s role evolved further. When the pandemic hit, the museum couldn’t welcome children for nearly three years, making it a challenging time.
Bambi struggled with this new reality, but her children stepped in with fresh ideas, helping her reimagine the museum’s spaces and purpose. They reversed roles, guiding her with their vision and optimism.
Throughout her journey, Bambi supported her staff, especially during the difficult pandemic period. She took late-night calls to listen to their fears and provide encouragement, helping them see light at the end of the tunnel.
This nurturing approach, influenced by her role as a mother, became a cornerstone of her work in all her child-focused initiatives.
Crafting Memories and Traditions
When asked to share a special family tradition or value that she holds dear and has passed down to her daughters Tasha and Bella, Bambi said, “I think it would be holidays, celebrations. Special tradition of celebrating good days and celebrating little wins also.”
Photo courtesy of Bambi Mañosa / Photo by Kieran Punay of KLIQ, Inc.
Growing up, her family always celebrated birthdays with themed parties, a tradition deeply rooted in her father’s love for gatherings and creativity.
Bambi reminisced about how her dad meticulously cut and designed party invitations by hand, creating a fun crafting process that the whole family enjoyed.
She cherished this tradition of homemade, intimate celebrations and passed it on to her daughters.
Tasha and Bella grew up designing their own birthday parties, infusing their creativity into the celebrations. Bambi gave them the freedom to be deeply involved, fostering a sense of ownership and joy in the process.
Beyond birthdays, Christmas was another significant family tradition that Bambi ensured continued. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and even the celebration of Three Kings were important events that brought the family together.
These traditions, stemming from Bambi’s grandparents, were filled with warmth and joy, and she believes her children and future generations will carry them on.
For Bambi, gathering people and celebrating both big and small moments is a meaningful practice.
It’s about creating lasting memories and passing down the joy of family celebrations, ensuring that even when loved ones are no longer around, their spirit lives on through these cherished traditions.
Circle of Love and Friendship
Exploring how her family’s strong female role models shaped her worldview, particularly her mother Denise, Bambi said, “My mom’s parenting style was very open,” Bambi explains, “She always took time to sit down with me and ask about my day and my friends. We never felt afraid to approach her about anything; I could tell her anything.”
This nurturing environment fostered a relationship that went beyond the traditional mother-daughter dynamic, evolving into a close friendship. “She always made it a very safe space,” she said.
Her mother’s approach to parenting, characterized by open communication and emotional availability, deeply influenced Bambi. She admired how her mother also shared stories of her close relationship with her own mother, highlighting the generational continuity of this openness.
In her own parenting, Bambi creates a similar safe space for her daughters, Tasha and Bella. She encourages them to talk to her about anything and cherishes their open relationship.
Bambi feels blessed to have good people surrounding her daughters and enjoys the friendships her girls have cultivated.
She prayed for this positive environment, remembering how others had warned her about the challenges of raising teenagers, yet her experience has been largely positive, much like her own teenage years with her parents.
Bambi also expressed a deep sense of blessing in having two daughters. Growing up without a sister, she always wished for one and prayed that her children would be girls.
Seeing the close bond between Tasha and Bella fills her with joy, as they embody the sisterly relationship she had longed for. This double blessing of having two daughters has brought immense happiness to Bambi, fulfilling a cherished dream in her life.
From Much to More
Exploring the values instilled in her by her mother Denise, Bambi shared a profound guiding principle she applies in her own life as a wife, mother, and leader.
Reflecting on her upbringing, she recalled a line her mother often mentioned, “To those who were given much, much is expected.” This saying, passed down from her grandmother, resonated deeply with Bambi and shaped her worldview.
Bambi explained that “much” doesn’t necessarily refer to financial wealth or material abundance. Instead, it encompasses any surplus one might have—extra talent, time, ideas, or resources.
This value instilled a sense of responsibility and generosity in Bambi. She believes having something extra isn’t just a privilege but a call to share and contribute to others’ well-being.
This principle of giving and sharing has become a cornerstone in Bambi’s life. She emphasizes that it isn’t about obligation but rather a natural inclination to help and support others whenever possible.
Leading by Example
The torch of philanthropy passes to yet another generation as we turn our focus to Denise’s granddaughters, Tasha and Bella.
Carrying on their family’s legacy of compassion and giving, they shared their views on family, love, and the influence of their grandmother Denise and mother Bambi.
Bella elaborated on how this value was integrated into their daily lives from a young age. “For us growing up, it was always kind of integrated into our everyday, especially the giving back portion,” Bella shared.
“Our mom would just tell us to empty out our closets for things we didn’t need anymore and explain that these items were going to be donated. She taught us what donating means and would even take us to visit the communities receiving our donations. Seeing the kids enjoy our old toys made us realize our privilege and the importance of giving,” Bella continued.
From an early age, Bambi made sure her children understood the impact of their actions. Bella recalled visiting communities and witnessing the joy their donations brought to other children.
Inspiration Through Action
Bella saw the influence of her mother’s teachings as she grew older. “Our Lola Mitch (Denise) always helped out at schools,” Bella said. “When we were old enough, we accompanied her and helped feed the kids. We grew up understanding why it’s important to give back, recognizing that not everyone has the same privileges we do.”
Bambi further reinforced the practice of giving back through art therapy sessions for abused girls and women. “When I was nine and my sister was 11, we became her assistants,” Bella reminisced. “We helped with art therapy and heard the stories of these girls, understanding the reality they faced. It was the first time we saw art as a form of social justice.”
This experience shaped Bella and Tasha’s perspectives, leading them to start Kids for Kids, a movement aimed at empowering children through creativity and social responsibility. “We grew up being self-aware and seeing the disparities in our country,” Bella explained.
“We regularly participated in outreach activities and art therapy sessions. When we entered traditional school, we missed that outlet. So, we started Kids for Kids, not to create an organization but to continue what felt natural to us—giving back and raising awareness.”
The Power of Women
Following Bella’s reflection, Tasha added, “To summarize what Bella said, it was about how women lead in the community. Empowering women empowers the whole community because women are the cultural bearers of their homes and spaces. To learn good values, morals, and life lessons, you have to see how women are the channels for all of this.”
Photo by Kieran Punay of KLIQ, Inc.
Tasha emphasized the pivotal role of women in transmitting wisdom and values. She continued, “We learn a lot about the goodness of the earth and our world through our mothers and grandmothers. This influence isn’t just limited to women; women also empower men to see the bigger picture. The saying ‘behind every strong man is a stronger woman’ really resonates with us.”
Reflecting on their upbringing, Tasha said, “Throughout our whole life, we never saw being a woman as something weak or something we had to prove wrong. Our mother and grandmother Mitch were very involved in the community, and we naturally followed suit. Helping out when we were younger never felt like a task; it felt like something we were born to do and learn about. We were just surprised that it wasn’t normalized for everyone else.”
A Ripple Effect
Their natural inclination towards community service and empowerment led to the creation of various projects.
Tasha explained, “We started all the different projects because we wanted to provide the same sense of purpose and responsibility to others. It wasn’t just about us; it was about sharing the values and lessons we learned with the broader community.”
Bella and Tasha’s actions demonstrate the enduring impact of their mother and grandmother’s lessons, highlighting the powerful generational legacy of women within the family who instill a sense of civic duty and a passion for uplifting others.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to understand their role in the community,” Tasha said.
This tradition, handed down through the years, remains a defining feature of their lives and inspires those who witness their compassionate works.
The Overflowing Cup
Our conversation with Bella and Tasha, the next generation of compassionate leaders in the Manosa-Tanjutco family, shifted to exploring how they intend to uphold the tradition of philanthropy that has been a cornerstone of their family’s legacy.
Bella reflected on how Kids for Kids is now being led by a younger cousin, just 16, who is already spearheading significant campaigns, like the recent art festival for awareness.
She emphasized the importance of passing on the legacy to the next generation, especially during the critical high school years when self-awareness and acknowledging one’s privilege are pivotal.
Bella noted, “The goal shouldn’t be solely profit-focused. Living in a capitalistic system makes it easy to get caught up in extracurriculars just for resumes. But it’s important to realize life’s purpose includes giving back to the community. We are here to co-create with Earth, to give back what we take.”
She also reiterated a powerful lesson her grandmother and mother passed down: “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
This principle emphasized the importance of acknowledging one’s privilege and blessings, and viewing the act of giving back not as a chore, but as a natural instinct.
She explained, “If a cup is overflowing, it’s a mess. But if a cup is shared equally with others, it’s a celebration.”
Filipino for a Reason
After Bella shared her thoughts, Tasha added her perspective, thoughtfully responding, “One of the main lessons I’ve learned, in its simplest form, is to truly appreciate my culture and understand how my identity as a Filipino can be my life’s purpose.”
She reflected on the existential crises many people face, questioning their purpose and place in the world. “For me,” she continued, “the answer lies in my roots: why I was born Filipino and why I am part of this nation, this archipelago.”
Tasha emphasized that being Filipino is something everyone should unpack and learn from, to see how they can best use these characteristics to leave their mark on this earth.
“I was born a Filipina for a reason,” she said, reiterating how being Filipino is something to be explored and understood as a means to make a difference.
Learning and Loving
Bella and Tasha clearly cherish the bond with their mother and grandmother. When asked how they express their affection for their family, Bella shared heartfelt thoughts.
“I feel showing our appreciation is really about quality time and acts of service,” Bella said.
She explained that their approach often involves taking on tasks to give their elders a break and bringing fresh perspectives to the work. “We allow them to take the break and the rest they need because we can’t really achieve anything if everyone’s burned out. That’s how we show our appreciation—by helping out and spending time with them. None of us ever see our jobs as work, but more like spending time with each other, nearly just learning from each other.”
Bella emphasized the importance of learning from her mother and grandmother. “Everyone has gone through life. They’ve already gone through the big bulk of what life has to offer. So really, just by being there, learning about our family history, and world history in general, is a relief. That’s how we show our appreciation when we can.”
Tasha agreed with her younger sister’s sentiment. “True, I mean, that’s how we do it. Work is a labor of love. Again, because our work is so closely tied with our passion, that sometimes there is no separation. So even if other people may look at it as work, for us, it’s also a service.”
Hope for the Future
As our conversation with the Mañosa-Tanjutco family comes to a close, we posed one final question to Bambi. “What makes you proud of your daughters?”
Photo by Kieran Punay of KLIQ, Inc.
“My daughters Natasha ‘Tasha,’ 24, and Isabella ‘Bella,’ 22, grew up with an unconventional mother. Art is a major language of childhood, and that language was spoken very well in our home,” Bambi began.
Photo courtesy of Bambi Mañosa
She continued, “My daughters Bella and Tasha have been the embodiment of the creativity and hope I wish upon every Filipino child. They continuously give me a reason to challenge the system and transform it for a better future for their children and their children’s children too.”
The Soul of Giving
This story is one of love—the love for family, for passion, for humanity, for one’s country. And the love for children—knowing and understanding that they are the future. The Mañosa-Tanjutco family’s dedication to these principles is an inspiration. They spread hope and kindness that radiates beyond themselves and into the lives of those they touch.
Text and Creative Direction by Kim Luna
Photos by Kieran Punay of KLIQ, Inc., and Bambi Mañosa
Sittings Editor Mawi Fojas De Ocampo
Shoot Coordination by Mae Talaid
