For many single mothers, every day is about survival.

Finding enough money for food, rent, medicine, and school expenses often comes before thinking about personal happiness.

During our interview, Lilia Botaslak, a 40-year-old Filipina mother of six, spoke honestly about raising her children alone after the end of two relationships and the difficult jobs she has taken to support her family.

Her story is one of sacrifice, resilience, and hope.

Raising Six Children as a Single Mother

Lilia is the mother of six children.

Following two separate relationships, she now raises most of her children on her own while some spend time with relatives from their father's family.

She explained that being a single parent has brought enormous financial pressure, especially with several children still depending on her for food, clothing, and education.

Despite these challenges, she remains focused on keeping her family together.

Working to Support Her Family

To provide for her children, Lilia has spent time working around Walking Street.

She explained that although the income can sometimes help cover immediate expenses, finding customers is never guaranteed and earnings are often unpredictable.

When work is unavailable, she collects recyclable materials to earn additional income.

She emphasized that no matter how difficult the work becomes, her children remain her motivation.

Every Peso Counts

The interview highlights how carefully Lilia manages her family's limited resources.

She rents a small home and worries constantly about paying rent, buying food, and purchasing medicine when one of her children becomes sick.

Simple experiences that many families take for granted—such as taking children to the mall or buying fast food

—are rare treats.

When she has enough money, she brings home food from Jollibee so her children can enjoy something special.

Hoping Her Children Return to School

One of Lilia's greatest concerns is education.

Financial hardship has interrupted some of her children's schooling, but she hopes they will all be able to return to class.

She believes education offers the best chance for them to build more stable lives and avoid repeating the hardships she has experienced.

Throughout the interview, her focus remained on creating opportunities for the next generation.

Looking Beyond Survival

Although the interview's title references finding foreign love, Lilia spent very little time discussing relationships.

Instead, her priorities were clear.

She wants steady work, better opportunities, and a future where her children can grow up healthy, educated, and independent.

Rather than searching for someone to rescue her, she spoke about continuing to work hard while hoping life gradually improves.

A Mother's Determination

Lilia's story reflects the reality many single mothers face across the Philippines.

Between unpredictable work, rising living costs, and caring for multiple children, every day requires difficult decisions.

Even so, she continues moving forward with the hope that education and perseverance will give her children opportunities she never had.

FAQ

How many children does Lilia have?

She is the mother of six children, several of whom still depend on her for daily care and support.

How does she earn money?

She works around Walking Street when possible and also collects recyclable materials to earn additional income.

What is her biggest dream?

She hopes all of her children can return to school, complete their education, and build better lives.