Charo Santos-Concio | Photo courtesy of CreaZion Studios

Charo Santos-Concio is celebrating her 50th anniversary in the entertainment industry this 2025. Throughout the decades, she's been considered a mentor whose take on leadership has inspired generations of storytellers. Charo was iconic as a media executive and continues to be a celebrated actress, producer, and host. With the many hats she wears, at the end of the day, this graceful woman portrays one of the best roles there is: a mom.

Always poised under pressure, the Maalaala Mo Kaya host is also known to be soft-spoken, yet her words carry weight, commanding attention and respect. She's the epitome of a working mom who champions her dreams, filling her own cup first so she can pour into others' cups as well.

Her sons, Francis and Martin, have their own families now. And so, Charo's relationship with her children has inevitably evolved, too. 

What's motherhood like for her today? "Today? Oh my god, I'm friends with my sons. We have honest conversations," Charo told Metro.Style. "I've always had an open communication with my sons precisely because I was a working mom. So, I've made sure that I really got to know them not only as my sons but as, you know, human beings, as persons." 

Since her sons have already carved their own niches and paths, Charo said that her role to them these days is like that of a friend who guides them. She respects that they are now their own person, and she can't be prouder of the men they've become. Her mother, Nora, was also like her best friend. 

Related: 9 of Charo Santos-Concio's Quotable Quotes From Bianca Gonzalez's 'Paano Ba 'To?!' Podcast Episode

Charo with her sons Francis and Martin | Photo from @charosantos

Photo courtesy of CreaZion Studios

"I like it that we're friends, we're buddies, we can joke around, we can talk about anything under the sun, even about my personal feelings about things. They even talk to me about my womanhood, you know? There's a very honest exchange of ideas between me and my sons. I'm happy that they're grounded and that they're good people. That's what's most important," Charo shared. 

Charo is glad to have found daughters in her daughters-in-law, Carla (Francis' wife) and Ystacey (Martin's wife), using "friendship" to describe her relationship with them. "We're friends. I'd like to think I'm not a monster-in-law," Charo said. "I'm able to say my piece. But I don't nag. I let them be. But if I see the opportunity for me to teach and to mentor, then I do. Parang meron ka lang, 'Excuse me, I hope you don't mind,' 'di ba? Hindi 'yung into your face na 'Hoy!' Hindi ganu'n. You have to find creative ways of communicating what you want to say."

Charo got this gracefulness and sophistication from her mother, Nora. Growing up, her mom instilled in her the value of respect, forever reminding her to be kind always. 

"I remember when I was 12 years old, I used to reason out. 'Pag when she calls my attention about something, ay naku, sasagot ako," Charo recalled. "She got so hurt that she told my Ate, 'You talk to Charo and you tell her the next time she lashes out at me, I'll never ever talk to her. And it never happened ever again until her dying day. It was a tough lesson that I kept in my heart forever. I should always be respectful when I reason out. She allowed me naman to reason out, pero 'yung manner was very, very important. You have to say things in a kinder manner."

Photo courtesy of CreaZion Studios

When asked if she and her mom are similar when it comes to parenting, Charo thinks her mom was more patient than she is. "Mas matiisin siya... She taught me patience and perseverance," she shared, adding that despite struggles and challenges in marriage and family life, her mother carried herself with grace and elegance. 

Charo admired her mother, especially "how she showed unconditional love to my father and all her six children." "She even sacrificed her own dreams for the family," Charo mentioned. 

Because she grew up in that kind of loving and nurturing environment, she loves her children unconditionally, too—and that's what Charo considers her greatest achievement as a mother. The greatest reward? She is also showered with unconditional love by her family, with beautiful grandkids to constantly show and remind her of the true meaning of love and happiness.

As this mother, mentor, and muse enters her golden era, she also takes on fiercer and more fearless roles that further cement her status as a woman with many talents. The first of this is her big screen comeback via Only We Know, co-starring Dingdong Dantes. She’s also working with two formidable managements, Star Magic and CreaZion Studios Artists, for upcoming film projects and brand endorsements.

Lead photo courtesy of CreaZion Studios