The Magno Family:

Strength, Solace, and Silver Linings

Max Collins and Pancho Magno paint a picture of what starting a family in the midst of a pandemic is like and how they have embraced 2020’s biggest plot twist by finding solace and strength in the family.

Text by Racquel Quieta

Photos courtesy of GMA Artist Center

The year 2020 proved to be a pivotal year for Kapuso couple Max Collins and Pancho Magno as they transitioned from being one of the most-admired celebrity couples to one of the most inspirational families amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clearly, Max and Pancho didn’t expect that the biggest plot twist waiting for them for the year 2020 was that they have to start a family while the world is going through a pandemic.

In an exclusive interview with GMANetwork.com, Max and Pancho share the highs and lows of being first-time parents amid the pandemic and how they’re staying optimistic and grateful despite the bumpy ride that is 2020.

Braving the unknown

The year 2020 is such a momentous year for Max Collins and Pancho Magno, who welcomed their first baby, Skye Anakin, on July 7.

The birth of a young couple’s first baby is always a special event, but it became even more unforgettable for them because it came at a time when the world was filled with fear and uncertainty.

Like everyone else, Max and Pancho had no clue that a huge challenge for humanity was up ahead when they welcomed the year.

Inevitably, what would have been just a happy and exciting time for the couple was marred with anxieties and misgivings, as safety became a crucial concern for Max’s childbirth.

Nevertheless, the Kapuso couple did not cave in and they bravely tackled what seemed an insurmountable dilemma, by working together and preparing for their Plan B.

“Naging open lang kami to learning new things and admitting na we don’t know everything. We’re still learning more about each other every day and we take it step by step.”

Many people lauded Max and Pancho for opting for home water birth to ensure the safety of Max and Baby Skye.

Although it came with risks, the first-time parents bravely pushed through with their Plan B and thoroughly prepared for it.

Surprisingly, when the Kapuso couple recounted this experience during their interview with GMANetwork.com, Max and Pancho both looked so calm, bubbly, and even glowing.

It’s as though they haven’t gone through one of the toughest trials in their lives, and that Baby Skye hasn’t given them sleepless nights at all.

Pancho recounted their home water birth experience by saying, “We studied about it, researched everything about home birthing. Like, for my wife talaga, nag-ready siya not only mentally, but also physically. Nag-exercise siya, like ’yung core exercises. So, malaking tulong talaga (’yung preparation).”

He also admitted that he did feel nervous while Max was giving birth, just like any first-time dad would.

Fortunately, everything went well. Looking back at it now still leaves Pancho feeling amazed and grateful.

“Ako, being a nurse, ’pag nandoon ka na sa situation na nanganganak na ’yung asawa mo, parang ’di mo na alam kung ano’ng gusto mong gawin, e. So, unbelievable pa rin until now.”

The doting father also gave kudos to his wife Max who has become the epitome of a strong, selfless, and loving mother, ready to make tremendous sacrifices to ensure their firstborn’s safety.

“During the pregnancy, grabe. Like si Max ata binago niya lahat ng—I can’t explain kung paano pinagdadaaan ng lahat ng moms ’yon na nine months may baby ka (and) bago ’yung mindset mo.

“And sobrang big deal lang na si Skye—kasi nurse ako—home birthing siya e, pero naging ganyan siya ka-healthy. So, para sa’min wala na kaming ibang hiling. Like every day we pray. Sobrang thankful lang kami sa blessing na binigay ni Lord sa’min.

The blooming first-time mom said going through pregnancy and giving birth during the pandemic came with pros and cons.

Max reflected on her pregnancy journey by saying, “In a way mas naging madali rin para sa’kin. I mean nandoon pa rin yung anxiety dahil sa pandemic, but in a way napilitan ako magpahinga since wala kaming trabaho and I was able to focus on my health.

“Kumain ako ng healthy food. ’Cause usually when I was taping, lagi akong naka-diet. But I was really able to focus on my health and on taking care of my well-being para kay Baby Skye while I was pregnant.

“So, there were pros and cons during the pandemic. The cons naman were the anxiety na hindi kami makalabas, kung saan ako manganganak, and kung ano ’yung magiging future ng anak namin and ng bansa natin.”

First-time parents during uncertain times

Being a parent has its own complexities but becoming one during an unprecedented time in history surely adds more challenges into the picture.

Max talked about the anticipated changes that they went through as first-time parents.

“I think everyone has their struggles naman building a family. Kasi siyempre maraming pagbabago and also (especially) during our circumstances now.

“Before our dynamic was, we’re always working. Our focus was more career-oriented, and now it’s really family-oriented.”

Her husband Pancho revealed that they actually enjoyed the pregnancy period and most of the challenges came only after Max had given birth to Baby Skye.

“Na-enjoy namin ’yung pregnancy itself, but post-pregnancy, ito na ’yung spending time with the baby outside, doon kami medyo nahihirapan.

“Four months na si Skye e, so sana alam mo ’yun, sana makapag-beach man lang kami or makapuntang Tagaytay, ganyan.

“Gusto niya lagi asa labas e, kaya doon kami [nalulungkot] na hindi kami makalabas because of the pandemic. Pero siguro ’yon talaga. After this pandemic—and I hope soon, very soon—maibato ko siya sa beach.

“Kasi ganun ginagawa ng dad ko kaya naging swimmer ako. Baby pa lang ako hinahagis niya ko sa pool or sa beach. So, natuto ako mag-swim at a young age. So, gusto ko rin gawin kay Skye.”

“Kasi ganun ginagawa ng dad ko kaya naging swimmer ako. Baby pa lang ako hinahagis niya ko sa pool or sa beach. So, natuto ako mag-swim at a young age. So, gusto ko rin gawin kay Skye.”

The Kapuso actor, who is set to star in GMA Network’s upcoming TV series ‘First Yaya’, also narrated how difficult it was to not be able to spend that much time with his wife and newborn son, as he had to physically distance himself from them.

“Siyempre for me din, I started working early so naka-self-quarantine ako most of the time. So, hindi ko rin sila masyadong nakakasama kasi kailangan kong umiwas sa kanila because of my work e. Exposed ako talaga sa maraming tao e.

“We take it day by day; we look at all the positive sa nangyayari. Minsan hindi mo naman maiiwasan (mag-worry) e. At least may positive side pa rin sa mga nangyayari during this pandemic, di ba?

“Now, sobrang happy kami na healthy si Skye. ’Yun talaga ’yung pinaka-focus namin, na healthy siya. Doon kami sobrang happy. ’Yun ang tinitingnan namin lagi na basta healthy si Skye, sobrang ibang klaseng blessing na ’yun for us.”

His wife Max also shared how they uplift each other during this difficult time and how they take turns in caring for their son.

“We pray for each other; we pray for our family. We try to be grateful sa lahat ng blessings na dumarating, kahit na hindi maganda ’yung nangyayari sa atin now because of the pandemic. We just try to find things to be grateful for.

“We (also) make sure to give each other our me-time kasi kailangan talaga ’yon in order for us to be good parents. To give Skye our hundred percent, we take turns on certain things.

“We have different roles. Siya madalas nagpapaligo kay Skye. And just things like that. We try to take turns para fair naman ’yung pag-aalaga kay Skye (and also) so we both have our own me-time.”

Pancho chimed in, “Basta it’s about breastfeeding and breast milk, labas ako doon. I can do almost everything but (breastfeeding).”

The Kapuso actress also revealed what she appreciates most about her husband Pancho.

“Ang na-appreciate ko sa kanya is ’yung devotion niya as a father, kasi nakita ko talaga sa kanya kung gaano niya kamahal si Skye, and he really takes time to take care of him, and he’s such a good dad.

“That’s what I’ve seen in him since nag-start ’yung pandemic. Kung gaano siya nagbago from a non-dad to a dad. Nakita ko ’yung pagbabago sa kanya, kung gaano siya nag-mature bilang father and I’m proud of him for that.”

Even if 2020 has been plagued with challenges, they remain thankful for the biggest blessing they have received this year.

“What’s a better blessing than having a baby who’s happy and healthy, right? So, it’s been a great experience and we’ve been learning along the way.

“Like every day there’s something new to learn about building a family, something new to learn about your spouse and about your child.

“Naging open lang kami to learning new things and admitting na we don’t know everything. We’re still learning more about each other every day and we take it step by step.”

Weathering storms together

In the middle of the pandemic, the Philippines was also battered by powerful typhoons Rolly and Ulysses, which both caused massive and extensive damages to property and even claimed lives.

Pancho revealed that they were also affected by the flood in Antipolo, but fortunately, they were spared from harm.

The actor is truly grateful for it.

“Kami rin (naapektuhan) kami e, dahil nandito kami sa Antipolo. So, almost knee-deep na (’yung baha) sa labas ng house.

“I mean ’yung car ko muntikan nang malubog, (’yung) dalawang cars dito.

“So, hindi ko ma-explain kung papaano pa ‘yung iba ’di ba?

“Kasi ako, safe naman sa amin e, sa totoo lang. I mean baha pero mataas kasi ’yung house eh. So, ayoko talaga as much as possible magreklamo.”

“Alam mo basta safe si Baby Skye, nandoon na ko e.

“Pero mahirap ’yon. May ganun na ’kong (feeling), kinakabahan na ko, sobrang kinakabahan na ko.

“But ’yon lang talaga. Para sa’kin sobrang blessed pa rin ako. Siguro titingnan mo talaga ’yung blessing e.

“Kasi blessed ako na si Skye tumatawa dito, like wala siyang idea sa nangyayari.”

Pancho also shared some encouraging words for those who are reeling from the aftermath of the typhoons.

“I will try to sympathize and empathize, but I know it’s really hard lalo na sa nangyayari ngayon.

“So, siguro ’yung pinaka-advice ko lang is always stay positive and parang ang pinakamahalaga pa rin is ’yung binigay sa’yo rin ni God na life, love… and ’yon lang talaga magpapalakas sa atin. Not only this year, but I think for years to come. I mean, forever.

“Huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Everything will get better in time and God is always there for all of us.”

Max also gave an uplifting message to those grappling with the consequences of the pandemic and the typhoons.

“We’re so sorry for everything that’s going on in our world now, but hindi naman tayo in control. So, ’yon talaga, lift up everything kay God. ’Yon lang magagawa natin sa ngayon.

“Pinagpe-pray naming lahat, na maging maayos ulit, (na) everyone’s safe and healthy.

“So sad noh? Iniisip ko lang kung gano ka-sad ’yung nangyayari sa’tin ngayon.

“Yeah, I just really wanna pray for everyone out there and I’m so sorry that you’re going through so much pain and I really hope that God lifts you up in those dark days.”

“We’re so sorry for everything that’s going on in our world now, but hindi naman tayo in control. So, ’yon talaga, lift up everything kay God. ’Yon lang magagawa natin sa ngayon. "

“Yeah, I just really wanna pray for everyone out there and I’m so sorry that you’re going through so much pain and I really hope that God lifts you up in those dark days.”

Celebrating Christmas

Christmas this year will definitely be unlike all the others that came before it, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be as happy or enjoyable.

The young family chooses to carry on family traditions but will most likely make some adjustments due to the ongoing health crisis.

Pancho said “We usually celebrate at home talaga with family. We play games and I hope magawa namin, pero now siguro mga nasa ano lang kami 50% ng relatives na nandito or baka less pa.”

Max emphasized that one positive thing that’ll make this Christmas memorable for them is that they’ll now be spending it with their son, Baby Skye.

“Well, what would be different this year is may Baby Skye na, so at least all the family members will get to meet him, since they haven’t met him yet.”

“Sana things go back to normal and Skye will be able to play outside without worrying, would be able to make friends and not have to wear a mask in the future.”

It’s no secret that having faith in God is the best way to get through difficulties, and that love serves as a fortress, and the family a solace during times of crisis.

That’s why despite all the trials that the Kapuso couple faced this year, Max and Pancho will forever be grateful for their biggest silver lining amid the pandemic, the arrival of their son, Skye Anakin.

Pancho said, “Si Baby Skye eh. Yeah, that’s enough blessing. That’s our biggest blessing talaga.

“Parang wala ka nang mako-compare. Siguro isa na lang (dagdag) na naging safe kami during the typhoon.

“(Plus) during the pandemic, hindi kami nagkaroon ng sakit (kaya) very thankful kami.”

Max also noted how the pandemic brought most families closer together and were able to provide one another the mental and emotional strength needed to endure this period, all thanks to technology.

“It’s nice kasi somehow dahil sa pandemic lumiit ang mundo because we’re all online. So, we can always talk to our loved ones, and so that’s really what we want to focus on this year.

“Kahit na hindi namin nakikita ’yung family members namin, nakakapag-usap kami online. And we hope for the same thing for everyone out there.

“Even if you can’t physically be with your family members, at least you can all spend time via Zoom this Christmas and New Year and still tell them that you love them.”

“Blessed ako na si Skye tumatawa dito, like wala siyang idea sa nangyayari.”

As the year 2020 comes to a close, Max and Pancho pray that the COVID-19 pandemic will soon end and that 2021 will be a better year for everyone.

Pancho said, “It’s a very heartbreaking year for all of us. So, ’yun nga ’yung positive side is nandito si Skye. I hope—we wish—na sana hindi na ito mangyari ulit.”

One way to look at the brighter side of the pandemic is how the lessons that we learn now could prepare the young ones should they face something similar in their lifetime.

“So, ’yung wish lang natin is maging mas strong lang sila sa mga darating—at least maging ready sila kung ano man ’yung mangyayari. ’Wag naman sana pandemic, pero like challenges and obstacles in their lifetime.”

Max chooses to be optimistic for their son Skye Anakin and for the rest of the world.

“Sana things go back to normal and Skye will be able to play outside without worrying, would be able to make friends and not have to wear a mask in the future. So, sana bumalik sa dati ang lahat.

She also shared what gives her hope that 2021 will indeed be a better year for humanity.

“’Di ba they say na when you’re so down, you can’t go anywhere but up? So, ’yun ’yung iniisip ko na since ang daming nangyayari now. We can only do better in the future. It can only get better. Sana. (laughs)”

“Kung wala kang tinapay today, pero tomorrow meron, blessing na ’yon e. Alam mo sa heart mo na next year or kung kailanman, I’m sure gagawa si God ng way na malalagpasan (mo) lahat ng mga nagyayaring ito.”

Pancho, underscored the importance of counting one’s blessings, even amid trying times.

“Kung wala kang tinapay today, pero tomorrow meron, blessing na ’yon e. Alam mo sa heart mo na next year or kung kailanman, I’m sure gagawa si God ng way na malalagpasan (mo) lahat ng mga nagyayaring ito.”

The year 2020 has been one of the most difficult years in our lifetime.

It came with lots of plot twists that shocked us, leaving many of us desperate and sometimes even feeling hopeless.

But the greatest plot twist of all was how the pandemic forced us to slow down and turn our focus to the things that really mattered most.

Everyone wished this year would be the year that they’d fulfill their goals. Instead, this year taught us how to appreciate what we already have in our lives.

It taught us how to count our blessings, have a grateful heart, and see the silver lining in hardships just like The Magno family.

With hope, we could all take these lessons to heart and bring them with us to 2021. Let’s all stay strong and hopeful that the world will soon witness the plot twist that we have all been praying for.