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Candy Pangilinan is considered one of the strongest and most inspiring celebrity moms in the entertainment industry.

As a single mother raising a son diagnosed with autism, Candy has learned to face challenges head-on through her love for her son, Quentin.

One of the struggles she candidly admitted facing was bullying directed at both her and her son.

In an interview with Morly Alinio, Candy recalled how heavy it was at first to deal with these incidents.

"Minsan nga 'yung mga taong hindi mo inaasahan na mambu-bully, sila pa 'yun. Siguro dahil hindi nila naiintindihan o hindi nila alam na nambu-bully sila," she shared.

"Noong first time na nangyari po 'yun, nasasaktan pa ako. 'Pagdating ko sa bahay, minindset ko, 'Hindi ako dapat nasasaktan.' Kasi anak ko nga walang pakialam. Dapat hindi ako nasasaktan kasi hindi nila naiintindihan."

Candy admitted that such incidents have happened several times, especially when they attend parties. She recalled how Quentin often ends up being alone, to the point that he always brings a toy with him to keep himself entertained.

"Naintindihan ko naman 'yung ibang bata kasi siyempre hindi siya maintindihan e," Candy said.

She also added, "Merong times na hindi mo akalain 'yung mga kamag-anak mo pa hindi papansin sa anak mo. Hayaan mo lang."

Despite the heartbreak and struggles, Candy remains grateful to Quentin for the courage and life lessons he has given her through the years.

"There was a time na umiiyak ako. Nahuli ako ni Quentin first time. Sabi niya, 'Why cry?' Ganoon pa siya. Bata pa. Sabi ko, 'Someone did something bad to us.' Tanong niya sa akin, 'Did you do something bad?' No. Sagot niya sa akin, 'You have no problem.' Oo nga naman. Tama nga naman."

For Candy, Quentin is her "ticket to heaven" because of the many lessons he continues to teach her about life.

"Hindi totoo na ako ang nagtuturo kay Quentin. Mas marami siyang tinuturo sa akin. 'Yung pasensya, pagmamahal, innocence, 'yung hindi ka nag-iisip ng masama sa ibang tao. 'Yung lahat ng hindi ako, siya. Tinuro niya sa akin kaya ako naging ganito," she stated.

The actress also shared words of encouragement for mothers who are facing similar situations.

"Kaya huwag niyong sukuan. Pwede po kayong mapagod. Huwag lang kayo sumuko. Kasi hindi po tayo sinusukuan ng Panginoon," she shared.

Take a look at Candy Pangilinan and Quentin's moments that showed their love to each other: