Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

State Farm, one of the oldest and most successful insurance and financial service company in the US and Canada, has a team of high caliber agents in North Hollywood headed by an outstanding Filipina, Melody Angustia Avecilla. Their team has been among the most prominent movers in the Filipino American market since 2001. In an interview with Asian Journal, Melody shares how she is able to fulfill her roles as mother and wife and businesswoman successfully.

The proud mom of James (13) and Heather (11), and wife of her high school sweetheart, John Avecilla, Melody shares how she juggles her time between home and career. "It’s very rewarding and challenging to have the best of both worlds, that is being a mom and having a full time career that I absolutely enjoy. I guess the key is prioritizing. My family will always be my priority. I also adhere to the philosophy that it’s not the quantity but the quality of time I spend with my kids that really matter. The minute I get home, I set aside my laptop and blackberry and just do what I like to do the most which is to be a mom," shares the former PAL flight attendant before she immigrated to the US in 1995.

Melody gives some tips on how their family has made time for each other in the fast-paced life in America. "I have a spouse that helps out; we have our kids understand division of labor; and we employ a part-time housekeeper and gardener.  In our home, my husband is more gifted in cooking so he does most of that. I do the dishes, my daughter folds the laundry, and James takes out the trash etc. Having a part-time house-help also helps in allowing me more free time especially in the weekend to just focus on bonding time with my kids. We plan our weekends ahead of time to make the most of it," said Avecilla.

Her role model in being a good mother is Melody’s own mom, Deanna Angustia. She describes her mother as a very funny and strong woman. She states, "My mom cracks me up. She has a natural sense of humor. She is fun, caring and nurturing. She has demonstrated and instilled to her kids the value of strong faith and hard work. She is a strong woman, resilient and knows how to enjoy life."

The hard-working manager gives the keys to her success - "I truly believe that its sheer passion, determination, hard work and integrity that make up the formula in getting to what I have become and what I still intend to achieve."

Asked what she likes most about being a mommy, Melody cited three precious benefits of mothering. " Having the privilege to experience the meaning of the words "unconditional love". Having to experience extreme pride and joy as I watch my kids grow up and celebrate milestones together. And lastly, knowing that I am loved and accepted regardless of what I say and do, is priceless."

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published on May 6, 2009 in MDWK Magazine p. 3 )