Miguel Tanfelix with his mother known as ‘Mommy Grace.’ 
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Mommy Grace’s unplanned path to social media fame

Grace Tanfelix, affectionately known as Mommy Grace, isn’t just the mother of Kapuso actor Miguel Tanfelix; she’s a culinary powerhouse, capturing hearts with her down-to-earth cooking style and infectious charm

Jefferson Fernando
Grace Tanfelix.

In the bustling world of social media, authenticity reigns supreme, and no one embodies that quite like Mommy Grace. What began as a simple kitchen video in 2022 has blossomed into a full-fledged online sensation, proving that sometimes, the most delightful journeys are the unplanned ones.

Grace Tanfelix, affectionately known as Mommy Grace, isn’t just the mother of Kapuso actor Miguel Tanfelix; she’s a culinary powerhouse, capturing hearts with her down-to-earth cooking style and infectious charm. “One time, I was cooking,” she recalls. “I thought, ‘Why not video this?’ I posted it on TikTok, and people loved it. They wanted more, and it just snowballed from there.”

Her appeal lies in her relatability. Using everyday pots, pans and utensils found in typical Filipino homes, she demystifies cooking, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Her signature phrase, “Okay na ‘to (This is ready),” has become a viral catchphrase, spawning countless memes and skits, a testament to her genuine and comforting presence.

Born under the signs of Gemini and the Fire Goat, Mommy Grace’s wit, adaptability and creative spirit shine through in her content. A devoted wife to Gary Tanfelix and mother to Miguel and Yuan, her family is the cornerstone of her life. Miguel, a frequent guest in her videos, particularly loves her signature leche flan, while Yuan juggles multiple roles as her “driver, editor, videographer, admin, secretary — lahat na (everything)!”

Their compound-style living in Cavite, along with their Parañaque home, explains Mommy Grace’s penchant for cooking in large portions, ensuring everyone — family, relatives and even construction workers during their kitchen renovations — is well-fed.

Long before her online fame, Mommy Grace was a preschool teacher. When Miguel entered showbiz, she stepped away from her career to be a hands-on mom, guiding him through the challenges of the entertainment industry. Now, with Miguel more independent, she’s rediscovered her passions, with cooking taking center stage.

Her impressive online presence — millions of followers across Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram — speaks volumes about her appeal. Whether sharing recipes, answering cooking questions, or simply having fun, Mommy Grace’s culinary repertoire continues to expand.

Adding another feather to her cap, Mommy Grace recently made her television debut in GMA’s Mga Batang Riles, sharing her excitement with her followers. “Artista na ako (I am an actor now)! Hahaha!!” she wrote on Facebook.

Her journey is a testament to the power of rediscovering oneself. She encourages other moms to “explore” and pursue their passions. “If you’re good at something, do it,” she advises. “Like me, I’m good at cooking, so I pursued it.”

Mommy Grace’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t always require a grand plan. Sometimes, all it takes is a dash of authenticity, a sprinkle of passion and a hearty, “Okay na ‘to!”