Considered as the longest-running drama anthology series in Philippine television, Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) has been part of every Filipinos’ lives for the last twenty years.
Since its first airing in 1991, MMK has been solely hosted by veteran-actress-now-ABS-CBN president, Charo Santos-Concio. Despite her decision to step away from the limelight, Ms. Charo still thrives as the sole narrator of the show, reading different true-to-life inspired stories every Saturday night to Filipino viewers in a similar, warmly-lit living room set for the last 20 years. To date, more than 800 stories of Filipinos have been told in MMK.
Named after the Filipino Kundiman love song written and composed by Constancio de Guzman, Maalaala Mo Kaya, did not only captivate the Filipinos’ lives with every episodes or letters sent, but has also paved way for many actors and directors to be recognized in the entertainment industry.
Among its famous episodes are: Rubber Shoes, MMK’s pilot episode in 1991. The Lobo episode top-billed by Regine Velasquez and Piolo Pascual has been one of the highest-rating MMK episode with 47.9 percent in Manila. The critically acclaimed Regalo, was star-studded with Vilma Santos, Ricky Davao, and Maja Salvador top-billing the episode. The two-part Ninoy and Cory Aquino story entitled Kalapati and Makinilya, were also made special with Piolo Pascual portraying the role of Benigno Aquino Jr. and Bea Alonzo playing the role of Corazon Aquino. And who could ever forget the posthumous performance of the Star Magic talent, AJ Perez in the episode Tsinelas? AJ died in a car crash April 17, 2011, days before it aired on April 30, 2011.
These stories are only some of the reasons why MMK had so much recall with the audience. Through the years, MMK had showcased quality programming that not only mirrored the Filipino society, but also made sure that good values and lessons that Filipinos are known for were always instilled with the viewers after every story.
Renowned director to numerous blockbuster films, Olivia Lamasan recalled in MMK’s 20th Anniversary episode last Sept. 25, 2011, said that MMK is truly “the home” of every Filipino’s story.
She also said how the show has made her the director that she is today. Direk Olive, as her talents would like to call her, has been the creative consultant, writer, and regular director of the show since 1993.
Director Cathy Garcia-Molina fondly recalled how MMK served as every director’s springboard for their work to gain favorable attention in the industry.
“Kasi dati, bago ka tawaging direktor, kailangan dumaan ka muna sa MMK. Goal mo’ pag bago ka na ‘kapag nakapag-direct na ‘ko ng MMK, director na ako.’”
Aside from Direk Olive and Direk Cathy, MMK’s quality 
programming was also credited to the works of outstanding roster of directors like Jerry Sineneng, Rory Quintos, Ruel Bayani, Mac Alejandre, Wenn Deramas, and Don Cuaresma.
For them, directing for MMK had been an honor because not a lot of aspiring directors are given the opportunity to direct an episode in the show.
Aspiring actors also consider MMK as a stepping stone to their budding careers because of its meaningful story, content, and material. Veteran actors feel as privileged knowing that they will not only be working with top-calibre directors, but will be portraying extraordinary characters that will inspire many viewers as well.
Former matinee idol, Romnick Sarmenta, top-billed the pilot episode of MMK, Rubber Shoes. In the show’s 20th anniversary offering, Romnick expressed gratitude to the show for he was able to do a lot of roles that tested his ability as an actor. Whether it may be acting as a son or a father, Romnick was thankful that he was provided the venue to hone his skills as an actor through MMK.
For Jodi Santamaria, MMK served as as a benchmark for many actors like herself. She believes that MMK is an accomplishment that brings forth an artist’s genuine talent.
“Kapag sinalang ka sa MMK, ibig sabihin mayro’n ka na [napatunayan bilang artista],” said she.
Carlo Aquino’s role in Maong has been a meaningful one for him. The actor shared that he recently met someone in Bacolod who thanked him for playing the character of his nephew in MMK.
“Masarap sa pakiramdam eh, pagka may lumalapit sa’yo na kamag-anak [ng ginampanan mo] kasi alam mong nagawa mo ng tama yung role. Tinuruan ako ng MMK na makaramdam ng compassion sa kapwa tao, pahalagahan yung malalapit sa buhay mo.”
Not only did MMK taught actors the value of life, it also helped boost their morale as performers. Most performers in MMK did not go unnoticed. Most of them have been recognized by different award-giving bodies in and out of the country.
Among them were Roderick Paulate won Best Drama Performance by an Actor in the first Asian TV Awards for his role in the episode, Abo in 1994. Four years later, he was recognized by the same award-giving body under the same category for his performance in the episode, Wristwatch. Angel Locsin won her first acting award in the 22nd PMPC Star Awards for TV for Best Single Performance by an Actress in the MMK episode, Pilat. Vilma Santos and Maja Salvador’s MMK episode, Regalo also won not only the Best TV Drama Program at the 15th KBP Golden Dove Awards, it also won Vilma the Best Single Performance By An Actress at the 20th PMPC Star Awards for TV in 2006. Ketchup Eusebio and Gina Pareno’s episode, Lupa, was nominated as Best Drama Series in the 4th Seoul International Drama Awards in 2009.
Speaking in the press conference of MMK’s 20th Anniversary, Ms. Charo attributed the show’s success to the actors’ great talent and the staff’s hard work. She, however, said that the real secret to MMK’s longevity are the stories of the countless Filipino letter senders who trusted the show enough by sharing their personal experience in life.
“‘Yun siguro ang sikreto ng longevity ng MMK. We mirror everything about life, about being a Filipino. Hindi lang ang ating mga kahinaan but also our strengths. We have the survival instinct. We do good in whatever field we chose to be in. Pati ‘yung pagiging masayahin tayo. We always see what’s positive and hopeful about the future.”
Aired every Saturday night, MMK will be showcasing special anniversary episodes for the whole month of October.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(OCIE Sept 30-Oct 5, 2011 RedCarpet pg.2)
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