This Saturday, February 5, Maalaala Mo Kaya brings us back the story of Darius, a person with disability who refused to give up on challenges brought about by poverty and cruel social judgment. Darius’ inspiring tale will be given life by Louise Abuel, who shared more about the episode on Kapamilya Chat.
Based on the trailer, Darius is a one-legged guy and a victim of poverty and discrimination. Growing up, he witnessed his parents struggle to make ends meet. When the parents died, the siblings started to unleash emotions of mostly anger and frustrations repressed through the years, thus breaking the home even more.
Apart from his legs, Darius’ also has disabled hands that’s why Louise had to wear enough prosthetics. That alone already requires hard work. Louise said he had to study the script at home since he’s not able to really move around onset due to the prosthetics on his hand, which also caused numbness. Besides the physical hard work, he also had to mentally prepare for the role.
The good thing is he had supportive seniors on the set like Nikki Valdez and Joem Bascon playing his older siblings, and Mon Confiado as his father. There was pressure, of course, but he turned it into motivation to give his best performance.
“Bilang isang aktor, masaya silang makasama. Sobrang gaan nila katrabaho at sobrang professional. Sa totoo lang, ‘pag kaeksena ko sila, nape-pressure ako sa sarili ko pero ‘yung pressure na ‘yun, ginamit ko bilang strength ko. Parang ‘yung mentality na hindi ako magpapaiwan kasi iba talaga sila umarte, mga halimaw.”
After playing Darius’ life story, Louise was reminded of the value of self-love, which viewers may also learn from the episode in light of the Valentine season. He said disabled people like Darius already receive too much judgment from the society, so they have to stand up for themselves. “Sarili mo lang ang meron ka, eh. Tanggapin mo kung ano ka. Hindi siya kawalan sa’yo. Hindi siya hadlang sa’yo para i-reach mo ‘yung goal mo,” shared Louise.
The young actor also left a message to his character: “Congrats, Darius kasi alam ko sobrang hirap ng pinagdaanan mo. Grabe ‘yung discrimination sa ganyan lalo na siguro nung bata ka, ‘yung bullying at hindi pagtanggap sa’yo ng tao na nagpababa ng tingin mo sa sarili mo. Pero ngayon naka-survive ka na and successful ka na at ang dami mo nang nagawa sa buhay mo.”
Darius’ story will inspire viewers to never give up despite disabilities and other challenges. Watch it tonight in MMK “Hakbang de-kawayan” on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.