No other love could arguably ever beat the love of a mother towards her children. Aside from being unconditional, a mother’s love can also brave anything just to provide the needs of her children and give them a comfortable life and a bright future. And that’s what we had seen in the latest episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya titled “Eskoba.”
First aired in May 2018 as a Mother’s Day offering of the program, it aimed to inspire viewers with the heart-warming story of an overseas Filipino worker mom named Corazon Cudiamat, as narrated by her daughter Emelia Cudiamat-Lim.
The relatable, moving narrative
For sure, a lot of viewers were able to relate with the inspiring story Corazon and Emelia since many of us have at least one family member, relative, or friend who works abroad in pursuit of finding a better opportunity there.
Despite already having a comfortable life in Batangas, thanks to their patriarch Augusto (Jeric Raval), Corazon still decided to fly to Milan, Italy to work so that they could be able to send their two children Tot (Dino Imperial) and Tet (Empress Schuck) to college and in a reputable university. She wasn’t only able to provide them all their needs through the money and packages she sent, but was also able to give them the things they want, such as authentic branded bags, shoes, and clothes.
However, in the long run, Corazon and Tet’s relationship got marred when the latter had a boyfriend in her third year in college, which the former initially objected as she feared that it would distract her from finishing her studies. Tet eventually proved her mom wrong as she’s able to graduate and even landed an office job in a construction firm.
As her romance with her boyfriend Terrence (David Chua) went on the rocks due to his refusal to introduce her to his conservative Chinese family, along with her dissatisfaction to the salary she receives from her job, Tet got determined to follow her mom and older brother in Italy.
Unfortunately, getting there was not easy for she had to be illegally transported to Italy by pretending as the wife of a Swiss national. But her hardships didn’t end there as she started working as a house cleaner just like what her mom and their boarding mates did. Tet began to realize the sacrifices and difficulties Corazon had to go through in exchange of the remittances and packages she sent to them. But what broke Tet’s heart the most was when she found out that her mom, along with other OFWs, had to swim through the icy waters of Yugoslavia going to the boat that took them to Milan.
When Corazon had to go back to the Philippines to take care of their stroke-stricken father, it was Tet who took charge of her responsibilities, while working as a part-time teller in a remittance center for Filipinos. A sweet surprise suddenly came to her one day, when Terrence arrived in Italy in pursuit of winning her back during his one-month stay there. She was initially indignant, but with his relentless efforts and Corazon’s prodding, they eventually reconciled and even got married and had a daughter.
As things were already getting good, a tragedy struck their family when Augusto died. This made Corazon decide to go back to working and asked Tet to leave her daughter under the care of her in-laws in the Philippines, to which the latter hesitantly heeded to. Tet and Terrence then went on to work as real-estate agents, helping their fellow OFWs in saving their hard-earned income and investing them to more profitable or long-lasting investments.
Not long after, they were able to save enough to go back to the Philippines and start a new life here.
The talented cast ensemble
Director Dado C. Lumibao and writers Arah Jell Badayos and Rose Colindres definitely did a great job in helming this truly heart-warming and inspiring narrative that gave light to the hardships and sacrifices our beloved OFWs are going through as they work abroad, away from their families.
Through her impeccable portrayal of Corazon, Pokwang was able to prove that she’s not only a great comedienne, but a bankable dramatic actress as well. Empress, at the same time, was undeniably successful in piercing our hearts and moving us with her depiction of Tet.
Certainly, bringing to life the story of Corazon and Tet would not be extra beautiful and compelling without the impressive performances of its supporting characters played by Jeric Raval, Dino Imperial, David Chua, Dang Cruz, Hyubs Azarcon, Kim Molina, and Mikee Agustin.
Netizens were also impressed.