Maalaala Mo Kaya has become the standard of drama on TV in the past 31 years. For most stars like Jenny Miller and Meg Imperial, it’s considered their baptism of fire, the test of their eligibility to be called actors. Just like the program, they also have come a long way since their first MMK appearances. And now they are handed the huge privilege to close the show’s fruitful 31 years on air via a special three-part finale episode titled “Scarlet Woman,” which also stars Karina Bautista and Kaila Estrada.

The vibe was nostalgic as the actresses looked back on their MMK journey. Jenny, who started as a comedienne, considers MMK as her first-ever dramatic role. “Noong nag-MMK ako, my God! Ito pala ‘yung pagiging artista. Dapat makapasa sa quality ng acting ng MMK… Hindi pa ako into drama tapos kailangan ko umiyak. Kulang pa ako sa workshop.” She said to herself then, “Kailangan next time na mag-MMK ako, meron na akong ibubuga. Kailangan ma-prove ko na deserve ko maging part ng MMK ulit.”

“’Pag kinuha ka sa MMK, dapat magaling ka,” Jenny enthused, with Meg adding that every MMK assignment allowed her to live out different characters and build her skills as an actress. The drama anthology has no doubt shaped them into the actresses they have become.

Before MMK takes its final bow, Jenny and Meg will star in the “Scarlet Woman” episode, which, as the title suggests, highlights women’s different stories of strength and redemption. Jenny plays Trina, a single mom of two and victim of human trafficking, while Meg portrays Glenda, who is ‘palaban’ on the surface but is fighting her silent battles as well.

Jenny and Meg took on heavy scenes, although Kaila and Karina had more since they are the focal point of the story. And as the more senior stars, they were supportive of them especially when internalizing. But, once the camera stops rolling, they chat and watch movies to help them unload their emotions. Meg reads anime and avoids watching dramas after doing a heavy scene, while Jenny watches horror series or talks to her friends to get back to reality.

They were also asked their opinion of the younger actresses. Meg described Karina as “raw,” someone whose talent shines naturally even though she’s a newcomer. Personality-wise, she is pleasant and kind, hence Meg is happy to have worked with her. Jenny admires Karina for her passion for acting, "Alam ko malayo mararating ni Kare. Binibigay niya lahat.”

Meg was surprised that Kaila is a sweet girl, a contrast to her kontrabida roles on TV. They talk about meeting up soon as they’ve really become friends after filming. Jenny added that Janice de Belen and John Estrada’s daughter is soft-spoken but very intense once the camera starts rolling. She also likes that Kaila asks for retakes when she feels she still can do more, “’Yun ang maganda, ‘di ba? Hindi siya relaxed na okay na ‘to, sige pwede na ‘yan. Siya, hindi, ‘May ipo-prove pa ako, Direk. Wait lang. Ito pa po.’”

The Kapamilya Chat host asked if they are also willing to go through what their characters did, Jenny answered she’d take risks for her children. Meg said it’s easy to assume since she’s in a place of privilege. But if she’d put herself in her character’s shoe, she’d also walk the same path as the only way to be reunited with her family.

Asked how they can empower woman in their own ways, Meg reminded the female pack to take charge of their own journey, “All women, lahat tayo may choice to choose what life we want to live. Walang magdidikta kung ano’ng dapat mong gawin o ito lang ‘yung kaya mong gawin. Sa lahat ng mga babae, marami silang kailangan patunayan hindi lang sa gawaing-bahay para pagsilbihan ang mga kalalakihan but also to stand up for themselves.” Meg added that women have the power to build their own empire and live independently if they wish to.

Jenny seconded, “Hindi porke’t babae, mahina. We are strong. Hindi natin kailangan maging dependent. Kaya natin itayo ‘yung sarili natin. Basta, right choices in life at focus lang tayo.”

Meg's takeaway from the episode is that life will give you exactly the people you need. “Kahit saang parte ka ng mundo, meron kang makakasama. You are never alone. Meron at merong tutulong sa’yo, you just have to open up.” For Jenny, she learned that life is truly about not losing hope, “Sa lahat ng nangyayari sa buhay natin, I believe lahat ‘yan malalampasan natin.” She said we must avoid the negative self-talk and believe that help is on the way no matter the situation.

Catch the final act of MMK titled “Scarlet Woman” on November 26 and December 3 and 10, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.