JM De Guzman lends his dramatic prowess to Maalaala Mo Kaya as he breathes life to the story of Mel, a miner and a father seeking justice, for the program’s two-part Father’s Day special beginning June 11.

This would be JM’s first acting stint since the highly-successful primetime series “Init Sa Magdamag.” He compares acting to his fitness routine, both of which he couldn’t live without, “Para siyang exercise na hinahanap-hanap mo ‘yung hingal, ‘yung endorphins. Kahit nakakapagod siya, parang gusto mo siya ulit ma-experience.”

Proof of JM’s credibility as an actor is being able to sketch father roles even if he’s not one in real life. When playing such characters, such as in this MMK episode, he combines observation and research to guide his portrayal. Add to that using his imagination based on what’s written in the script.

JM credits his co-star Anna Luna for making work easier. He said he’s blessed to have her on the set, “N’ung nalaman kong si Anna Luna, sabi ko, swerte mapapadali pa trabaho kasi sobrang giving at sobrang selfless niyang actress. Ang bilis niya papunta doon sa eksena, papunta doon sa emosyon, so mas nagiging madali. Sobrang swerte ko rin to be sharing the screen with her.”

According to JM, the episode will enlighten viewers to take the right path even if it’s more difficult. “Sa buhay kasi, may hard way pero tamang paraan at may easy way out pero ‘yun naman ang maling paraan. Pero, habambuhay ka naman guguluhin ng easy way out, habambuhay ka niyang iha-haunt. So, doon tayo sa tama, at least pinaghirapan, pinanindigan. Sa huli, wala kang sisisihin, wala kang tinik sa lalamunan.”

Playing Mel, a miner who fought the injustices in the mining company he works for, JM said he could relate to the character’s determination and living with integrity.

Watch how Mel surpassed the obstacles in his life as a principled man, an employee, and a father in MMK “A Father’s Justice,” June 11 and June 18, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.