Having done an exceptional job as the storyteller of Filipinos for over three decades, Maalaala Mo Kaya is the show that many of us have grown up with. That’s why we all have our “Kwentong MMK” – our fondest memories about the program. Maybe it’s about MMK becoming a staple in our Saturday night routines or a chance to bond with the whole family.
For the artists who starred in different episodes, their “Kwentong MMK” captures significant learning curves in their acting journey.
The show has become the standard of drama on TV, so much so that Kapamilya stars would consider their first episode a baptism of fire. Kaila Estrada would vouch for the exhilarating feeling that comes after passing an MMK debut with flying colors. She first starred in “Beauty Behind Bars” featuring the life story of ex-Pinoy Big Brother housemate Karen Bordador. Now, she’s given the privilege to star in the three-part finale episode “Scarlet Women,” which will close this December 10.
For Kaila, acting for MMK is a growing experience, an opportunity to learn more about drama and herself. “Marami akong natutunan sa mga letter-senders. Marami din akong natutunan sa sarili ko portraying those characters. So, I guess, ‘yung takeaway ko lang from doing MMK is that ang mga kwento na pino-portray namin, they’re not fictional. Sumasalamin siya sa buhay ng bawat Pilipino and that’s why MMK would definitely be very missed,” she said.
The highlight of Karina Bautista’s “Kwentong MMK” is also “Scarlet Women” where female strength dominates over life’s toughest battles. “Ipinapakita ang kapangyarihan ng mga kababaihan na pinagsama-sama. Although napakasakit na kwentong ito, dito makikita natin ‘yung meaningful na kwento na shine-share sa atin ng ating mga Kapamilya para ma-inspire tayo, matuto at hindi na maulit ‘yung mga ginawa nilang desisyon.”
Through MMK, newcomers are given a platform to showcase their potential. Francine Diaz recalls playing the young Bianca King in her MMK debut, then, co-starring with Dimpes Roman and Belle Mariano next.
JC Alcantara is a true MMK child, having appeared in several episodes and wrote to Charo Santos to bare his life story at one point. His fondest “Kwentong MMK” is sharing the screen with good friend Vivoree Esclito. He reflects, “Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na umaarte ka sa MMK. Kasi ‘pag nasa MMK ka, aktor ka, ‘yun ang tingin ng mga tao. Kumbaga, meron kang ibubuga at hindi ko alam na meron pala silang nakita sa akin na pag-arte, pagmamahal sa acting.” He added that MMK is one of the happiest sets he’s been in, “Kaya sobrang mami-miss ko ‘tong MMK.” He is holding out hope that the beloved drama anthology would re-air soon.
Meg Imperial’s “Kwentong MMK” is likewise about creating friendships on set. She recalled starring with Valerie Concepcion in “Beerhouse” and the pleasant camaraderie they shared, “’Yung rapport namin, nagtutulungan. Ang gaan lang, then, we became friends after.”
Jenny Miller remembers Roxanne Guinoo’s impeccable performance in an episode they both starred in, “Nagalingan ako sakanya kasi umiiyak siya nang duling. Sabi ko, ‘Girl, paano mo nagawa?’ Hindi ako nakakalimutan ‘yun. Nagalingan ako kay Roxanne.”
MMK is not just about drama-heavy tales. Sometimes light-hearted ‘kilig’ stories are given the spotlight, too. Vivoree Esclito remembers one, “Love Team” topbilled by Maris Racal and Iñigo Pascual. She played MarNigo’s classmate. “I think that was my first MMK episode ever. Nene pa talaga ako noong mga panahon na ‘yun.”
And because MMK is akin to a test, McCoy de Leon wouldn’t waste his chance proving himself. “Marami ‘yung gumaganap dito na talagang beterano, magagaling talaga na artista. So, bakit sasayangin ko? Minsan nga naiisip ko parang kulang pa rin. Kaya sabi ko nga bitin. Gusto kong gumawa pa talaga. Ayoko sigurong tanggapin. Ayokong magkaroon ng limit sa pag-arte,” he shared.
Since it features real-life stories, MMK is one of the hardest programs to mount. As RK Bagatsing puts it, every episode requires dedication and creativity. “Alam naman natin na ‘pag MMK, ‘yung commitment mo dapat mataas and ‘yung imagination mo to portray the characters dapat bukas na bukas. Hindi madali ikwento ‘yung buhay ng mga letter sender natin kaya it takes a lot of effort to be in that creative space,” he admitted.
Not only does MMK push actors out of their comfort zones, but more so it teaches them to remain calm under pressure. Jake Cuenca makes the process sound even more interesting: “Every MMK is a challenge kahit ‘yung light, kasi may time na nagla-light ‘yung stories, even then kasi may expectations. There’s always this thing na hinihingi sayo rin ng management to show them ‘yung gusto nila makita.” To him, mounting an MMK episode feels like doing a movie or a theatrical play.
Character actor Mon Confiado is grateful to have been part of the earliest episodes of MMK. He grew along with the show. “No’ng nagsimula akong mag-artista, nagsimula sa cameo roles hanggang sa magkaroon na ng mga supporting roles. And recently, nagle-lead na ako sa MMK. As an actor, nakakalungkot na mawala ‘yung isa sa mga venue na aking pagtatanghalan bilang alagad ng sining.” And like all of us, he’s keeping his fingers crossed that MMK returns with a new season or a spin-off, “Hindi man siguro MMK ang magiging title pero naniniwala ako na gagawa pa ulit ang ABS-CBN, na nasa likod ng MMK, ng ganitong klaseng drama anthology muli.”
While Ralph Malibunas wasn’t able to lend his acting skills to MMK, he became part of it as a letter sender, with Jeremiah Lisbo portraying him. Amanda Zamora is also a fan and among her favorite episodes are “Serendipity” starring Christian Bables and JC de Vera, “Scarf” portrayed by Michelle Vito and Miles Ocampo, and Ralph’s life story.
What’s your “Kwentong MMK,” Kapamilya?