As what the oft-quoted adage says, “All good things must come to an end.”
Being one of the most popular and well-loved programs in the country, we can say that Maalaala Mo Kaya is among the good things that ever happened on local television. In the past 31 years, it has inspired us and touched our hearts with true-to-life stories that reflected our lives, brought us morals, and renewed our hopes. However, just like other programs, it also must come to an end.
This was the astonishing announcement made by its host Charo Santos on Monday night, November 21, through an over one-minute video
“Kung mauulit man ang lahat hindi po ako magdadalawang-isip na piliin muli ang role na ito. Kulang po ang 31 taon para magpasalamat sa inyo. Gayunpaman, gusto ko pong magbigay-pugay sa lahat ng nagpadala ng sulat, sa aming mga director, writers, researchers, production staff, at sa lahat ng naging bahagi ng aming programa,” said Charo, who has been its presenter ever since it premiered in 1991.
She then added, “Sa mga artistang gumanap, maraming-maraming salamat. Sa management ng ABS-CBN, sa aming mga sponsors, at higit sa lahat, sa inyong mga tagapanood. Kayo po ang nagsasabi na makahulugan sa inyo ang aming ginagawa. Salamat po sa lahat ng nakaraan, at sa ano mang paraan na maaari pa tayong muling magkita.”
It was exactly on May 15, 1991 when its first-ever episode titled “Rubber Shoes” was aired, starring Romnick Sarmenta and Vina Morales. It indeed became a success, with the title expanding into a radio drama broadcasted through DZMM, a Director Olivia Lamasan-helmed movie in 1994, and even a comic book and pocketbook adaptations, along with its regular weekend run. On its 20th anniversary in 2011, it aired its documentary special titled “MMK 20: Maalaala Mo Kaya Dalawang Dekada,” which featured different segments, including the highlights of the best episodes; commentaries from the artists, director and producers who contributed to the program; and stories relayed in the program for 20 years.
Throughout its three decades on-air, the longest-running drama anthology series in Asia has shared countless stories about love and life in general, with “Lobo” (2001), “Teddy Bear” (2004), “Regalo” (2006), “Rehas” (2007), “Tsinelas” (2011), “Manika” (2012), “Kuweba” (2016), “Upuan” (2017), “Korona” (2017), "Kotse-kotsehan" (2018), "Litrato" (2018) as among its most notable and award-winning episodes. It has also raked in numerous recognitions from various award-giving bodies here and abroad, both for its creative and production teams and its actors.
With veteran and seasoned actors gracing the episodes, it has been regarded as an acting showcase for young artists, through which they’re able to show off their acting prowess. Besides, actors also deem that one’s career would never be complete without starring in at least an episode of it.
And leading to its final curtain call on December 10, MMK will be airing a three-part anniversary special beginning November 26. Titled “Scarlet Women,” it will be topbilled by Kaila Estrada and Karina Bautista and be directed by Dado C. Lumibao.
Being one of the most well-loved TV programs, we will surely miss having MMK as a part of our Saturday night viewing habit. But you should fret not because we can still watch its past episodes via iWantTFC and ABS-CBN Superview on YouTube.
Besides, selected MMK episodes will also be aired in 41 countries throughout Africa in the beginning of 2023, via the weekend primetime of Star Times, which has been ABS-CBN’s broadcasting partner in the continent, as well as in the in-flight entertainment program of international airlines, such as Etihad Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, and Saudi Arabian Airlines.
MMK may be coming to an end, but the stories it featured through the years, as well as the inspirations it brought, will surely be engraved into our hearts for a long time. Thank you and congratulations for the prolific run, MMK!