With all the heartache you would feel all your life, you may get carried away with the hurt and depression, and think of the worst.
And singer-songwriter Moira dela Torre was once a confused soul trekking that path, a character well depicted by a returning Janella Salvador on TV with a stirring dramatic performance.
“Hugot” has been her trademark with her work, and that has deep roots—reaching even the innocence of her childhood.
Nothing could be more devastating for a child to know that your family was no longer what it once was. And a young Moira (Chunsa Jung) woke up one morning without her father (Jeric Raval), who since had his marriage with her mom (Vina Morales) annulled.
Bullying victim
What’s worse is that she has been a victim of bullying at such a tender age, body-shaming her with such derisive chants.
While her stepdad (Richard Quan) unconditionally filled in her biggest loss of not having a father, Moira still felt something was amiss. And, that is having someone loving and appreciating her for what she is—a person her stepfather said someone she should wait in God’s time.
But as she grew, Moira (Janella Salvador) had become depressed and stricken with anorexia and underwent therapy and medication to continuously and temporarily overcome it. Her talent in music and her faith kept her strong throughout her ordeal. It wasn’t long before Moira had her first boyfriend, Timothy (Markus Patterson), who had seemed unenthusiastic and passive in their encounters. She later learned from him that he still hasn’t moved on from a previous relationship, and that his heart remained with his former flame.
That again broke her heart, and even led to her to almost give up until someone from her Christian community, Jason (Kiko Estrada) would always become that responsive and reliable friend she could depend on.
Personal bulwark
Jason became her bulwark in both her personal life and musical career, as it grew from singing Gospel music to love songs she composed. Jason would be by her side all the way, from gracing small Church gigs until her talent was first discovered in a reality singing competition. And even if she had not succeeded, Jason always was an encouraging friend and music collaborator.
There came a time when Jason had fallen deeply in love with Moira without her even knowing it. And, what started as a simple chat in a coffee shop became so unforgettable for her—Jason admitted his feelings and plans to court her formally, even visiting her parents and ask for their permission.
As they shared the same faith, Moira and Jason would put God at the center of their budding relationship. When a pastor revealed to Moira a divine message that a white ribbon symbolizing purity would become her sign for forever love, it made her hopeful that such would come true soon, especially when she had reciprocated Jason’s love and they became a couple.
Proposal
It wasn’t long before Jason would give her an inspirational book as a gift, laced with a white ribbon, that truly confirmed what she knew all along. And at a scenic rendezvous, Moira would see Jason fervent in his desire to express that she is the only woman he’ll ever love, taking a ring out of his pocket, asking on a bended knee, “Will you marry me?”
Moira, already the accomplished music artist that she is, was left to tears and could not believe that her past of loneliness and despair would end with a man pure in heart, sincere in love asking her hand in marriage.
And when the happiest day in Moira’s life came, everyone was there, even her estranged father with his family in tow—to witness her walk down the aisle with her now forever love, Jason.
MMK “White Ribbon” was indeed as heartwarming as it was excellent in mesmerizing us with cinematic visuals and impressive acting among the cast members.
Direk Raymund Ocampo really brought the best out of the cast, quite notably, the supporting players—especially the veteran industry luminary Gloria Sevilla, who gave a solid portrayal of Moira’s grandmother. Who could not forget the performance Vina Morales and her touching and tear-inducing mother-daughter sequences with Janella Salvador, including character actor Robert Quan, who also impressed us with his deeply felt portrayal? Kiko Estrada was equally charming and effective as Jason.
Above all, Janella Salvador really made the most out of her TV comeback with her outstanding dramatic performance as she exceptionally presented the great lengths of sentiment her character portrays, including those moments she sang lines of Moira’s songs. It was totally captivating and enthralling.
Netizens were equally moved.