If you see a weeping child in the street, seemingly lost and helpless, would you call authorities and turn him or her over to their care? Or will you take care of the child until the real parents show up?
For Samina or Roma Tarub (Angel Locsin), it was her maternal instinct that made her rush to a weeping Topher (Ynigo Denel), lost and wandering along one of Divisoria’s busy alleys. And with all her good intentions to keep the poor child safe from harm, Samina takes Topher under her care, unwary of the dire consequences her decision brings.
The episode, ‘Kotse-kotsehan,’ reveals how one’s robbed motherhood was actually born out of sincere concern, yet construed as a despicable act that led to a derailed and tragic destiny.
Life-changing encounter
Samina lived a low-income and steady life, selling socks along Divisoria to earn for her two children she left in Lanao, until a young boy came to change her life forever. The boy, who turned out to be the missing Topher, appeared traumatized, was unable to speak, and could only say “Broom-Broom”, which became the utterance Samina used to name him.
She then took it upon herself to adopt him -- buying him clothes and toys, bathing him, feeding him, and letting him sleep on her bed – as if he’s her own child. Her live-in partner Nadi (Alex Medina) and friend Fatima (Alora Sasam) advised her to just leave the boy where she found him to avoid possible troubles. She refused saying that her conscience wouldn’t let her.
She brought “Broom-Broom” with her to Lanao and introduced him to her sons as a sibling with their Papa Nadi to avoid neighborhood gossip. However, after several days, a letter came from Fatima containing a “Missing” post with the boy’s picture on it.
Turn of events
Upon receiving the information about Broom-Broom, Samina immediately contacted Idai (Dimples Romana) to ask questions regarding her missing son and to notify her that he’s with her. They set up a meeting in Lanao with Idai offering to pay Samina for her expenses in taking care of Topher, and the latter agreed for P30,000.
While waiting for Idai and her company in a roadside eatery, Samina saw her younger sister Aisah (Jane Oineza) whom she hadn’t seen for four years and had some catching-up to do. Later on, Idai finally arrived carrying a toy car and a white ‘good morning’ towel tied around her head, as what Samina told her.
Since Samina didn’t take Broom-Broom with her, Idai got livid telling her to bring her son to the eatery, and the former obeyed. An emotional encounter occurred when Idai and her son saw each other, as well as Samina who witnessed the scene. Afterwards, police officers came rushing in to arrest both Samina and Aisah.
Incarcerated
Samina and Aisah were sentenced to life imprisonment after being wrongfully accused of kidnap for ransom.
While inside the prison, the sisters bore unspeakable suffering, especially a lifetime away from their families, for a crime they did not commit that led to Aisah’s child not even recognizing her during a visit. Aisah had since blamed Samina for all the misfortunes and that she always ended up in trouble whenever she was with her.
In one of their hearings, Samina was asked why she didn’t turn over the missing child to authorities. She explained that she had sincerely intended to return Broom-Broom to his parents. Despite having a hard time inside the jail, their plight got lighter as they receive continuous affection, support, and faith from their respective families.
However as the years passed, terrible news shattered the hearts of both Samina and Aisah. Nadi visited Samina to tell her that he had a new partner. Aisah, on the other hand, learned that half of her family, including her husband and three children, were killed in an ambush with their Mayor in an election campaign. They had sought the mayor’s help to secure Aisah and Samina’s release.
The Unexpected Visitor
One day, the siblings were shocked to see Idai visiting them. Idai asked them how they were doing and apologized for being the main reason why the two have to be separated with their families.
Samina beseeched Idai to forgive them and allow her or just Aisah to be granted parole. Idai assured them that she would not oppose their appeal for parole. At the episode ended, they were seen holding each other’s hand depicting that in trials like they’ve gone through, only mothers who truly love their children will understand and help one another.
The MMK ‘Kotse-kotsehan’, along with its first part, touched a lot of viewers, while dividing them on the issue of who among Samina and Idai deserves sympathy and support. Nonetheless, it just proved how Director Dado Lumibao brilliantly helmed and writers Benson Logronio and Arah Jell Badayos excellently penned a very gripping and heartfelt episode.
Exceptional acting
Angel Locsin, Jane Oineza and Dimples Romana depicted their roles exceptionally. Angel’s deep understanding and close connection to her character made her portrayal riveting and believable. Even the Lanao accent sounded so natural.
Dimples also exuded brilliance in the craft as she touched viewers with her heartfelt performance since the first part of the episode that made everyone really know how it feels when your child goes missing.
Jane is truly a revelation and she would certainly blossom further in upcoming major outings in film and TV.
The MMK special two-part episode is definitely worth all the praises it has received.
WATCH MMK Kotse-kotsehan Episode HERE!