As the eldest among the brood of eight, Chico (JM De Guzman) acts as the leader who creates balance in the Mabunga household and the voice of wisdom to his troubled siblings. Thus, in this Toplist, we rounded up the memorable times when Chico proved that he is a supportive and loving brother in Pamilya Ko.
Chico always comes to the rescue such as when he saved Peachy (Maris Racal) from a supposed harassment planned by her friend. He soothed Peachy’s guilt, telling her not to blame herself for the incident while laying stress on the value of honesty within a family. Chico promised to always show up in times of need, jesting that he’s always ready to put his brawny physique in action.
He selflessly carries all family burdens so, not to distract his siblings from their studies. As someone who values education, Chico demanded Persi (Jairus Aquino) to ace his exams instead of worrying over their assumptions about Loida (Irma Adlawan).
When Fernan (Joey Marquez) and Loida’s affair was out in the open, the Mabunga family was almost shattered by the revelation. Thanks to Chico who carefully united the siblings by being the source of strength and comfort. “Hindi tayo dapat magpatalo. Dapat lagi tayong buo. Hindi tayo papayag na masira pamilya natin,” Chico told his family while asking the younger ones, again, to focus on their schooling and leave the problems to him.
When the Mabunga siblings were divided between inciting violence and playing it cool towards a bully during Pongky (Raikko Mateo)’s Family Day event, Chico weighed down the situation with fair judgment than clinging to his emotions. His solution was simple – bag the championship trophy in the parlor games as the ultimate form of revenge.
And as the Kuya, it is expected of him to be protective over the girls especially Peachy and Lemon (Kira Balinger) whose magnetic looks easily charm several boys in the campus. This was proven when he confronted Stefano (Marco Gallo)’s intention upon noticing the awkwardness between him and Lemon. But, when at home, Chico is the girls’ go-to person for brotherly lambing. A scene in this Toplist shows Peachy, Lemon, and Cherry (Mutya Urquia) giving Chico a sweet hug to show appreciation for his love. He tried to lessen the cheesiness by joking about the girls’ material wishes, proving that he had his sisters’ little quirks memorized, thereby making the scene more heartwarming.
A truth bomb was dropped in the middle of the series. It was revealed that Chico was an adopted child and that explained why he was sort of an anathema to the Mabungas especially Luz (Sylvia Sanchez). And while he needed to leave the Mabunga residence to be with his real mother, Elena (Rosanna Roces), Chico promised that nothing will change. He vowed to still be the Kuya that he is. “Araw-araw nagdadasal ako na sana mabuo tayo ulit. Isang bahay, kahit nagsisiksikan, masaya. Magulo pero magkakasama,” he cried.
And even distance cannot break his relationship with his siblings. He worried and monitored their situation while he’s at Elena’s house. He promised to make it up to them once time permits. He was even willing to make necessary sacrifices like seeking jobs abroad in order to help in the finances especially on Lemon’s medication. True enough, Chico has been Lemon’s biggest source of strength when she struggled to heal, physically and emotionally, from the water accident that took Stefano’s life and crippled her legs for a time. He allowed Lemon to take a glimpse of his vulnerability, saying even he was almost crushed by the trials he met in the past. But, what matters is how he managed to press on knowing that the heavens had a beautiful purpose for his pain. And that was what he wanted Lemon to embrace as well.
Since the first time we met Chico, there was never a day when he turned his back from his family despite their austerity in the beginning. He’s always proved that love for family is unconditional. Never miss a chance to witness Chico’s selflessness in the upcoming episodes of Pamilya Ko.