The two-episode special served as Pascual and Alonzo’s reunion project as they starred in the 2005 Star Cinema romantic comedy flick Dreamboy.
The country’s longest-running drama anthology has delivered some of the most thrilling and inspiring real-life stories we’ve ever seen on television. After three decades, the program remains true to its commitment to bringing those stories, while continually innovating and adapting to the changes in modern storytelling. Powerful actors breathe exceptionally moving characters to life and then conjure legacies in the world of performing.
In its 19th year, MMK was all geared up to bring about monumental dramatic moments on Philippine television again. Part of its campaign was adapting the life stories of some of our modern Filipino heroes to the small screen. The drama-anthology previously brought to life the incredible stories of several remarkable politicians, showbiz personalities, and various humanitarian figures, with some of the country’s most talented actors.
A two-episode special that featured the lives of modern Filipino heroes, the late Senator, Benigno Aquino Jr., and former Philippine president, Corazon Aquino. Titled ‘Kalapati’ and ‘Makiniliya’ the special aired on the 23rd and 30th of January, 2010, with homegrown Kapamilya actors Piolo Pascual and Bea Alonzo, playing Benigno Aquino and Corazon Aquino, respectively.
Prior to his tackling the role, Pascual admitted that it intimidated him to play the role, saying “”Nakaka-pressure din. Ang laki ng expectations. ‘Yong mga tao, hindi pa lumalabas, may judgment na hindi mo kamukha [or] you are not eloquent as he was. And then sasabihin sa’yo na wala kang karapatan. Ako, I’ll just come up with something na version ko,” in an interview. Pascual was then starring the TV series, ‘Lovers in Paris’,when the offer to play Ninoy came.
Alonzo,on the other hand, shared how she fell in love with the script, saying “Love is about having to sacrifice pala. Nakakaiyak talaga. Ang laki ng isinakripisyo ni Cory para sa hangarin ng asawa niyang palayain ‘yung sambayanang Pilipino. Ang true love pala is caring sa kung saan magiging masaya ‘yung mahal mo. Kung si Ninoy ang asawa ko, sasabihan ko siyang umalis na lang kami ng bansa para tahimik ang buhay namin. Ikukwento rin dito ‘yung years na nakatira sila sa US when they experience living like a normal family. But Ninoy decided to return to the Philippines and because of Cory’s love, she supported her husband. She represented the iconic Filipina. She gladly shared her husband with the whole country.” in a Boy Abunda interview.
Based on the data provided by AGB Nielsen, the special was a hit, as indicated by the ratings it earned. On January 23, 2010, Kalapati episode scored 24.9% household rating in Mega Manila, while the Makinilya episode pulled off a 22.2%.
Relive the inspiring moments of these episodes by browsing through the photo gallery below, featuring set-visit photos from the MMK special. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment section:
