After a two-year hiatus, the longest-running drama anthology in Philippine television history, ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’ (MMK), is officially making a comeback.
‘MMK’ host Charo Santos-Concio confirmed the show’s return on ‘TV Patrol’ last Monday, April 7, announcing that the series will premiere on April 24 as a limited series on iWantTFC, with subsequent airing on A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live, and Kapamilya Channel starting April 26.
Kicking off this highly anticipated return is the inspiring life story of ‘The Voice USA’ Season 26 winner Sofronio Vasquez, with award-winning actor Elijah Canlas portraying him. During his Star Magic contract signing in February, Vasquez himself expressed his desire for Canlas to take on the role, citing the actor’s impressive depth and emotional range.
Santos-Concio expressed her joy over ‘MMK’s’ revival, noting how the show remains a beloved part of Filipino culture, especially among Gen Z viewers who grew up watching ‘MMK’ with their families.
“After two years, Maalaala is back and it will share the beautiful stories of our letter senders and Kapamilyas,” she said.
“In my heart, I knew it would return. Many Gen Zs watched MMK with their mommies, daddies, lolas, and lolos. I’m so happy that they know MMK as a brand of good storytelling.”
The show’s return also includes more inspiring real-life stories, including an episode based on the life of a member of rising P-pop girl group BINI.
Santos-Concio also delighted fans in a teaser posted on ABS-CBN’s social media: “Dear Charo… I missed saying that line, and I missed you all. We’ve prepared many beautiful, relatable, and inspiring stories for you. There’s just something about true stories, isn’t there?”
Originally premiering in May 1991, ‘MMK’ ran for over three decades and aired more than 1,300 episodes until its farewell in December 2022. Over the years, it featured powerful performances from some of the country’s most celebrated actors including Vilma Santos, Judy Ann Santos, Angel Locsin, Piolo Pascual, and John Lloyd Cruz, among many others.
While ‘MMK’ makes its return, Santos-Concio remains active on screen, currently portraying Tindeng in ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ and set to star opposite Dingdong Dantes in the upcoming romance-drama film ‘Only We Know’, which hits cinemas on June 11.
“There’s no such thing as retirement,” she said. “For as long as we’re breathing, there’s something to learn, something to look forward to. And I’m really having fun.”
