MANILA, Philippines – The drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya” is one of the TV shows that has been followed by the public every Saturday.
It features inspiring stories by the Filipinos for 25 years now, which is being hosted by Charo Santos-Concio.
When asked what she thinks is the secret of their show, Charo replied, “Hindi dahil sa akin kung hindi dahil sa mga kuwentong ibinahagi sa programa.”
She also pointed out that it was not an easy journey for their show.
In those 25 years, she said, “‘MMK’ has gone through its ups and downs. It’s not like a program that faired from the challenges of the competition. Mayro’n din siyang maraming challenges, pero sa awa ng Diyos hindi kami tinalikuran ng mga manonood.”
In the past few months, Charo had the chance to get up close and personal with some Filipino overseas workers (OFWs), the ones who often send in letters to their show.
During those moments in Madrid, Spain and Hong Kong, she heard stories of struggles encountered by OFWs.
“Isang tanong ko lang po sa kanila ng ‘kamusta kayo?’ tuluy-tuloy nang nagkukuwento ng kanilang buhay,” she recalled. “The challenges that they went through to be able to survive in a foreign land, to be able to take the pain of being separated from their children, and lahat ng hirap nila, lahat ng hard work, pagpupuyat only to give better quality of life to their families.”
“They talk about the pain of being separated, and yet I don’t hear them talking about coming back home,” Charo said.
Yet after hearing their stories, she realized that “they have found peace elsewhere.”
“Some of them said, ‘well, you know, we’ve met so many kind employers who made us part of their families. Naging miyembro kami ng pamilya nila, tinuring kaming kapamilya. Naikot namin ang buong mundo dahil sa kanila, so to repay them for their kindness hindi namin sila maiwan,’” she recalled.
She added, “‘Yong iba naman sinasabi, ‘okay naman na, napatapos na namin ang mga anak namin. May pamilya na sila, nakapagpatayo na kami ng maliit na bahay, nakapagbigay na kami ng kaunting business na tricycle, sari-sari store, jeepney. Okay na kasi nahanap ko naman na ang pagkatao ko dito.’”
No matter how ironic it may sound, Charo said these OFWs felt that “when they’re able and ready to come back home, they have found peace elsewhere.”
These inspiring stories were translated by Charo, with the help of Jonathan Manalo of Star Music, through the “Maalaala Mo Kaya” commemorative album titled “MMK Life Songs.”
The album contains 11 tracks which are the following:
1. "Desiderata” by Charo Santos, Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Lani Misalucha, Ogie Alcasid, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Sharon Cuneta and TBUP Choir.
2. "Because You Loved Me” by Kyla and Jona
3. "I’ll Be There For You” by Juris
4. "You” by Sharon Cuneta
5. "Iingatan Ka” by Janella Salvador and Jenine Desiderio
6. "She’s Always a Woman” by Piolo Pascual
7. "Gaya ng Dati” by Gary Valenciano
8. "Piece by Piece” by Charice and KZ
9. "I’ll be There” Darren Espantoand Jed Madela
10. "Handog” by Aiza Seguerra and Noel Cabangon
11. "Sana” by Julia Concio, Piolo Pascual and Charo Santos
Bonus Tracks:
“Desiderata”
“Maalaala Mo Kaya”