(, abbreviated as MMK) is a Philippine television drama anthology series broadcast by ABS-CBN and Kapamilya Channel. Hosted by Charo Santos-Concio, its first iteration was aired from May 15, 1991, to December 10, 2022. The show returned for its second iteration on April 24, 2025, as a limited series for iWantTFC (now reverted into iWant) and consists of 13 episodes, and on April 26, 2025, on the network's Yes Weekend lineup. Its format is a dramatization of real-life stories sent in by letter writers. It is the longest-running drama anthology series in the Philippines.
History The program is named after the song "Maalaala Mo Kaya," originally by Constancio de Guzman. A version performed by Dulce was the program's theme until 2004, when it was replaced by Carol Banawa's cover. In 2021, JM Yosures' cover became the new theme. Dulce's version is still used in the final episode's closing credits.
In 2025, Tawag ng Tanghalan alumnus and The Voice US Season 26 grand champion Sofronio Vasquez and Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown grand champion Carmelle Collado sang the theme song for its limited series comeback.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, production of new episodes was suspended, starting March 14, 2020, with reruns airing until May 2, 2020. Three days later, ABS-CBN was shut down after the network's 25-year franchise, originally granted in 1995, had expired and the National Telecommunications Commission gave a cease and desist order. The program resumed, with new episodes, on Kapamilya Channel on November 28, 2020.
A classic re-run version of the anthology series, MMK Classics, premiered on June 3, 2012, on The Filipino Channel (TFC). To reach more international audiences, every episode was translated with English subtitles.
The Philippine version of the anthology, entitled "MMK Klasiks," aired on ABS-CBN's Kapamilya Gold afternoon block as a temporary replacement program from December 17, 2012, to January 18, 2013.
MMK Klasiks also airs on DZMM TeleRadyo as a fill-in to its radio counterpart, because the latter was pre-recorded. The Jeepney TV YouTube channel has The Best of MMK available to view.
On November 21, 2022, Santos-Concio announced the show's first iteration would air its three-part finale episode before the final episode on December 10, 2022, to focus on her role as Tindeng in FPJ's Batang Quiapo in the following year. A special "MMK Tatlong Dekadang Pasasalamat: Grand Kumustahan" was aired on December 24, 2022.
In April 2025, the show would be revived for its second iteration after over two years of hiatus, with Charo Santos-Concio returning as host. It would be also simulcasted on All TV, thus marking the return of this program to channels 2 and 16 in Mega Manila and regional channels previously held by ABS-CBN until 2020. This occurred just a year after ABS-CBN Corporation and All TV's owner, Advanced Media Broadcasting System (AMBS), signed content agreements to air ABS-CBN programs on All TV.
Episodes
Translations of the Filipino titles are in parentheses.
Notable episodes "Rubber Shoes" The first episode of MMK which aired on May 15, 1991, starring Robert Arevalo, Romnick Sarmenta and Vina Morales. "Regalo" (Gift) MMK episode topbilled by Vilma Santos, Ricky Davao, and Maja Salvador and considered one of the most critically successful episodes. Originally aired on May 4 and 11, 2006. "Lobo" (Balloon) The highest-rated episode in Mega Manila (47.9% as per AGB Nielsen). Starring Regine Velasquez and Piolo Pascual. Regine won her first acting award at the PMPC Star Awards for TV in 2002 for this episode. "Pier 39" 10th Anniversary Presentation, starring Judy Ann Santos and Piolo Pascual. This was the first episode filmed outside the Philippines, shot in San Francisco, California. The episode tells about a caregiver who falls in love with a wayward man, despite being beholden to her elderly, wheelchair-using employer.
"Ferris Wheel" A Christmas presentation of Maalaala Mo Kaya which reunites ex-lovers Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa. "Unan" (Pillow) This episode, aired in October 2003, tells the life story of Julie Vega, portrayed by Angelica Panganiban. Michael de Mesa and Rio Locsin acted as Drs. Julio and Pearl Postigo, Vega's parents. This episode also showed original TV coverage of Vega's 1985 funeral. "Fried Chicken" An episode about Maximo Gimenez, the founder of Max's Restaurant, who was played by Albert Martinez. After the Second World War, Max and his niece Ruby opened a fried chicken restaurant at the suggestion of American troops. "Pendant" A Valentine's Day special about first love, and how to let go and take risks. It aired on February 14, 2009 and starred Jason Abalos, Ryan Eigenmann, and Toni Gonzaga. This was Gonzaga's first MMK episode. "Reseta" (Prescription) A Mother's Day Special aired on May 9, 2009, starring Jodi Sta. Maria and Carmina Villarroel. Villarroel had not appeared on MMK since the 1990s. "Sapatos" (Shoes) A Mother's Day Special aired on May 14, 2016, starring Kris Aquino. Aquino had not appeared in an MMK episode since the 1990s. It was based on the life story of Honey Grace Villarico. She managed the role of a single mother, facing all troubles alone, while also becoming a successful careerwoman. "Blusa" (Blouse) A controversial episode starring Angel Locsin and Dimples Romana, aired February 28, 2009. It focused on a UP Los Baños (UPLB) summa cum laude graduate who applied as a Guest Relations Officer (GRO). UPLB released a statement doubting the credibility of the facts presented in the episode. On March 10, 2009, ABS-CBN issued an apology for not verifying facts beforehand with UPLB. Angel won Outstanding Actress in a Drama Performance, given by the Philippine Psychiatric Association SiSA Award. "Ice Cream" The life story of singer Jake Zyrus (formerly known as Charice Pempengco), aired in June 2008. Zyrus portrayed himself, and this was his first acting appearance. Zsa Zsa Padilla played Zyrus' mother, and Rhap Salazar played his younger brother. The story showed him growing up in a middle-class family before his successful singing career. "Teddy Bear" This is the story of comedian Pokwang, portrayed by herself. "Kwintas" (Necklace) This is the first episode featuring Sarah Geronimo, and also starred John Lloyd Cruz. "Gitara" (Guitar) This is the real-life story of Tara Santelices, who was in a coma for a year after being shot in the head by a mugger on August 6, 2008. She was portrayed by Karylle. "Upuan" (Chair) This episode featured former senator Renato Cayetano, portrayed by Ronaldo Valdez. It showed Cayetano's battle with hepatitis and how his son helped him. The son, Lino, was portrayed by John Lloyd Cruz. The episode was directed by Lino Cayetano himself. The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Story On January 23 and 30, 2010, respectively, a two-part episode of the life story of former Senator Ninoy Aquino and former President Corazon Aquino was aired for Cory's 77th Birthday. The first part was "Kalapati" which featured the humble beginnings of the said couple, from their marriage up to their political conflicts. The second part was "Makinilya" which depicted the latter days of Ninoy and the end of Martial Law. The series also featured real footage of the events that occurred during martial law and during Cory's success in the presidential race. Piolo Pascual portrayed the role of Ninoy AquinoPiolo Pascual plays Ninoy Aquino in a two-part 'Maalaala Mo Kaya' special. ABS-CBN News. January 7, 2010. Retrieved on June 30, 2012. while Bea Alonzo played the role of Corazon Aquino.Bea Alonzo plays Cory Aquino in a special episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya. ABS-CBN News. January 7, 2010. Retrieved on June 30, 2012. "Cupcake" A story about an unforgettable friendship between two young girls. Daniela (portrayed by Abby Bautista), a rich girl who is usually content with playing by herself, has her life changed when she befriends her family's maid's daughter, Lira (portrayed by Amy Nobleza). With Lira as her new friend, Daniela gets exposed to activities outside her home, such as street games and carnivals. But their friendship is put to the test when Lira finds out that Daniela's dad has had an affair with another woman. The episode aired on January 29, 2011. "Tsinelas" (Slippers) The story of two homeless brothers, 17-year-old Edgar and 11-year-old Dagul. The brothers suffered with no food or money while traveling from Manila to Samar, trying to find a better life. This is the posthumous work of actor AJ Perez, who died in a car crash on April 17, 2011. In 2013, another episode was also titled "Tsinelas." This was the story of the late Jesse Robredo, portrayed by Jericho Rosales. "Krus" (Cross) The 2011 Mother's Day Special, featuring Ai-Ai delas Alas, John Arcilla, John Wayne Sace and Lester Liansang. A story about a struggling mother whose kids were not blessed with perfect health. "Kuweba" (Cave) A special episode about a Muslim family struggling through social and political turmoil. It reunited actors Robin Padilla and Vina Morales, who had not worked together for nearly two decades. This episode was aired on November 12, 2011. "Singsing" (Ring) The love story of Etrona and Panyong, who found happiness in each other's company until their last breath. This episode, which was aired on November 19, 2011, is directed by Jeffrey Jeturian and stars Philippine veteran actors Eddie Garcia and Gloria Romero. "Lente" (Lens) The life story of Claudio C. Cañedo, an aspiring model portrayed by McCoy De Leon. This episode aired on August 9, 2012. Claudio faces the challenges of a person exploring the world, trying to figure out what and who he really wants. Claudio has an identity crisis and then realizes he is gay. He has had some same-sex relationships in the past, but when he meets a guy from Laguna, he changed for good. "T-shirt" This story is about Gigi, a girl who got pregnant at a young age due to being raped repeatedly by her employer. Sharlene San Pedro, who played Gigi, was recognized internationally; she was nominated in the 17th Asian Television Awards for Best Actress in a Lead-Drama Role. This episode aired on April 21, 2008."Asian Television Awards 2012 Nominations List:Programming Awards" , ata.onscreenasia.com; retrieved April 26, 2014. "Manika" (Doll) A 15-year-old girl named Nene, portrayed by Jane Oineza, was recurrently raped by her stepfather. Her world changed when her mother, portrayed by Angel Aquino, even assisted the stepfather in the act of rape. Since then, Nene cursed the 'beauty' that she possesses. The episode was slated to air on June 2, 2012, but was pulled after the MTRCB gave it an 'X' rating due to its sensitive theme. After re-editing it was given an 'SPG' rating, and aired on June 30, 2012. This episode is the show's all-time highest-rated episode (40% per Kantar-TNS, and 27.1% in Metro Manila per AGB Nielsen). Viewers praised the acting performances and the risky move by ABS-CBN to air such an episode. It was MMK's first episode nominated for Best Drama at the International Emmy Awards. "Singsing" (Ring) The life story of TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva, portrayed by Diether Ocampo, and his wife Gladys, portrayed by Maricar Reyes. Joel and Gladys had been married for seven years and could not conceive a child. But, through Joel's deep faith, they were given a baby. "Sanggol" (Baby) The story of former MTRCB Chairman Grace Poe, portrayed by Erich Gonzales. Grace Poe was elected as senator in 2013. "Lubid" (Rope) The story of Tourette syndrome victim Jerome Concepcion, portrayed by Gerald Anderson. This episode aired on November 7, 2009. "Flash Cards" Former teacher Fidel, portrayed by actor-singer Ariel Rivera, survives a heart attack. Despite his doctor's warning, stressful activity causes him to suffer from a stroke. His comprehension and speech are affected, and his daughter, Jonah, becomes his own teacher at home. "Scrapbook"