After over three decades, Maalaala Mo Kaya  will be finally ending its successful run. This was confirmed by Maalaala Mo Kaya ’s host herself, Charo Santos, in her farewell message.

READ: ‘Maaalala Mo Kaya’ to end after more than three decades

Many have expressed sadness over the news, including GMA host Mel Tiangco.

READ: Mel Tiangco on MMK: “Walang makakapalit”

MMK is known for the high caliber of its stories and top quality productions. For many actors, having the chance to be part of Maalaala Mo Kaya  was a milestone, a marker of sorts that signified they were growing in their craft. For newbies and veterans alike, being in an MMK episode was both a huge opportunity and a welcome challenge to exercise their artistry.

Award-winning actor Mon Confiado credited MMK for its role in honing him as an artist.

“Ang MMK ay isa sa mga humubog sa akin bilang aktor,” he shared. “Simula ng nagsimula ako bilang artista. Nagsimula sa mga cameo roles hanggang nagkaroon na ng mga supporting roles, at recently nagle-lead na ako sa MMK.”

Mon has been part of several episodes, a good number of which he treasures as part of his notable projects.

“Siyempre ‘yung recent na ginawa ko, ‘yung gambling mother. Kasama ko doon si Lara Quigaman,” he recalled. “Ako ‘yung kanyang husband na sobrang apektado dahil naluluong siya sa sugal.”

Another notable episode for Mon was one that he did with actress Bela Padilla, a psychological episode where he played the devil’s advocate personified.

“I played the voice. Originally, boses lang ako sa script, pero in-execute ni Direk Ruel Naval na nakikkita ‘yung boses na ‘yun,” he shared. “Isa sa mga pinakapaborito ko ‘yun at napakalakas noon sa viewers.”

He believed that the drama series was also able to be an effective venue to promote good values to its viewers.

“Kumbaga, kung ikaw ay taga-subaybay ng MMK, may moral values ka na sinusunod. Meron kang inspirasyon o pinaghuhugutan o pinagkukuhanan ng mga aral,” he explained.

Mon admitted that the closing of MMK is a loss to the industry.

“As an actor, nakakalungkot na mawala ang isa sa mga venues na aking pagtatanghalan bilang alagad ng sining,” he said. “Ako’y nalulungkot dahil after 31 years na nagbigay ng ligaya at inspirasyon ang MMK ay nagpaalam ang ating pinakapaboritong programa at Asia’s longest-running drama anthology.”

He is hopeful, as many are, that the time will come where another platform such as MMK will surface.

“Hopefully, someday, hindi man siguro MMK ang maging title, pero naniniwala ako na gagawa pa ulit ang ABS-CBN o kung sino man na nasa likod ng MMK, ng ganitong klaseng drama anthology muli.”

To the people behind MMK, Mon sent a message of gratitude.

“Maraming, maraming salamat. Hindi lang kayo nakapagbigay ng ligaya at inspirasyon, kundi gumawa rin kayo ng pamilya,” Mon said. “Maraming, maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga taon na nakasama namin kayo at hinding-hindi namin malilimutan ang MMK. Thank you so much.”

Maalaala Mo Kaya is down to its three-part finale, which will end on December 10, 2022.