‘MMK’ trends with Paul Desiderio bio, man who made UP Maroons believe again

Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv

When Ronnie Alonte, portraying Paul Desiderio for "Maalaala Mo Kaya," said "sayang" after losing the UAAP finals, it exemplified the basketball player's quite astonishing story.

The incredible transformation of a young, poor kid from Cebu into a Fighting Maroons legend who united his university and made a community believe it could achieve the impossible.

His inspiring tale was featured on the drama anthology, and even Desiderio may have had some trouble believing how he managed to pull it off as he watched on Saturday night.

The episode documented his humble beginnings in his hometown, how he persevered to get a basketball scholarship at a local school so that his parents wouldn't have to pay his tuition.

An offer from University of the Philippines soon came up and he was thrust in Manila, a part of his life riddled by indecision.

Homesickness and hopelessness over the basketball team's unflattering image as a perennial loser combined to make him question whether he was right to choose and play for UP.

There were other better offers but after a reminder from his father that some of the best sports stories are never the easy ones, Desiderio decided he'd try and face the seemingly insurmountable.

This led to him eventually uttering his famous "atin 'to!' cry, which the team used to rally itself into reaching the UAAP finals, a first for the Fighting Maroons in more than 30 years.

The team lost the title series but Desiderio's winning spirit, his boldness, and his bravery remained with everyone.

Desiderio, in an interview after, explained that he only said "atin to" to liven up his team then, who was so used to losing. Little did he know that he would go on to make the whole UP community believe again in winning.

Below are just some of the most talked about reactions from his "Maalaala Mo Kaya" episode:

He might not have been a pilot to be a captain of a flight, but he turned out to be a great basketball player and be the captain of UP fight. I see no difference. He soared high, Paul Desiderio will continue to reach the skies. #MMKMisterAtinTo pic.twitter.com/cTJMSA2t3V

— IAyvii (@AybiImperial) January 19, 2019

hands down to paul desiderio's father 😭

— elle (@maroonarchers) January 19, 2019

Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't do. And also, it comes from the people who believe in you even when you don't believe in yourself. #MMKMisterAtinTo pic.twitter.com/5yQD8km93G

— Michael John Bade (@kael_badebadz) January 19, 2019

Tonight's story's very close to my heart. I'd never lose respect for athletes like Paul D. because the kind of discipline they have is exemplary. They're the ones who know the real meaning of sacrifice. Definitely, the essentials of a successful life. #MMKMisterAtinTo

— Jose (@bornskee) January 19, 2019

It's all because of Paul Desiderio's father words from the very beginning. 😭❤👏🏻 #MMKMisterAtinTo

— Jingky (@zengkyyy) January 19, 2019

Paul Desiderio's story taught us to strive for our goals and to make our dreams come true. Every successful person has a untold story of his/her hardships in life. This story is inspirational. Help and support of family, everything is impossible.💪 @iamr2alonte #MMKMisterAtinTo

— Nor Masukat (@Masukat2002) January 19, 2019

This MMK episode hits close to home because it showed the lack of support, financial and moral, to our athletic teams yet they still persevere to bring glory to UP. #MMKMisterAtinTo

— Manell Queen ✨ (@metromanella) January 19, 2019

“Ang hamon na ibinigay sayo, ang ang pagalingin ang team. Angkinin mo ang hamon na ‘yon” -Paul’s father.

Cap’s dad mindset are really mindblowing and meaningful enough to stand on your own. #MMKMisterAtinTo

— maganDANI (@BrideNgJuniors) January 19, 2019

So I'm watching MMK story of Paul Desiderio, I salute how his parents raised him u deserve what u have right now 🙌🏻 #MMKMisterAtinTo

— Khryzla (@mariakhryzl) January 19, 2019

@pauldesiderio18's father is every student's dream dad. Someone who pushes you through your limits and consoles you in times of down moments. A very supportive father. Someone who believes in the dreams of his son. A dream that has come into reality. #MMKMisterAtinTo

— Lexy Auxilio (@LexxPark) January 19, 2019

“Isa lang ang mapapangako ko. We will make history together.”

He stayed true to his words.#MMKMisterAtinTo

— fia (@swishbizzIe) January 19, 2019