MANILA — “Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit,” ABS-CBN’s recently launched daytime drama, topped trending topics on social media on Thursday with the heartbreaking death of a main character portrayed by Kaye Abad.

In the March 28 telecast of the RSB Drama production, Ella (Abad) struggled to come to terms with her condition, as it would mean leaving her only child, Mikmik (Sophia Reola), orphaned.

By the end of the episode, Ella succumbed to leukemia, with Mikmik at her side and tearfully pleading for a final touch from her “angel.”

The heartbreaking scene catapulted “Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit” as the top trending topic on Twitter nationwide, with its official hashtag ranking first during and well after the daytime airing.

“Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit” follows the story of Mikmik, who remains full of hope despite being beset by a series of tragedy. As shown in trailers for the series, Mikmik will set out to find Ella’s family, with the mistaken expectation that she will be welcomed.

Abad’s limited appearance in the series made headlines as it marked her television comeback after a four-year hiatus, during which she got married and welcomed her first child.