MANILA — A victim in the crossfire between the feuding Mondragons in “Kadenang Ginto” came in the form of a neglected teen, whose spiral into depression unraveled in an episode of the top-rating drama that has since gone viral.

In the May 2 episode of the Dreamscape series, an intoxicated Marga (Andrea Brillantes) retreated to the rooftop of an abandoned building, overwhelmed with loneliness.

A series of rejections, as well as the emotional absence of her parents, dawned on Marga. On top of her unreciprocated affection for Kristoff (Kyle Echarri), her perceived rivalry with Cassie (Francine Diaz), and her strained relationship with her friends, she felt abandoned by her parents, particularly Daniela (Dimples Romana), who has been consumed by her feud with Romina (Beauty Gonzalez).

“I’m all alone, wala namang may pakialam sa akin,” she said, as she approached the edge of the building, surveying its height.

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Catching sight of Marga, Cassie immediately called their respective parents, who arrived just in time to reassure her of their concern and love. But Marga was not convinced.

“Mahalaga ba talaga ako sa inyo? Mahal niyo ba talaga ako? Hindi niyo na alam ang nangyayari sa akin. You don’t even care to ask. Iyon ang totoo. Kaya mas masakit kasi hindi mo nakikita!” she said.

Eventually, Marga stepped away from the edge and towards her family, with Romina’s reminder of the chance to right her wrongs — as long as she’s alive. She, however, slipped, and nearly fell. Fortunately, her father (Adrian Alandy) was able to grab her hand and pull Marga back to safety.

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“I didn’t know you were going through so much,” Daniela told her daughter in the hospital.

“You didn’t even have the time para kumustahin ako, para tanungin kung okay lang ako. Hindi niyo na alam kung ano ang nangyayari sa akin. Nakikita niyo lang ako ‘pag nagkakamali ako,” a crying Marga said, pointing out that her parents have been too preoccupied with proving themselves — for Carlos, as a good provider, and for Daniela, as the better Mondragon over Romina.

The official videos of the episode have totaled some 4 million views on YouTube alone, as of writing, with many comments commending “Kadenang Ginto” for tackling depression through Marga’s character, as well as the cast’s acting.

Some said they could relate, sharing how they overcame their own dark chapter; while others encouraged fellow viewers to have open communication with their loved ones.

Editor’s note:

A group in the Philippines is dedicated to addressing those who have suicidal tendencies. The crisis hotlines of the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation aim to make these individuals feel that someone is ready to listen to them.

These are their hotline numbers:

(02) 804-HOPE (4673)
0917 558 HOPE (4673)
2919 (toll-free number for all GLOBE and TM subscribers)