‘MMK’ episode trends, as netizens salute Filipino soldiers, their sacrifice

"Maalaala Mo Kaya’s" episode on Saturday claimed the No. 1 spot on Twitter's top trends in the Philippines, with commenters waxing patriotic over the heroism of Filipino soldier Ian Paquit.

Using the #MMKMedalOfValor, netizens who watched the episode "Medalya" found themselves lauding the fallen soldiers who put their lives on the line for the country.

This is the hidden struggle of all the families and loved ones of the soldiers who are always fighting for our country. Salute to all the soldiers 🇵🇭🇵🇭 #MMKMedalOfValor

— 💮 (@katheypatootie) June 22, 2019

Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it. #MMKMedalOfValor

— R O N I K K O 🌞 (@ronikko) June 22, 2019

i have high respect for these people who battle in honor of our country.. i cannot help but cry, they sacrifice their lives in order to protect us, to bring peace. SALUDO AKO SAINYO!! #MMKMedalOfValor

— 오śh🐥🌻 (@aaDrakeyy) June 22, 2019

If you die in battle it is part and parcel of your job. Few will remember you, but your country will always remember you. We are here to protect our motherland, whatever it takes
I am Cadet Lobaton of PMA and I give my salute to you Joshua Garcia. Thank you 👏👏#MMKMedalOfValor pic.twitter.com/s6DnI7C4z8

— Low Bat On (@jongskie7) June 22, 2019

You will always be remembered kuya Ian! Salute to you our Dearest Cousin, Salute to all of the soldiers fighting for our country! Thank you @iamjoshuagarcia for giving Life sa story ng pinsan ko. Salute! 🙌🏻 #MMKMedalOfValor ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/d3z8tcgy70

— Sofia 🤙🏼 (@RsUnla) June 22, 2019

The hero behind tonight’s episode of @MMKOfficial <3 #MMKMedalOfValor

Ian Paquit is portrayed by Joshua Garcia. @iamjoshuagarcia pic.twitter.com/HM8BibhQfG

— JG 🌺 TEAM JOSHUA (@xoxo_1806) June 22, 2019

Netizens praised the cast for their acting, specifically Joshua Garcia, who played Paquit, and Janice De Belen, who played as Paquit’s mother. Many lauded them for “giving justice” to their roles.

Tatlong topics ang nasa top trending list nationwide! Maraming salamat, mga kapamilya! #MMKMedalOfValor #MMK28Years #MMK2019 #KapamilyaShareNa #RSBDramaUnit pic.twitter.com/Cc10PswwOl

— MMKOfficial (@MMKOfficial) June 22, 2019

Not all heroes wear capes, in the 🇵🇭 most of them wear fatigues. Highest respect to the Armed Forces of the Philippines! Salute to PFC IAN PAQUIT! 🙌

Meanwhile, let's commend Janice De Belen and Joshua Garcia's superb acting skills. 👏#MMKMedalOfValor

— Dennis🖤 (@fuji_dencio) June 22, 2019

#MMKMedalOfValor

I have no words for this episode. Kudos to everyone that make this episode especially to Joshua Garcia for his acting skills. Such a superb episode. I'm literally crying

— Keith Marius (@St16ma) June 22, 2019

Saludo sa mga Sundalong Pilipino... paghanga sa mahusay na pagganap ng nag iisang JANICE DE BELEN at Joshua Garcia #MMKMedalOfValor

— Ronald Aries Pirante (@rampirante1105) June 22, 2019

Janice wasn't also Janice De Belen tonight. She's a mother of a brave soldier! Such a wonderful artist! ❤#MMKMedalOfValor

— Shaaaaai (@shaira_peralta) June 22, 2019

Can we just also give it to janice de belen? The acting and heavy scenes are quite getting me aghhhhhh #MMKMedalOfValor

— gab (@paultbarranco) June 22, 2019

Paquit was killed in 2013 while fighting Moro rebels in Zamboanga City.

Sacrificing his life, Paquit saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and resulted in the deaths of 15 MNLF fighters and the capture of 41 others.

In the same year, he was given the Medal of Valor.

“Medalya,” the Ian Paquit MMK episode is the third offering of the anthology TV series in celebration of its 28th anniversary.