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ON THIS DAY Maalaala Mo Kaya began telling real-life stories 35 years ago

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Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p style="text-align:left">On this day in 1991, the iconic drama anthology <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/maalaala-mo-kaya" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em><strong>Maalaala Mo Kaya</strong></em></a> first aired on ABS-CBN, beginning what would become the longest-running drama anthology series in Philippine television history. </p><p>Hosted by ABS-CBN board director and actress Charo Santos, the program became known for bringing inspiring and relatable real-life stories to Filipino viewers through performances by some of the country’s biggest stars across different generations.</p><p>For decades, MMK delivered stories filled with love, heartbreak, hope, sacrifice, and inspiration while also keeping audiences curious about the meaning behind each episode title and the object associated with each story.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778843610523OTD_17-MMK.png" style="width:660px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>The show ended its original run in 2022 following the shutdown of ABS-CBN and the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, however, the beloved anthology returned as a limited series on <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>iWant</strong></a> with Charo reprising her role as the host.</p><div><strong></strong><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/4/10/charo-santos-looks-back-on-how-maalaala-mo-kaya-was-created-0237"><strong>READ:Charo Santos looks back on how &quot;Maalaala Mo Kaya&quot; was created</strong></a><strong></strong><strong></strong></div><p>Remembering one of the beloved Kapamilya shows, here are some unforgettable MMK episodes that left a lasting mark on viewers through the years:</p><div><br/></div><div><strong><em>Regalo</em> starring Vilma Santos and Maja Salvador</strong></div><p>Originally aired in May 2006, <em>Regalo</em> follows the story of Daisy, a mother portrayed by Vilma Santos, and her daughter April, played by Maja Salvador, who has cerebral palsy.</p><p>The episode highlighted a mother’s unconditional love and the sacrifices she is willing to make for her child. One of its most emotional scenes showed Daisy desperately urging April to keep breathing as she fought for her life. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="913" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D_-0BFZblHw" title="&#x27;Regalo&#x27;  Part 1  | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Full Episode" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>The critically acclaimed episode won Best TV Drama Program at the 15th KBP Golden Dove Awards, while Vilma won Best Single Performance by an Actress at the 20th PMPC Star Awards for Television.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="913" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2SN5_b3SgHE" title="[ENG SUBS] Maalaala Mo Kaya: Regalo Part 2 | Full Episode" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><em>Lobo</em> starring Regine Velasquez and Piolo Pascual</strong></div><p>One of the show’s highest-rated episodes, <em>Lobo</em> told the story of Abby (Regine Velasquez), a woman with a mental disability who eventually found love with Brian, portrayed by Piolo Pascual. The episode marked the first team-up of Regine and Piolo, as well as Regine’s first MMK appearance before officially joining ABS-CBN.</p><p>Asia’s Songbird later shared that she prepared extensively for the role by conducting research and speaking with a teacher’s aide who worked with autistic individuals to portray the character accurately.</p><p>Her performance also earned her first Best Actress award at the PMPC Star Awards for Television in 2002.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe width="913" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9hilcfTMDhU" title="Lobo | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Full Episode" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><em>Blusa</em> starring Angel Locsin and Dimples Romana</strong></div><p>This <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/maalaala-mo-kaya" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em><strong>Maalaala Mo Kaya</strong></em><strong> </strong></a>episode follows the life of a student who worked tirelessly to finish her studies at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Despite graduating summa cum laude, she struggled to find work and eventually became a nightclub dancer and GRO.</p><p>As the story progressed, she faced personal and family problems that led to mental instability and life on the streets.</p><p>The episode later sparked controversy after UPLB officials said no alumna matched the story presented in the episode. ABS-CBN and MMK eventually issued a public apology for failing to verify certain details beforehand.</p><p>Despite the controversy, Angel received the Outstanding Actress in a Drama Performance award from the Philippine Psychiatric Association’s SiSA Awards.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="913" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V2hEEj8yaPI" title="Blusa | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Full Episode" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><em>Tsinelas</em> starring AJ Perez and Bugoy Cariño</strong></div><p>Remembered as AJ Perez’s final television appearance before his untimely death, this story followed two orphaned brothers who traveled from Manila to Samar in search of their relatives.</p><p>The episode aired posthumously two weeks after the actor&#x27;s passing and later earned him a nomination at the Golden Screen TV Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Single Drama or Telemovie Program.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="913" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qPNzLkHzbIo" title="Tsinelas | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Full Episode" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><em>Kweba </em>starring Zanjoe Marudo</strong></div><p>Aired in 2016, <em>Kweba </em>is based on<em></em> the life of Juan, a father determined to raise his children despite extreme poverty. After a powerful typhoon destroyed their nipa hut, Juan and his sons were forced to live inside a cave, the inspiration behind the episode’s title.</p><p>Their lives eventually changed after a teacher shared their situation online, prompting many people to extend help. The episode earned Zanjoe his first international nomination at the International Emmy Awards in 2017.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="913" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-xt0oiU0KXE" title="Maalaala Mo Kaya Recap: Kweba (Juan&#x27;s Life Story)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><em>Kotse-kotsehan</em> and <em>Litrato</em> starring Angel Locsin and Dimples Romana</strong></div><p>The two-part special episode featured the perspectives of two mothers, one who never stopped looking for their lost child and another accused of kidnapping after adopting a lost child.</p><p>The episode <em>Kotse-Kotsehan</em> earned MMK the Best Single Drama/Telemovie award during the inaugural Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2018.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="913" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Pn1XlENG2c" title="Full Episode | Maalaala Mo Kaya - Kotse-Kotsehan" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><em>The Si</em></strong><strong><em>lent House</em> starring Dimples Romana, Karina</strong><strong> Bautista, Criza Taa, Joem Bascon, and Miguel Vergara</strong></div><p>One of the anthology’s most talked-about episodes from its 2025 return, this episode followed the tragic story inspired by the Maguad siblings case, where two children were killed by the person their family had adopted.</p><p>The episode went viral online because of Karina Bautista’s chilling portrayal of the adopted daughter, as well as the emotional performance delivered by Dimples Romana as the grieving mother.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="913" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sDH5zbdiMds" title="Maalaala Mo Kaya: The Maguad Family Story Trailer | A 2-Part Mother&#x27;s Day Special" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>It also highlighted the family’s continuing fight for justice for their children.</p><div> </div>

<p>Today marks Maalaala Mo Kaya's 35th year.</p>

Today marks Maalaala Mo Kaya's 35th year.

ON THIS DAY: ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’ began telling real-life stories 35 years ago

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ON THIS DAY: ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’ began telling real-life stories 35 years ago

Nikka Sabio,

Push Team

Published May 15, 2026 07:13 PM PHT

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