Anna Marie Lukban

Criza, Miguel and Karina try to guess the titles of these "Maalaala Mo Kaya" episodes

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

Every <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/maalaala-mo-kaya">“Maalaala Mo Kaya”</a> (MMK) episode leaves viewers anticipating not just the featured narrative, but also the title reveal at the end. The episode title is usually a single-word object that holds symbolic meaning in the letter-sender’s life story. Before they take us on another emotional rollercoaster in the second part of the episode they’re starring in, which features the life of the Maguad family, cast members Criza Taa, Miguel Vergara, and Karina Bautista took on a lighter challenge on Kapamilya Chat. The trio played the “Guess the Title” game, where they watched short clips from past MMK episodes and tried to guess the object-inspired title behind each one. The first clip they had to guess featured Ria Atayde in an episode based on the life of entrepreneur Hershey Hilado. In the scene, Ria’s character is shown working on her laptop when her husband arrives home, visibly frustrated that she hasn’t prepared dinner—again. The tension rises as the next frame reveals her struggling to keep her clothing store afloat due to poor sales. It was a tricky one, and the players definitely felt the pressure. Criza remarked how many possible answers there could be, while Miguel tried to recall specific objects from the scene. Karina, meanwhile, focused on the final frame, where Ria’s character held up a dress. She guessed “bestida,” which wasn’t quite right—but close. The correct title is “Damit.” Next up was a video from an episode starring Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona. In the scene, Elmo’s character drops by Janella’s boarding house, bringing green mangoes, which their characters apparently loved as kids. In unison, all three shouted, “Mangga!” and this time, they were right. Things got a bit trickier in the following round, which showed a young Marco Masa taking apples and juice from a wake. After a brief discussion, the group guessed “Mansanas.” Close, but not quite! The correct title was “Mansanas at Juice.” The mood turned a little solemn with the next reel, featuring Alessandra de Rossi as a hardworking mom pedaling a pedicab. Zoning in on the details, the trio pieced the clues together and correctly guessed the episode title: “Pedicab.” The challenge turned out to be a fun breather from the intense emotions of their MMK episode. Things got even more interesting when they were asked which actor they’d like to portray their life story if it were to be featured in the program. For Karina, it would be Maja Salvador. She previously played young Maja in &quot;The Iron Heart &quot; and shared that someone once told her they give off a similar vibe, which is strong and brave on the outside, but soft-hearted on the inside. Criza said it would be meaningful to choose someone who, like her, was raised by a grandmother. If she had to name a specific actress, she would choose Angelica Panganiban. Meanwhile, everyone in the room was  wowed by Miguel’s pick, none other than John Lloyd Cruz, his acting idol. The second part of MMK’s feature on the Maguad Family’s story will highlight the aftermath of the killings that shook their home and their pursuit of justice. Catch it this Saturday (May 24) on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and A2Z.

Criza Taa, Miguel Vergara, and Karina Bautista took a fun break to test their knowledge of past MMK titles!

Criza Taa, Miguel Vergara, and Karina Bautista took a fun break to test their knowledge of past MMK titles!