Paul Christian Ocampo

Iza Calzado stars as a courageous stepmom, teacher in “MMK”

Article (news)

ABS-CBN Studios

Award-winning actress Iza Calzado takes center stage in the latest episode of <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/maalaala-mo-kaya" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“MMK” (Maalaala Mo Kaya)</a> as Marissa, a teacher and stepmother whose unwavering love for her stepdaughter is put to the ultimate test after a traumatic event that shakes their family, streaming this Wednesday (May 28) 8:30 p.m. on iWant with an exclusive director’s cut available worldwide.With the release of its fifth episode this week, “MMK” continues to dominate as iWant’s top title, with its strong performance and over a million reach from previous episodes underscoring its legacy of emotionally impactful stories for all generations.The episode also marks the highly anticipated comeback of award-winning actress Iza, who takes on a pivotal role as a courageous stepmother and teacher. Iza recently starred in the 2025 horror film “The Caretakers” and returned to the theater in 2024 with “Tiny Beautiful Things.”Joining Iza in this episode is James Blanco, who plays her on-screen husband Albert, a humble tricycle driver and a devoted yet strict father to his only daughter, Angel, portrayed by Kapamilya rising star Krystal Mejes.Marissa poured her maternal love into Angel, treating her as her own, and extended this care to her students, including Dennis and Carlo, played by Benedix Ramos at Lance Lucido, both came from poor families and nearly abandoned their studies until Marissa intervened.Although Angel struggles to connect with her stepmother early on, fate cruelly binds them closer when she becomes the victim of a horrific assault by Marissa’s own students, Dennis and Carlo, respectively.Directed by Paco Sta. Maria and written by Raymund Barcelon, the episode tells a poignant story of a woman who, despite having endured abuse herself as a child, rises above her past to become a true mother figure. It is a tribute to all stepmothers who prove that motherhood is not defined by blood but by love, sacrifice, and unbreakable commitment.Meanwhile, joining in this episode are new Kapamilya talent and “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/savinggrace" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Saving Grace</a>” child star Zia Grace, as well as theater actress Kakki Teodoro, known for her role in “Isang Himala.”<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/maalaala-mo-kaya" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“MMK”</a> will also air on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and A2Z every Saturday from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.iWant’s Director’s Cut now premieres 72 hours earlier, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday instead of Thursday. Get easy access to iWant&#x27;s content library for free. Aside from portable devices, users can enjoy the iWant viewing experience on a larger screen with select devices, including Chromecast and AirPlay.

Iza Calzado takes center stage in “MMK” as Marissa, a teacher and stepmother whose unwavering love for her stepdaughter is put to the ultimate test after a traumatic event that shakes their family

Iza Calzado takes center stage in “MMK” as Marissa, a teacher and stepmother whose unwavering love for her stepdaughter is put to the ultimate test after a traumatic event that shakes their family