Allyzza Kay Trinidad

“MMK” spotlights iconic performances in limited series run

Article (news)

ABS-CBN Studios

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1751027478313MMK-spotlights-iconic-performances-in-limited-series-run.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>The return of the country’s most beloved drama anthology, “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/maalaala-mo-kaya" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em><u>MMK</u></em></strong></a>,” on a limited run is not just a celebration of powerful Filipino storytelling, but it has also emerged as a showcase for some of the most unforgettable performances.</p><p>Week after week on the new iWant, “MMK” has generated buzz for its emotionally gripping stories, while sparking conversations about the standout performances delivered by seasoned actors and rising stars. With each episode, the anthology reaffirms its reputation as a platform where actors are given space to stretch their range and shine.</p><p>In last week’s episode “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/6/21/netizens-rave-about-kai-s-promising-mmk-debut-unmistakable-chemistry-with-kyle-0057" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u><strong>Make Up</strong></u></a>,” the debut of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/pbbgen112024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>PBB Gen 11</em></u></strong></a>” Fourth Big Placer Kai Montinola garnered attention for her heartfelt chemistry with Kyle Echarri, who played content creator Hajie Alejandro. The two portrayed the real-life journey of Team HaNie—Hajie and Lenie Aycardo—and their performance drew positive feedback on social media for its authenticity and grounded performances.</p><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aFyWUQ7kPkY" title="Hajie at Lenie, inamin ang nararamdaman para sa isa&#x27;t isa | Makeup | Maalaala Mo Kaya" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Earlier, Bela Padilla stunned audiences in the two-part special “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/6/7/bela-padilla-s-delivers-gripping-performance-in-mmk-sim-card-2309" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>SIM Card</u></strong></a>” and “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/6/14/bela-padilla-astounds-anew-in-heart-rending-portrayal-of-a-human-trafficking-victim-in-mmk-bintana-0247" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>Bintana</u></strong></a>” as Nadia, an OFW unknowingly caught in a web of human trafficking. Bela’s portrayal of a woman held captive for 48 agonizing days was one of her most gripping to date.</p><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Std26tf9r0" title="Nadia, hindi nawalan ng pag-asa na makakauwi sa kaniyang pamilya | Bintana | Maalaala Mo Kaya" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Likewise, Iza Calzado reminded everyone why she remains one of the country’s finest actresses with her powerful performance in “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/5/31/iza-calzado-krystal-mejes-touch-hearts-with-moving-portrayal-in-mmk-a-stepmother-story-0021" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>Gumamela</u></strong></a>” where she played Rina, a dedicated public school teacher and resilient stepmother whose love and sacrifices held her family together.</p><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qtg4aQd4nok" title="Angel, ikinuwento ang kaniyang pinagdaanan | Gumamela | Maalaala Mo Kaya" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Social media also lit up after the two-part dramatization of the Maguad siblings’ tragedy in the much talked-about episodes “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/5/17/netizens-heap-praise-on-the-cast-of-mmk-maguad-family-story-for-notable-performances-0126" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>Bahay</u></strong></a>” and “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/5/25/netizens-laud-dimples-joem-karina-for-compelling-portrayal-in-part-2-of-mmk-maguad-family-story-0829" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>Envelope</u></strong></a>.” Dimples Romana and Joem Bascon rendered heartfelt portrayals of grieving parents, while Criza Taa and Miguel Vergara offered touching performances as the innocent siblings. And Karina Bautista’s chilling take as Jasmine, the adoptive daughter driven by jealousy, left many stunned and disturbed, earning her praise for her intense and spine-chiling performance.</p><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8RERaeTKFOw" title="Ang mga huling oras nina Gwynn at Boyboy Maguad | Envelope | Maalaala Mo Kaya" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Not to be outdone, <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/5/4/netizens-rave-about-bini-sheena-s-am-eyyy-zing-portrayal-of-her-life-story-on-mmk-0952" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>Sheena Catacutan</u></strong></a> of the nation’s girl group BINI made her acting debut by portraying her own life story in the second episode, which chronicled her personal struggles and rise to stardom. The episode also featured the return of Angelica Panganiban in the role of Sheena’s mother figure—her first major television drama appearance since 2020.</p><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rOI2kN7_X8M" title="BINI Sheena, biggest fan ang kaniyang mommy Angelyn | Camera | Maalaala Mo Kaya" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Moreover, the season premiere featured Romnick Sarmenta’s return as the father of “The Voice USA” season 26 grand champion <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/4/27/netizens-commend-elijah-canlas-impressive-portrayal-of-sofronio-vasquez-in-mmk-s-apoy-1052" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>Sofronio Vasquez</u></strong></a> in an emotional performance. Joining him is multi-awarded actor Elijah Canlas, who effectively portrayed Sofronio.</p><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/95XcX75M_RY" title="Sofronio, nakuha ang suporta ng kaniyang ama | Apoy | Maalaala Mo Kaya" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>And this week, it’s Mutya Orquia’s turn in the spotlight. Best known for her breakout role as Abby in &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/bcwmh/articles-photos/throwback-be-careful-with-my-heart-2012-14521" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>Be Careful With My Heart</u></strong></a>,&quot; Mutya portrays a young woman who overcomes abuse and exploitation.  She is joined by veteran Ara Mina, who plays Auntie Ging. From award-winning veterans rekindling their dramatic chops to new names making a mark, &quot;MMK&quot; is once again the stage where actors deliver memorable performances and audiences remember.</p><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2a3HQyfCod8" title="Maalaala Mo Kaya: Scarred Daughter Story Teaser | Watch it on iWant!" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Catch new episodes of &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/maalaala-mo-kaya" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>MMK</em></u></strong></a>&quot; every Wednesday at 8pm on iWant, with Saturday airings on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and A2Z from 8:30pm to 9:30pm.</p><p>Don’t miss the Director’s Cuts on iWant, released 72 hours earlier every Wednesday. iWant subscriptions start at just ₱35/month.</p>

<p>The return "MMK” is not just a celebration of powerful Filipino storytelling, but it has also emerged as a showcase for some of the most unforgettable performances.</p>

The return "MMK” is not just a celebration of powerful Filipino storytelling, but it has also emerged as a showcase for some of the most unforgettable performances.