LOOK: CJ Navato as Carlo Paalam on MMK

After not seeing him act on television for quite some time, actor-crooner CJ Navato is making a return via the upcoming new episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya airing this Saturday, January 8, as he is tapped to portray Tokyo 2020 Silver Medalist Carlo Paalam.

Tagged #MMKSilverPunch, this will give us a glimpse of the inspiring life of the 23-year-old boxing sensation, who initially had to resort to scavenging and selling garbage scraps in his hometown in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental in order to help his family with their finances. Until his skills in boxing got discovered and he started to train that gave him another means to provide for his family, and at the same time changed the course of his life.

Based on the official trailer of the episode released on January 6, Carlo actually almost gave up after he did not make it to the cut of one of the competitions he was looking forward to participate in. But his coach, played by seasoned character actor Mon Confiado, encouraged him to still push through because a true fighter rises up, shows up on the ring, and fight.

The episode is written by Michael Bryan Transfiguracion and directed by Ian Loreños. CJ and Mon will be joined by veteran thespians Aurora Sevilla and William Lorenzo and Pinoy Big Brother Otso alumnus Ali Abinal.

Do not miss this episode of MMK this coming Saturday, January 8, at 8:30PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, and A2Z Channel 11!