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Michael Flores, Marnie Lapus describe MMK as training ground for actors

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Liezel dela Cruz

How was your weekend without <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/maalaalamokaya" target="_blank">Maalaala Mo Kaya</a>, Kapamilya? Most of us are still trying to settle into a new routine, one that suddenly excludes watching the program every Saturday night.With that, we feel the huge impact MMK has left in our lives.Michael Flores and Marnie Lapus have built good memories with the show that’s why they’re still in disbelief until now. When rumors about MMK’s closing circulated on social media, Marnie thought it was fake news, but then <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/maalaalamokaya/articles-videos/mmk-ends-prolific-3-decade-run-with-3-part-farewell-special-episode-18514" target="_self">Charo Santos made the announcement</a> and the programs’ directors and creatives started to tell their parting piece. That’s when it sank in. “MMK has always been, parang, ‘yun ang inaabangan ng tao,” she told Kapamilya Chat, adding that one reason MMK lasted 31 years is that it chronicled real-life stories of Filipinos.Michael practically grew up with the program, hence the heavy heart when it bid goodbye, “Hindi ako makapaniwala, eh. Nalungkot talaga ako kasi kumbaga teenager pa lang ako may MMK na, eh.” When the announcement was made, he sent Charo a message saying Philippine TV will never be the same without MMK.The guests went on to look back on the memories and friendships they built through the program. Marnie shared that one of her most memorable MMK portrayals is “Kamay” which dramatized the story of deaf-mute beauty queen Christine Balaguer and her tragic experiences. Marnie played a ‘kontrabida role, which she described as “isa sa mga pinakamalupit na ginawa ko.”Meanwhile, Michael recalls his last episode was “ParuParo” where he played a dad to Sue Ramirez. Looking back on his MMK journey, he said the show was a training ground for actors, especially during his time, “Parang workshop ‘yan, eh. ‘Pag nag-MMK, kaya mo na mag-teleserye. Stepping stone mo ‘yan, eh.” Every episode drenched in heavy scenes is of course challenging but watching the output and hearing positive feedback from the viewers would make the sacrifices worth it.Michael went on to express his “pasasalamat” for MMK, and especially for its viewers, “Siyempre hindi naman tatagal ang MMK ng 31 years kundi dahil sa lahat.” Marnie shared her message as well and maintained that MMK ruled for 31 years thanks to the inspiration and lessons it imparted to the audience.

Like many artists, Michael Flores and Marnie Lapus were in denial when Maalaala Mo Kaya ended.