Vilma Santos recalls her first and last MMK episode | Family Date Nights

Entertainment.ABS-CBN.com

The finale episode of Kapamilya Family Date Nights online benefit show was marked by a grand celebration from <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/maalaalamokaya" target="_blank">Maalaala Mo Kaya</a> and <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/viralscandal" target="_blank">Viral Scandal</a>.Kapamilya stars who have become part of MMK came in full force to pay homage to the show on its 30th anniversary, which coincided with the on-going “Tulong-Tulong sa Pag-ahon: Isang Daan Sa Pagtutulungan” campaign that aims to provide food, clean water, as well as hygiene and home repair kits for families affected by Typhoon Odette.As part of the celebration, the longest-running drama anthology teamed up with trending primetime series <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/viralscandal" target="_blank">Viral Scandal</a> to raise a one-million-peso donation to the Operation Odette fund drive. Should the target amount be reached, <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/viralscandal" target="_blank">Viral Scandal</a> will release a short film featuring the backstory of Bea (Karina Bautista) and Pogs (Aljon Mendoza)’s characters.TV personality Darla Sauler with guest co-hosts Dimples Romana and KarJon started the night strong with a rare get-together with Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos, who shared her unforgettable MMK experiences. They talked about Vilma’s drama-heavy, two-part <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/maalaalamokaya/articles-news/review-mmk-regalo-showcases-impeccable-acting-talent-and-first-rate-authentic-storytelling-12540" target="_blank">“Regalo” episode</a> with Maja Salvador and directed by Olivia Lamasan that was aired for the program’s 15th anniversary in 2006. It tells the story of a mother, who happens to be Vilma’s ‘kababayan’ in Batangas, who refused to give up on the sufferings of her daughter with cerebral palsy.Fifteen years later, the award-winning actress said she’s looking forward to doing another episode, now showbiz moves up her priority ladder again after taking a break from her two-decade political career. “This year 2022, election year, I took a backseat. Hindi muna ako tumakbo bilang isang public servant… Naging public servant ako for more than 23 years as a mayor, governor, and now as a congresswoman. Medyo napunta sa third priority ‘yung showbiz life ko. Ngayon na I took a backseat, I’m excited na baka naman mabigyan ko ng priority naman kung saan ‘yung pinagkakautangan ko ng loob which is show business,” shared Vilma, who started acting at the age of 9.If given the chance, she would like to work with the new breed of artists including KarJon, who she watched in <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/pbbs10" target="_blank">Pinoy Big Brother</a>. Vilma also didn’t forget to congratulate Dimples on her 25th showbiz anniversary, tagging her as a good role model for newcomers. “Si Dimples ang isang perfect example of an artist na pinaghirapan, talagang tinrabaho niya, binigyan niya ng hard work at determination. Look at her after 25 years, in demand pa rin siya and she turned out to be a real good, good actress. For that, I love and I salute you. Keep up the good work,” she told her.”She continued, “Kailangan namin ng masasabi nating professional, ‘yung talagang isinasapuso ang pagiging artista. Dapat sinasaluduhan ang mga ganyang artists at isa ka dun, Dimples.”The ‘kumustahan’ continued with <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/magandangbuhay" target="_blank">Magandang Buhay</a> momshies Jolina Magdangal and Melai Cantiveros, who both portrayed different MMK stories as well. Jolina only had one scene in her first MMK stint since she was still a student back then. She guest starred in several more episodes that are mostly horror-themed. Melai, on the other hand, is often pegged into inspiring roles of OFWs and house helpers, which really never fails to touch her heart.Also joining them that night is Ria Atayde with five MMK episodes under her belt - the recent one was <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/maalaalamokaya/articles-news/review-ria-jake-deliver-amusing-relatable-heartwarming-portrayals-in-delightful-mmk-blouse-14111" target="_blank">a Valentine special with Jake Cuenca</a>. For Ria, every MMK portrayal combines challenge and excitement, and a hint of pressure. But at the end of the day, it feels an honor to present the inspiring tales of Kapamilyas from all walks of life, “Whatever MMK gives, I always say yes. It’s nice to bring life to stories of real people. It’s even nicer to see it taken care of the way MMK does it.”Dimples seconded, “Parang pakiramdam mo you’re being called to do something super important at pakiramdam mo magmamarka sa milestone mo bilang artista. So every time na nag-MMK ka, lagi mong naaalala.”Ria’s mom, Sylvia Sanchez, is a record-holder with around 29 MMK guestings. Looking back, Sylvia realized it was the first program to sharpen her thespic gift, “Isa ang MMK sa naghulma sa akin bukod sa mga teleserye ko. Dito ako nag-start na umarte ng mga seryoso, ‘yung acting na kailangan hindi OA, natural.”She described MMK as a place of learning. Besides the right amount of acting, it taught her teamwork as well, “’Pag umarte ka hindi ka dapat madamot. Dapat magbigay ka sa mga kaeksena mo. Dapat team player ka talaga. Honestly, natutunan ko ‘yan dito sa MMK. Hindi ka pwede umarte dito na solo at hindi ka pwedeng mang-agaw ng eksena.”Since her children started to follow her footsteps in the industry, she used to tell them pieces of advice that every neophyte must keep in mind. “Pakikisama, importante ‘yun. Maging professional. Seryosohin n’yo ang trabahong ito kasi ‘pag sineryoso ninyo, mamahalin din kayo ng trabaho n’yo. Irespeto ang co-actors especially seniors n’yo. Huwag mayabang, pakikisama talaga.”She continued, “Umarte kayo nang natural. Hindi porke drama, luha agad. Sinasabi ko sa kanila na puso ang gamitin. Naniniwala ako na ‘pag puso ang ginamit mo, lulusot ‘yan onscreen, ‘yun ang magre-reach sa viewers. Abutin n’yo ‘yung mga viewers n’yo puso sa puso.”Sky Quizon and Marlo Mortel also dropped by to invite viewers to watch out for their upcoming MMK episode where they play brothers. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, whose life story was portrayed by <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/maalaalamokaya/articles-news/01060417-mmk-korona-gives-inspiring-take-on-pia-wurtzbachs-painful-but-triumphant-journey-10796" target="_blank">Liza Soberano in MMK “Korona</a>,” surprised her beloved ‘kababayans’ with a special message.To serenade KUMUnizens, fans, and donors, Angela Ken performed her hit single “Ako Naman Muna.” Trisha Denise treated viewers with her soulful track “Mahalin,” the theme song of Michelle Vito and Miles Ocampo’s <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/maalaalamokaya/articles-news/review-michelle-vito-miles-ocampo-shine-with-brilliant-portrayals-of-tanch-and-sarah-in-mmk-scarf-15962" target="_blank">MMK “Scarf.”</a> Plus, <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/tawagngtanghalan" target="_blank">Tawag Ng Tanghalan</a> champion JM Yosures, whose life story was also portrayed by JC Alcantara in <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/maalaalamokaya/articles-news/review-jc-alcantara-gives-faithful-endearing-portrayal-of-tnt-4-champ-jm-yosures-in-mmk-mikropono-14871" target="_blank">MMK “Mikropono,”</a> delivered his new rendition of the classic “Maalaala Mo Kaya” theme song.Near the end of the episode, Janine Gutierrez hopped on board to encourage solid PauNine fans to support Operation Odette. It can be recalled that <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/maalaalamokaya/articles-news/review-janine-jm-shine-with-intense-delightful-kilig-performance-in-mmk-quarantine-pass-14776" target="_blank">MMK “Quarantine Pass”</a> was Janine’s first assignment as a bonafide Kapamilya. She said she felt nervous on her first taping day, “Alam naman natin na ‘pag MMK, tagisan ng galing, at kwento ng mga Kapamilya so kailangan magampanan mo nang mahusay.” But she enjoyed the experience thanks to her co-stars, as well as the staff and crew who were all welcoming.MMK matriarch Charo Santos-Concio also delivered a special message to Kapamilyas who took part in the interactive benefit show.In one night, MMK and <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/viralscandal" target="_blank">Viral Scandal</a> raised 1.4 million pesos, which will help families still recovering from the aftermath of Typhoon Odette. It also guarantees the showing of KarJon’s special short film “Ang Kulit Ng Pag-Ibig,” the hidden chapter of Pogs and Bea’s love story, this coming March 16, at 7 pm on ABS-CBN Entertainment&#x27;s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/abscbnentertainment" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>.The ‘bayanihan’ continues with the next phases of ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Foundation’s “Tulong-Tulong sa Pag-ahon: Isang Daan Sa Pagtutulungan” 100-day fundraising campaign, live streamed at 8 p.m. on FYE Channel on Kumu, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ABSCBNnetwork/" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Entertainment Facebook page</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/abscbnentertainment" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>, <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/Mkr3OdLk6ab" target="_blank">iWantTFC</a>, and SKYcable Channel 955 HD and Channel 155 SD. The DSWD Authority/Solicitation Permit No. of this campaign is DSWD-SB-SP-00026-21, which is valid nationwide until May 28, 2022.For information and other ways to donate, visit the official pages of ABS-CBN Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or go to<a href="https://foundation.abs-cbn.com/"> https://foundation.abs-cbn.com</a>.

Inspiring stories of real people & their full interview with Charo Santos on MMK - Vilma Santos recalls her first and last MMK episode | Family Date Nights

Vilma Santos recalls her first and last MMK episode | Family Date Nights | ABS-CBN

Halalan 2025

Entertainment

News

Metro.Style

Lifestyle

Sports

More

Traffic

Horoscope

TV

Vilma Santos recalls her first and last MMK episode | Family Date Nights

Vilma Santos recalls her first and last MMK episode | Family Date Nights

Entertainment.ABS-CBN.com

Published Mar 10, 2022 11:36 PM PHT

|

Updated Mar 10, 2022 11:42 PM PHT

Read More:

ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN Entertainment

Entertainment

Maalaala Mo Kaya

mmk

mmk 30 years

mmk 30th anniversary

mmk anniversary

viral scandal

karjon

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.