Maalaala Mo Kaya

Episodes

Translations of the Filipino titles are in the parentheses.

Notable episodes

"Rubber Shoes"

The first episode of MMK aired on May 15, 1991 starring Romnick Sarmenta and Vina Morales.

"Regalo" (Gift)

MMK episode topbilled by Vilma Santos, Ricky Davao and Maja Salvador and considered as one of the most critically successful episode.

"Lobo" (Balloon)

The highest-rating episode (47.9% in Metro Manila) that featured Regine Velasquez and Piolo Pascual. Regine also won her first acting award at the PMPC Star Awards for TV in 2002, because of this episode.

"Pier 39"

10th Anniversary Presentation. First Maalaala Mo Kaya episode filmed outside the Philippines starring Judy Ann Santos and Piolo Pascual. Shot in San Francisco, California, the episode tells about a caregiver who falls in love with a wayward man, despite being beholden to her elderly, wheelchair-using employer.

"Ferris Wheel"

A Christmas presentation of Maalaala mo Kaya which reunites ex-lovers Jericho Rosales and Angelika dela Cruz.

"Unan" (Pillow)

The episode which tells the Life Story of Julie Vega, as portrayed by Angelica Panganiban. Michael de Mesa and Rio Locsin acted as Drs. Julio and Pearl Postigo, Julie Vega's Parents. Aired in October 2003.

"Pendant"

A Valentine's Day Special aired on February 14, 2009 and first episode for Toni Gonzaga with Jason Abalos and Ryan Eigenmann. This episode was about first love and how to let go and take the risk in order to be in love.

"Reseta" (Prescription)

A Mother's Day Special aired on May 9, 2009 starring Jodi Sta. Maria and Carmina Villaroel. This marked Villaroel's new appearance in a MMK episode on ABS-CBN after a few episodes she has done in the 1990s before leaving the network.

"Blusa" (Blouse)

A controversial episode starring Angel Locsin and Dimples Romana that focuses on a story of a UP Los Baños summa cum laude graduate who found herself applying as a Guest Relations Officer (GRO), shown February 28, 2009. UPLB released a statement pointing out the credibility of the facts presented in the episode. On March 10, 2009, ABS-CBN issued an apology for not verifying with UPLB the veracity of the facts.

"Ice Cream"

This the life story of Charice Pempengco, as portrayed by herself. This is Charice's first acting appearance with Zsa Zsa Padilla and Rhap Salazar played as the role of her mother and younger brother. The story features about her growing up in a middle-class family before her successful singing career. The episode aired on June 2008.

"Teddy Bear"

This is the story of comedian, Pokwang portrayed by herself.

"Kwintas" (Necklace)

The first episode of Sarah Geronimo and also mark as the first on-screen tandem of her and John Lloyd Cruz.

"Gitara" (Guitar)

This is the real life story of Tara Santelices, who was comatose for a year after being shot to the head by a mugger on August 6, 2008. She was portrayed by Karylle.

"Upuan" (Chair)

The episode of former senator Renato Cayetano, portrayed by Ronaldo Valdez about his battle with hepatitis and his son, Lino Cayetano's contribution to extend his life as portrayed by John Lloyd Cruz. This episode is also directed by Lino himself.

The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Story

On January 23 and 30, 2010, respectively, a two-part episode of the life story of former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino was aired for Cory's 77th Birthday. The first part was "Kalapati" which featured the humble beginnings of the said couple, from their marriage up to their political conflicts. The second part was "Makinilya" which depicted the latter days of Ninoy and the end of Martial Law. The series also featured real footage of the events that occurred during martial law and during Cory's success in the presidential race. Piolo Pascual portrayed the role of Benigno Aquino Jr. while Bea Alonzo played the role of Corazon Aquino.

"Tsinelas" (Slippers)

This is the story of 17-year-old Edgar and 11-year-old Dagul, two homeless brothers that suffer the severe trials of life with no food or money while travelling an, exhilarating journey from Manila to Samar for a better life. This is the posthumous work of actor AJ Perez, who died in a car crash on April 17, 2011.Another unrelated episode was also titled "Tsinelas", which is the TV adaptation of the story of the late Jesse Robredo.

"Krus" (Cross)

The Mother's Day Special of MMK for the year 2011 with Ai-Ai Delas Alas, John Arcilla, John Wayne Sace and Lester Liansang. A story about a struggling mother with her kids not blessed with perfect health.

"Kuweba" (Cave)

A special episode that features actors Robin Padilla and Vina Morales after nearly two decades since their last project together. This episode was aired on November 12, 2011 telling a story of a Muslim family struggling in a political and social turmoil.

"Singsing" (Ring)

The love story of Etrona and Panyong, who found happiness in each other's company until their last breath. This episode which was aired on November 19, 2011 is directed by Jeffrey Jeturian and stars Philippine veteran actors Eddie Garcia and Gloria Romero.

"Lente" (Lense)

The life story of an aspiring model Claudio C. Cañedo, portrayed by Gerald Anderson, aired on August 9, 2012, this episode portrays how Claudio faces the challenges of a person exploring the world around him, meeting different persons from all walks of life and how he survived all the trials.

"T-shirt"

The story is about Gigi, a girl who got pregnant at a young age due to being raped repeatedly by her employer. Sharlene San Pedro, who played the role of Gigi was recognized internationally; she was nominated in the 17th Asian Television Awards for Best Actress in a Lead-Drama Role for her portrayal as a teenage mother in this episode aired on April 21, 2008.

"Manika" (Doll)

A 15-year-old girl named Nene, portrayed by Jane Oineza, who was recurrently raped by her stepfather. But her world drastically changed when her mother, portrayed by Angel Aquino, even assisted her live-in partner in the act of rape. Since then, Nene cursed the ‘beauty’ that she possesses. The episode was slated to air on June 2, 2012 but was pulled off after the MTRCB gave it an 'X' rating due to its sensitive theme. It was later re-edited and was given an 'SPG' rating to be aired on June 30, 2012. The episode went on to become one of Maalaala Mo Kaya's most critically acclaimed presentations with viewers praising the acting performances of Jane Oineza and Angel Aquino and the risky move by ABS-CBN to air such episode. It topped Saturday prime time viewing garnering a nationwide rating of 40%, according to Kantar-TNS Nationwide Ratings, and 27.1% in Metro Manila, according to AGB Nielsen Philippines. Jane became a finalist at the New York Festivals International TV & Film for Best Performance by an Actress. The episode was also nominated for Best Drama at the 41st International Emmys.

"Singsing" (Ring)

The life story of TESDA Director General Joel Villaneva portrayed by Diether Ocampo. He and his wife Gladys portrayed by Maricar Reyes had been married for seven years. But, Joel was confirmed to be impotent and could not conceive a child. But, through his deep faith, Joel and Gladys was given a child.

"Sanggol" (Baby)

The story of former MTRCB Chairman Grace Poe portrayed by Erich Gonzales. Coincidentally, Grace has also been elected senator in the 2013 elections.

"Lubid" (Rope)

The story of Tourette Syndrome victim Jerome Concepcion portrayed by Gerald Anderson which aired on November 7, 2009

"Flash Cards"

Fidel, a former teacher, portrayed by actor-singer Ariel Rivera survived from a heart attack. After a stressful activity despite the doctor telling him not to do, he suffers from a stroke which affects his comprehension and speech. Now his daughter, Jonah becomes his own teacher at home.

"Scrapbook"

The life story of Korean superstar Sandara Park

"Bintana" (Window)

The first episode of MMK to be aired in high definition in ABS-CBN HD on October 3, 2015 starring Tonton Gutierrez, Agot Isidro, Diego Loyzaga and Sofia Andres

"Pasa" (Bruise)

The episode aired on May 21, 2016 tells the life story of Rommel, portrayed by Raikko Mateo and Diego Loyzaga, who grew up in an unconventional family, with two mothers and a father, and saw it crumble due to his father’s abusive behavior and vices, but he let the adversity in his life make him whole.

"Kweba"

Aired on June 18, 2016 starring Zanjoe Marudo as Mang Juan, a story of a loving father who will do everything to raise his children despite of being illiterate. The episode garnered a massive 38.3%. It became a social media frenzy, and was the highest rated MMK episode of 2016.

Award-winning episodes

"Abo" (Ash)

Roderick Paulate was awarded by the 1st Asian TV Awards as Best Drama Performance By An Actor in 1996. He played the role of an indigenous Aeta, a victim of the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.

"Wristwatch"

Roderick Paulate was awarded again by the 5th Asian TV Awards as Best Drama Performance By An Actor in 2000.

"Song Book"

Aiza Seguerra was awarded by the 7th Asian TV Awards as Best Drama Performance By An Actress in 2002.

"Rehas" (Jail Bars)

Gina Pareño was awarded Best Drama Performance By An Actress by 12th Asian TV Awards in 2007.

"Pilat" (Scar)

For this episode, Angel Locsin won her first acting award for Best Single Performance By An Actress in the 22nd PMPC Star Awards for TV.

"Lobo" (Balloon)

The episode stars Regine Velasquez and Piolo Pascual. Regine won Best Single Performance By An Actress for this episode at the 16th PMPC Star Award for Television The TV Series also serves as a memorable performance for Regine Velasquez as her first MMK Episode.

"Skating Rink"

John Lloyd Cruz won Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Special at the 2nd Enpress Golden Screen Entertainment TV Awards in 2005. He played the role of Jonel, a guy with cerebral palsy, but had a hidden talent in ice skating.

"Sako" (Sack)

This episode starring Jay Manalo and Joshua Dionisio, won in the 17th KBP Golden Dove Awards. It tells the story of an abusive father who keeps his children working while he spends all their hard-earned money.

"Regalo" (Gift)

Starring Vilma Santos with Maja Salvador. This episode won the Best TV Drama Program at the 15th KBP Golden Dove Awards while actress Vilma won Best Single Performance By An Actress at the 20th PMPC Star Awards for TV in 2006.

"Lupa" (Soil)

Starring Ketchup Eusebio and Gina Pareño, Nikka Valencia, Jan Marini the episode was nominated as Best Drama Series in the 4th Seoul International Drama Awards in 2009. The story is about a boy that returns to a poor neighborhood in Bicol in order to make his sick mother's wish come true.

"Basket"

Starring Judy Ann Santos, Caridad Sanchez, Kier Legaspi, Nikka Valencia this episode won the 2001 Catholic Mass Media Awards for Best Drama and the 2001 KBP Golden Dove Awards Best Drama Program. It also became finalist at the Magnolia Award for Best Film for TV during the 9th Shanghai Television Festival 2002 in China.

Best of MMK

As listed on the official website of the show:

"Rubber Shoes"

Romnick Sarmienta

In this very first episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya aired on May 15, 1991, Romnick Sarmienta plays Allan, a social climber who is ashamed of his impoverished state and pretends to be well-off to blend in with his rich friends in school. His father, a street sweeper, works very hard to meet his luxurious needs. Only when it was too late that Allan realizes that money does not necessarily make a man happy.

"Sako" (Sack)

Jay Manalo

Miong (Jay Manalo) and his entire family work as tenants for a sugarcane plantation in Negros Occidental. The eldest child, Giling (Joshua Dionisio) is forced by his father to give up schooling to help in the farm. Giling suffers maltreatment not only from the abusive people in the plantation but from his own father, who is so consumed by his obsession for money and power. When their family is struck by a tragedy, Giling vows to rise above the oppression.

"Regalo" (Gift)

Vilma Santos

Daisy Hernandez (Vilma Santos), a mother must divide her time between work and taking care of her daughter April (Maja Salvador) who has cerebral palsy. Daisy’s heart is wrenched every time she sees her eldest child suffer because of her illness. But Daisy never loses hope, and April manages to live a normal life until she is 18. Just when Daisy thought things are doing fine with her daughter's disability, a tragedy will further test her faith.

"Pier 39" (MMK's first out of the country episode aired on July 26, 2001)

Judy Ann Santos, Piolo Pascual

When Miguel (Piolo Pascual) got petitioned by his father to the States, he thought that his dad intended to make up for all the lost time between them. However, he was treated so badly that he would rather be homeless than live with him and his nasty second wife. Miguel would have starved to death if not for Arlene (Judy Ann Santos) who helped him pick up the pieces of his life. Together they were able to conquer their fears and create something beautiful out of their miserable past.

"Baul" (Chest)

Charo Santos, Coney Reyes,""Ricky Belmonte"",""Nikka Valencia""

Years after a heart-wrenching incident, Minda (Charo Santos-Concio) returned to her hometown to make Letty (Connie Reyes) pay for stealing her fiancé (Ricky Belmonte) away from her. But it was not sweet revenge because their friendship mattered more than the man who came between them. Would Letty and Minda truly open their hearts and let the healing begin?

"Unan" (Pillow) (portrayal of Julie Vega's lifestory)

Angelica Panganiban

Ever since she was young, people already noticed her talent. Little Darling as her family called her, Julie Pearl Postigo, better known as Julie Vega began her show business career at the age seven. She was discovered by a talent coordinator and offered her a commercial stint. She personally felt the love of working for television. As a young child, she would pray that she get the roles she auditions for. Her first film project was Ang Mga Mata ni Angelita. From then on, her popularity was irrepressible. She was dubbed as "the grown up little girl" due her mature drama roles at a young age. The most tragic part of her life was the death of her brother. Julie deeply mourned. One day, she felt weak and weaker as the days passed. At the height of her career in 1985, Julie died on the 6th of May. Until now, her family never revealed her illness.

"Sing-along Bar" (portrayal of Ai Ai delas Alas's lifestory)

Maricel Soriano

When Ai-Ai (played by Maricel Soriano) was young, she was given away by her biological mom to her aunt. As she was growing up, she considered herself unlucky for always getting caught in a series of unfortunate events. She cannot also find a decent job to help her earn a living. Until one day, she was offered a job in a comedy bar. A famous person discovered her talents and offered her to sing in a concert. This paved her way to TV shows and movies where she started very low. Later on, she will meet a man that she will marry and from then on, she considers her life a roller coaster. Amidst all the challenges she is facing, she made her way on top of her dreams.

"Sa kandungan mo, Inay" (My Mother's Lap)

Anita Linda

Sisters Millet (Janice De Belen), and Cielo (Charo Santos-Concio) despised their mother (Anita Linda) because of her cruelty towards them. Millet especially envied her sister Leslie (Dina Bonnevie), because she was their mom’s favorite and received special treatment.

"Retaso" (Remnant)

Nora Aunor

Since the beginning of her relationship with Dado (Joel Torre), a widower, Anita (Nora Aunor) knew that she will become a step-mother to his three children. It was hard for Anita to win the love of the children but later they felt Anita’s genuine concern and eventually opened up to her. But just when things were slowly falling into place she discovers that Dado has been cheating on her. Will she be able to turn her back on the children, whose lives now depended on her?

"Burda" (Pillowcase)

Sharon Cuneta

Lita (Sharon Cuneta) has been taking care of Stephen (Patrick Garcia) since he was a baby because his parents are always busy with work and going out of the country. Even though she’s just his yaya, Lita looked after Stephen like a real mother. Stephen eventually reaches his teens and Lita is often caught in between her ward and his parent’s differences. An incident makes Lita realize her limitations as yaya and instills in her the hard lesson of letting go.

"Lapida" (Gravestone)

Kris Aquino, Phillip Salvador

Jan (Phillip Salvador), a single parent, earns a living as a fireman. During a mission, he is able to save the lives of Annie (Kris Aquino) and her son after her husband Tony set their house on fire who is then killed by an exploding bulb. But unknown to him, his own son sneakily follows him inside the burning house to help him after he gets passed through the firemen and dies. Annie in return helps him with his grief and they become close friends. As their friendship blossom into love, will Annie and Jan be able to reconcile their differences and make their relationship work?

"Bisikleta" (Bicycle)

Dolphy

When Abel (Dolphy) caught his wife cheating on him with his best friend Carding, he angrily drove them away and was left with a son to care for. He would have made amends with Liza for their son’s sake but an unfortunate circumstance got him imprisoned for 40 years. As soon as he got out, however, he sought his family again to prove his innocence to his son whom he lived for all this time.

15th Anniversary Celebration

In 2006, MMK marked their 15th anniversary on television by presenting a two-part special episode that stars Vilma Santos, Ricky Davao and Maja Salvador entitled “Regalo” (Gift). The story was about Daisy Hernandez, a mother who devote most of her time to her daughter.

16th Anniversary Celebration

In 2007, MMK presented an episode of their 16th anniversary entitled “Rehas” (Jail) where actress Gina Pareño played the story of a mother who struggles to take care of her three mentally ill children in Aklan. Her acting won her Best Drama Performance By An Actress at the 12th Asian Television Awards while director Jerry Lopez Sineneng won the Best Direction in 2008. Also for this episode, MMK won the Special Award in Drama at the 2008 Seoul International Drama Awards.

18th Anniversary Celebration

In 2009, MMK celebrated their 18th anniversary by presenting five special episodes and four of which were filmed in the United States, in association with The Filipino Channel.

"Pansit" (August 1, 2009)

Erich Gonzales, Ai-Ai de las Alas

A story about an 18-year-old debutant who struggles to cope in adolescence due to money problems, including her own debut.

"Cap" (August 8, 2009)

Noel Trinidad, Nanding Josef, Joji Isla, Lucita Soriano, Louella Albornoz and Prospero Luna

A story of Filipino World War II veterans living in San Francisco, California and their fight for equal benefits from the United States.

"Apron" (August 15, 2009)

G. Toengi, Ryan Eigenmann

A story of a couple having a life in America and the struggles they face while living their American Dream.

"Letters" (August 22, 2009)

Princess Punzalan, Michael de Mesa

A story of a woman struggling in her own divorce and finding love again.

"Car" (August 29, 2009)

Gina Alajar, Lauren Young, Ilonah Jean and Anne Walters

A story of a friendship between a Filipino caregiver and a patient with Parkinson's disease.

Documentary

On September 25, 2011 Sunday's Best, Maalaala Mo Kaya aired its 20th year anniversary documentary special called MMK 20: Maalaala Mo Kaya Dalawang Dekada on ABS-CBN. During the documentary special, it features different segments including the highlights of the best episodes in the series, commentaries from the artists, director and producers who contributed to the program and featured stories relayed in the program for 20 years. Segment hosts are Sarah Geronimo for dramatic episodes, Angelica Panganiban for romance & comedy episodes, Vhong Navarro for MMK's episode titles, KC Concepcion for celebrity portrayals, Piolo Pascual for love stories by the period of time, and Sam Milby for out of the country episodes. The last part of the special is an interview with Vilma Santos with the program's main host Charo Santos.

Celebration

Similar to its 18th anniversary celebration, the show's 20th anniversary would be celebrated month-long with five special episodes. The episodes were taped in varying locations in the Philippines and abroad including Bukidnon, Palawan, Japan, and Barcelona, Spain.

"Tungkod" (October 1, 2011) (Palawan)

Angel Aquino, Yul Servo

The episode will feature Angel Aquino who will play the role of a mother who fought her way to stop mining in Palawan, but undergone series of devastating events like blindness and broken family. This episode is directed by 62nd Cannes Film Festival best director Brillante Mendoza.

"Tap Dancing Shoes" (The Happy Feet Story) (October 8, 2011) (Bukidnon)

John Prats, Nash Aguas, Ariel Rivera

The episode will features the life story of Ramon and Bambi, the tap-dancing brothers or also known in the Philippines as Happy Feet from Bukidnon, a runner-up at Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2 played by John Pratts & Nash Aguas. The episode is directed by Dado Lumibao.

"Susi" (October 15, 2011) (Barcelona)

Jake Cuenca, Ricky Davao

The episode will feature the story of Louie, a cross-dresser who lives in Barcelona, Spain and his story on how he live his alternative life only trying to please his father in order to accept him portrayed by Jake Cuenca. The episode is directed by Dado Lumibao.

"Liham" (October 22, 2011) (Aurora)

KC Concepcion, Dina Bonnevie, Paulo Avelino

A special episode aired on October 22, 2011 that features a life story of a woman named Aurora who empowered herself by making her dreams happen. This episode is directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng. It was the first mother role for actress KC Concepcion and Paulo Avelino's first acting project as a Kapamilya.

"Passbook" (October 29, 2011) (Japan)

Rio Locsin, Desiree del Valle, Ya Chang

A special episode aired on October 29, 2011 about the story of Anita, single parent of five children working and struggling in Japan who had a second chance on her love life. The episode is directed by Nuel C. Naval.

All-time MMK actors/actresses

During the MMK 20: Maalaala Mo Kaya Dalawang Dekada documentary special in 2011, they listed the actors and actresses that appeared most in MMK episodes.

† – as of now

^ – includes subsequent episodes after the documentary special's release.

Maalaala Mo Kaya: The Movie (1994)

As part of the third anniversary of the program, a film version was created produced by Star Cinema and directed by Olivia Lamasan released on June 22, 1994. The plot of the film revolves around the story of Ana, a young girl who took the responsibility of being the mother of her cousin Marrisa's son while the latter spent her life in Japan as an entertainer. It stars Aiko Melendez, Richard Gomez and Chin-Chin Gutierrez. Also the film compete as one of the entries for the 1994 Metro Manila Film Festival and awarded Melendez as the Best Actress.

Maalaala Mo Kaya (20th Anniversary)

In 2011, it was announced that the program will do another film version for its 20th anniversary. The film will star Bea Alonzo, Zanjoe Marudo and Angel Locsin to be directed by Laurenti M. Dyogi under Star Cinema.

Radio drama

In March 2007, MMK started its radio counterpart "Maalaala Mo Kaya sa DZMM" as a daily radio drama being broadcast on DZMM. It is also hosted by Charo Santos-Concio and airs weekdays from 12:30 to 1:00 PM. It was recently recognized as the Best Drama Program at the 32nd Catholic Mass Media Awards. Other awards including Best Radio Drama Program at the 18th KBP Golden Dove Awards 2009, Best Drama Program at the 31st Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) 2009, Best Drama at the 29th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) 2007 and Best Drama Program at the 16th KBP Golden Dove Awards 2007.

The radio program itself previously aired on DZMM TeleRadyo, but since it was already pre-recorded, the DZMM station ID was shown instead of a shot of the booth during its air time. Eventually, it was replaced by MMK Klasiks and is only aired on DZMM TeleRadyo.

Maalaala Mo Kaya Komiks

The drama anthology also created a comic book adaptation under Bituin Komiks owned by Mango Comics and Sterling with its initial issue on March 27, 2008. The first comic series was about the life story of Philippine comedian Chokoleit with art direction of Arnel Avetria, adapted by Jonas Diego from a teleplay by Maribel G. Ilag, illustrated by Mannie Abeleda and Jim Faustino, tones and letters by Sandy Gonzaga and edited by Lawrence Mijares.

Maalaala Mo Kaya Romance Paperback

The drama anthology also has a paperback (pocketbooks) novels under ABS-CBN Publishing. Although the novels only features romantic stories.