The country's longest-running
drama anthology, Maalaala Mo Kaya,
will now be seen every Saturday evening starting July 19.
"Masyado na kasing late ang timeslot ng program and most of the time, people would say na hindi nila natatapos ‘yong show dahil nakakatulugan nila dahil pagod na din from work. We often hear people asking ‘Ano ‘yong ending?'" explained ABS-CBN president and MMK host Charo Santos-Concio to the press last July 14.
By moving to a weekend timeslot instead of a Friday night, the team behind the program is hoping that they'd be able to cater to that demand while at the same time gain a new set of audience, particularly the weekend viewers.
The network executive cited that most people during weekends tend to be more relaxed aside from the fact that, "It's nice to have an early timeslot para mas maraming makapanood," continued Charo.
BUENA MANO. Throughout its colorful 17-year history, Maalaala Mo Kaya gained a reputation for featuring real-life stories that tugged at the heartstrings of the Filipino audience. For an actor, being asked to grace the program is considered a big honor.
And true enough, big names in Philippine cinema—including Sharon Cuneta, Vilma Santos, Dolphy, Gabby Concepcion, among many others—have generously and willingly lend their talent to the program.
For its debut offering in its new timeslot, MMK will feature the controversial Gretchen Barretto playing the role of a mayor's mistress. Unhappy with her married life in the company of her underachieving husband (Tonton Gutierrez), Margarita (Gretchen) experienced the comfortable life she desires in the arms of the town mayor.
This particular episode will be a story about an illicit affair-a relationship that was not made to last. But how can a woman resist love and attention from someone, if her husband is not doing his part as a partner?
Gretchen, whose last MMK appearance happened 15 years ago, revealed that she was led out of a long lull simply because she loves the drama anthology program so much.
"Sabi nga nila, hindi kumpleto ang pagiging artista mo ‘pag hindi ka lumabas sa Maalaala Mo Kaya," said Gretchen.
Joining Gretchen on her acting TV comeback are fellow actors Phillip Salvador and Tonton Gutierrez while the director of the episode is Nuel Naval.
Phillip was Gretchen's personal choice to play the mayor, having worked with the actor in her first MMK stint years ago. "Tonton and I have worked together for so many projects na noon, kaya nakakatuwang magkasama ulit kami," said Gretchen with a smile.
Catch Maalaala Mo Kaya on its new timeslot this Saturday after Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 on ABS-CBN.