GMA-7 actor Ken Chan is thrilled by the good feedback for his afternoon series, My Special Tatay.
In the show, Ken plays Boyet, a young father who has mild intellectual disability. His character is married to Rita Daniela, who plays a prostitute.
Clips from the Kapuso show became viral online because Ken's character would innocently call Rita Daniela's character "pokpok."
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during the December 10 Walk of Fame event, Ken was in high spirits when asked for his reaction regarding the viral videos.
"Sobrang saya namin, hindi lang ako kung hindi buong team ng My Special Tatay, everytime na natatanggap namin yung ratings araw araw, talagang napapalundag kami sa sobrang saya dahil worth it yung pagod.
"Yung mga videos sa social media, nagugulat kami umaabot ng 7 million, 1 million, 2.3 million, you know, yung simpleng mga ganung bagay, napapasaya namin yung mga tao sa simpleng videos namin and yun yung pinaka importante sa lahat, yung may napapasaya ka."
According to him, receiving good feedback fulfills the show's goals of bringing joy to viewers.
"Ang gusto lang naman namin sa My Special Tatay, e, maging instrument yung Special Tatay para sa mga tao, kung ano bang pinagdadaanan ba ng mga taong may ganitong klaseng kundisyon—ang mild intellectual disability.
"I think yung goal namin na yun, e, marami kaming nai-inspire na tao, at yun yung pinaka-importante sa amin."
Ken excitedly told PEP.ph that My Special Tatay's run, which premiered on September 3, 2018, is extended.
"I'm really happy with My Special Tatay and thank you dahil hanggang next year kami.
"Happy kami na ang My Special Tatay is hanggang 2019."
Just like any other program, My Special Tatay also had its own growth pains when it comes to ratings.
During its first few weeks, the afternoon series struggled in the ratings game.
Eventually, the show earned a good following on TV, allowing it to enjoy an extended run.
What is Ken's reaction to this?
He answered with a smile, "Sarap sa pakiramdam. At saka sabi ko nga, e, bago ko gawin ang My Special Tatay, gusto ko lang may mga taong ma-inspire.
"Bonus lang yung ratings, at binigay sa amin yun, yung magandang ratings kaya sobrang tuwang-tuwa kami."