After more than a thousand episodes, 31 seasons, and numerous awards, Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) will bid farewell on our screens. It first aired in 1991 and became the longest-running drama anthology in Asia. MMK has become a staple in Philippine television — a legacy that gave a spotlight to countless stories that made Filipinos laugh, fall in love, or cry. So now that it’s ending, Pinoys are sad to say goodbye.

The end of an era

In a short video, MMK host and former ABS-CBN corporation chief executive officer Charo Santos-Concio announced that MMK would have its series finale this December. 

“Hindi na po mabilang ang nasalaysay na kuwento dito sa ‘MMK’ — mga kuwentong totoo, mga salamin ng sarili ninyong buhay na nagbigay ng aral at ng panibagong pag-asa,” Santos-Concio said.

She also thanked everybody who became part of the show, from letter senders and MMK staff to all the celebrities who gave life to the stories featured in every episode. 

“Salamat po sa lahat ng nakaraan at sa anumang paraan na maaaaring pa tayong muling magkita,” she said.

Netizens share their fond memories of the show.

Naturally, Pinoys felt sad and turned nostalgic upon hearing the announcement. Some shared their experience of watching MMK over the years with their loved ones.

MMK will forever have a place in my heart, those moments na pag mmk na tatabi ako sa lolo ko na namayapa na para manood ng mmk.🥺🥺On my next life,I will still choose MMK forever n ever, thank you MMK😭

— 제⁷ NL-DELETER🍥 (@euphori_yaJ7) November 21, 2022

Honestly, same. 😭

People are reminiscing about their favorite MMK episodes.

Throughout the years, MMK has impeccably showcased real-life stories of Filipinos that left an impact on millions of viewers and modern Pinoy pop culture. 

This Twitter thread might help you get started if you’re planning to binge-watch all MMK episodes. Spoiler: some of them will make you bawl your eyes out. 

Vilma Santos-Recto’s MMK episode entitled “Regalo” remains one of the best throughout the series’ three-decade run. I said what I said.

2. REGALO (2006)

Vilma Santos as the mother who takes care of her daughter played by Maja Salvador who had cerebral palsy. Two part MMK special. Fun fact, Erich Gonzales & a young Nadine Lustre were the other daughters.https://t.co/P1M3RGWFKT

— Nicol (@nikowl) November 21, 2022

And how could we forget the puppy love story of Katkat and Roel?

10. POPCORN (2008)

Probably the most memorable MMK episode to deal with puppy love and the first heartbreak, Eliza Pineda and Joshua Dionisio played Katkat and Roel who made everyone reminisce their own first shot at romance.https://t.co/ZBgtqb7wGj

— Nicol (@nikowl) November 21, 2022

It was a rite of passage for actors

Zanjoe Marudo (“Kweba episode) and Sharlene San Pedro (T-shirt episode) are some of the actors who gained international recognition for their MMK stints. For many ABS-CBN actors, starring in your own MMK episode is like an indication that you’ve “finally” made it in the industry. 

The Philippine anthology series also became a platform for young actors to showcase their acting chops. Some of the biggest names in Filipino show business today — like Francine Garcia, Seth Fedelin, and Andrea Brillantes — have left a mark in MMK with their stellar performances.

But some think the show doesn’t have to end

Although some have already accepted that MMK is ending soon, others believe the show could still go on, even with Santos-Concio’s departure. Netizens say actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo or broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano is perfect for continuing MMK‘s legacy.

For me, MMK doesn’t need to end. @atebsembrano could’ve been the perfect person to pass this torch to. Napanood niyo ba iyong interview niya kay Mama @ogiediaz? It’s one of the most sincerest interview I’ve ever watched in a very long time. Naiyak kaya ako sa kaniya. 😭❤️

— supernegatrona AKA pink 5 🍥 (@supernegatrona) November 21, 2022

No one is ready to say goodbye to this era, TBH.

NGL, “Dear, Judy Ann” has a good ring to it.

The legacy lives on

We’re holding out hope that MMK surprisingly gets renewed for another season or a spin-off. What they’ve created — showcasing the stories of Filipino people — is a legacy. Let’s face it, how many families tune in to MMK every Saturday night? Probably too many to count. It proved that behind every home is a story worth telling, and that will always remain even if we can no longer watch the show on our screens.

What’s your favorite Maalaala Mo Kaya episode? Let us know in the comments!

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