By Ma. Louela Luna and Kasharelle Javier

Various student media took part in a roundtable discussion with host Charo Santos-Concio,  celebrating the comeback of the hit TV series ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’ (MMK), which features a new beginning of storytelling, at the Dean & DeLuca, Diliman, Quezon City, last April 12. 

MMK was the longest-running drama anthology in Asia and was known for its concept of sharing real-life stories of Filipinos sent through letters. 

The anthology aired for 31 years before its final episode on December 10, 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary closure of ABS-CBN.

The show will return after two 2 years off the air on April 24.

MMK Business Unit Head Roda dela Cerna also shared that MMK aims to capture the perspective of younger generations and focus on the issues that they commonly face. 

Additionally, iWantTFC Head Jolly Estaris revealed that audiences can expect a director’s cut with bolder narratives and unfiltered scenes exclusively on iWantTFC, a global streaming platform owned and operated by ABS-CBN Digital Media. 

They will also replace the texting feature with ‘Mahulaan Mo Kaya,’ where the viewers can share their reactions and guess the title per episode through social media, promoting viewer engagement.

According to dela Cerna, the first few episodes will feature the story of ‘The Voice USA Season 26’ champion Sofronio Vasquez III and an unnamed member of the Filipino girl group BINI. 

Moreover, the event was organized as part of its relaunch campaign, highlighting the importance of each story and how it resonates with each individual. 

Each participant shared their reflections on the show’s legacy, how it shaped their idea of storytelling, and its relevance with today’s generation. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Centro Dalumat Editor-in-Chief Jeron Ellana from Centro Escolar University shared that MMK’s return makes a significant impact as it continues to shed light on real-life stories and remains relevant in maintaining connections in today’s digital modern generation. 

“It's more than just a show; it reflects the community that we have, whether good or bad, and that [is] why it's also relevant to the generation now. In this modern world we have, it is important for us to be connected—not only through social media, but through human stories as well,” he expressed. 

Meanwhile, The Bedan research staff Myrna Ydwina Xialea Pelayo from San Beda University emphasized that attending the MMK relaunch was a meaningful experience, highlighting how the show’s comeback reinforces the values that she strives to uphold as a student-journalist in telling truth to power.

“As a student-journalist, being present during the relaunch of Maalaala Mo Kaya was both a privilege and an inspiration. Witnessing the return of such an iconic program alongside Mrs. Charo Santos-Concio reminded me of the powerful role narratives play in shaping public consciousness. MMK’s comeback reaffirms the value of truth-telling and emotional authenticity—core principles we uphold as student writers,” she stated.

MMK will return as a limited series with only 13 episodes set to premiere on iWantTFC on April 24, 48 hours before it airs on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.