After 31 years, Asia’s longest-running drama anthology “MMK” will conclude in December, marking the end of an era on Philippine television.
Santos-Concio, the screen icon and ABS-CBN executive who has been reading the letters that inspire “MMK’s” episodes since 1991, bid farewell in a message of gratitude to those who formed part of the series in the past three decades.
Originally titled “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” the ABS-CBN program premiered in May 1991, dramatizing real-life stories as shared by letter senders. Its success saw the title expand as a radio drama, a 1994 movie, and a comic book adaptation, among others, with its regular weekend run (and the guessing game of its episode titles) making a mark on pop culture.
As presenter of “MMK,” Santos-Concio cemented her status as a household name, aside from being an acclaimed film actress and a respected showbiz pillar. So iconic has been her style of calm and clear hosting that it would often inspire imitation and parodies, which Santos-Concio would welcome with laughter or a good-humored reprimand (as in the case of comedy superstar Vice Ganda).
“Gusto ko pong magbigay-pugay sa lahat ng nagpadala ng sulat, sa aming mga direktor, writers, researchers, production staff, at sa lahat ng naging bahagi ng aming programa.
Throughout its decades on air, “MMK” has reaped countless recognitions here and abroad, both for its creative and productions teams as well as its actors.
When ABS-CBN was beset with twin crises of the pandemic and its forced broadcast shutdown, “MMK” was among the few programs that endured and later resumed offering fresh episodes on digital and traditional broadcast platforms.
Leading up to its December 10 farewell, “MMK” will air a three-part episode starting November 26 to mark its 31st anniversary.
Santos-Concio did not discount the possibility of reuniting with her viewers in another capacity.
