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MANILA – As “Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK), the longest running drama anthology in the country, celebrates its 18th anniversary, host Charo Santos-Concio reveals the secrets behind the show’s success.

In a press conference Tuesday, the ABS-CBN president cited three factors that made MMK still appealing to viewers 18 years after it was first aired on television.

She boasted that the show touches people's lives, encourages them to learn from the experiences of others  and tells them not to lose hope amid the hardships and struggles.

“Unang una, we only feature true to life stories in 'Maalaala Mo Kaya.'  I mean, that is the brand essence of MMK and we have stay true to the equity of the program," Santos-Concio said.

She added: "Nakikita natin ang sarili natin sa iba't ibang kwento - kwento ng pag-asa, kwento ng paghihirap sa buhay, stories of survival, stories of triumphs of the spirit, kwento ng ina, ama, anak at kaibigan. Hindi ba lahat ‘yan ay nagre-resonate sa atin habang nanonood tayo?”

She herself has been inspired by these stories. Santos-Concio said she is amazed and humbled by the tenacity of ordinary people to face and overcome every challenge in their lives.

"It makes you look inside yourself and you appreciate yourself. You appreciate your humanity but you also get to admire your strength of spirit. Hindi ba iyon lahat ng values na natutunan mo sa buhay?" she said.

As a tribute to all Filipinos abroad, MMK is set to feature five special episodes that were directed by John Lazatin and Dado Lomibao. Four of the five episodes were shot in the United States and the stories were all based on their lives.

The anniversary episodes will be aired the whole month of August.

For its first episode, August 1, Comedy Queen Ai Ai delas Alas and promising young star Erich Gonzales will give life to the story of a mother and daughter whose tragic lives will turn out to be a story of hope and inspiration.

On August 8, learn from the lives of war veterans living in America through a heartbreaking episode that will feature seasoned actors like Noel Trinidad and Nanding Josef. US-based Filipino actors like Joji Isla, Prospero Luna, Lucita Soriano and Louella Albornoz will also be part of the episode.

Come August 15, Ryan Eigenmann and Giselle Tongi will portray the couple who experiences hardships and trials as they try to make a new life in the "land of promises."

On the fourth Saturday of August, witness the return of Princess Punzalan as she gives life to a story of a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage. As she reaches mid-life, she will try to return the love she thought was lost. The episode also stars Michael Demesa and Miguel Vera.

For its fifth and final anniversary episode, Gina Alajar and young star Lauren Young play mother and daughter who are forced to live in the US. As Grace (Alajar) struggles with her work as a caregiver, she meets Milly (played by American actress Lynn Waters). Overcoming their differences, the two women draw strength from each other and learn the true meaning of family and friendship.

• ABS-CBN News
• Pinoy Showbiz

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