M AALAALA M O K AYA
maalaala@abs-cbn.com
MAALAALA MO KAYA is a sentimental journey to the Filipino viewers' treasured stories...Each story is based on true-to-life experiences sent through letters. An episode of MAALAALA MO KAYA is entitled after an object closely associated with the central characters in the story.
On its first year, MAALAALA MO KAYA saw the birth of another first in Philippine Television. Although letter-based stories were not really new in the business, MMK surpassed competition with the combination of technical excellence, fresh approach and treatment to old formulas and the motivation to give the audience a drama anthology emanating from our rich culture and values.
MAALAALA MO KAYA also boasts of training and honing the potentials of our respected young filmmakers of today namely: Ms. Olivia Lamasan and Ms. Rory Quintos who both started with the program and are still resident directors until now. Also included in our roster of directors who have contributed to the success of MMK are: Joel Torre, Jerry Sineneng, Lauren Dyogi, Eddie Rodriguez, Lupita Kashiwahara, Khryss Adalia and Michael de Mesa.
MMK also witnessed the metamorphosis of several writers in our pool including Ms. Mel Mendoza del Rosario and Ms. Shaira Salvador who are now award-winning screen writers.
Production and technical staff also had their share of training and grew with the program. They have become some of the more dependable personnel in the industry. We were able to work with the finest actors and actresses in the land and MAALAALA MO KAYA has become a viewing habit of the Filipino audience.
MAALAALA MO KAYA will be celebrating its fifth year this May, 1996. It continually serves as the epitome of Philippine drama anthologies and will be engaged in an endless search for creative and technical excellence.
Hosted by award-winning dramatic actress herself, Ms. Charo Santos, MAALAALA MO KAYA, is aired every Thursday, 8:30 p.m., only on the number one station, ABS-CBN.
Other drama anthologies may come and go. But the Filipino sentiment handled the MMK way, will definitely be here to stay. After all, what matters most is how you tell your story!
Kapag May Katwiran ... Ipaglaban Mo originally aired over Channel 13. The program transferred to Star Network last 16 August 1992 under Milliard Productions. After 52 episodes, the show "premiered" last September 1993 as a station produced program.
Ipaglaban Mo" is a dramatization of actual cases brought and settled in Court of Appeals. It appeals to the general public because of the wide range of issues tackled. The objective is to inform and educate the masses who have the same experience or people who in the future might get into the same situation.
Our host, Atty. Jose C. Sison plays a vital role. He gives an introduction of what the story is about and ends the story with the actual decision of Supreme Court.
T ONY CALVENTO
or write Tony Calvento directly at
ABS-CBN, in its pursuit of quality entertainment and public service, has come up with yet another experimental format: TONY CALVENTO FILES.
The program is envisioned as a two-hour docu-drama combining the standards of the number one drama anthology, Maalaala Mo Kaya and the number one public affairs program, Magandang Gabi Bayan.
Tony Calvento Files will definitely arouse the catharsis and awareness of the Filipino audience; also a way of public service - by helping convict criminals and making the viewing public more cautious in their dealings with other people specially with their loved ones. Above all, it hopes to convey a message and lesson for the viewers so they will not fall prey to the dangers posed to them in their everyday living.
WHO IS TONY CALVENTO
This is the foremost question. Why? Because the credibility and confidence of the viewing public and every story's authenticity will depend much on him as the direct source of information.
Our awareness of his name can perhaps be attributed to his popular column in People's Journal. Hotline : By Tony Calvento. The wide following of Tony Calvento's column gives us a built-in advantage in terms of media mileage esp. considering that it has a large target audience, C, D, and E.
THE SHOW
There is no definite structure or formula for the show that we can really pinpoint since it really aims to present a not too predictable treatment and predictability is precisely what we want to avoid. Writers are actually encouraged to have a more free-flowing attitude towards every story given to them. However, the fear that it might fail to establish its own look and identity that will set it apart from other shows is not really a problem. Its being a docu-drama is enough to stand as its unique selling point.
Moreover, despite the fact that Tony Calvento will never seen on screen as this will endanger his life, a voice-over treatment will be used instead. This serves as his direct involvement in the story which will definitely be always present in every episode. Reminiscent of the show Charlie's Angels, the identity of the angels' boss was withheld which added mystery, curiosity, and interest for the show.
On the other hand, creation of the storyline by the writer will not depend solely on the articles written by Mr. Calvento but actual interviews with the people involved will also bear weight to ensure well-developed characterization. More importantly, each episode will be meticulously handled by top caliber directors.
For our pilot episode, a very rich story on the Oroquieta massacre was unanimously chosen by the creative group.
THE STORY
The crime took place April of this year along the busy street of Oroquieta in Sta. Cruz Manila.
Prior to the event, the girl, still very young (18 years old), was raped by her very persistent and deranged suitor when she was 15, got pregnant and thus was forced by her parents into marrying the man.
On their first night as husband and wife and up to the night of the bloody massacre, her life was like hell. Being beaten by her husband was a daily routine. Since she could not stand her situation any longer, she called her mother asking to fetch her before she could get killed. That was April 8 and they were staying in Pangasinan then.
Off her mother and brother went to Pangasinan to rescue her. They were not aware, however, that the man was able to keep track of them. Upon their arrival, the man, known to be a drug dependent, hacked to death his wife's grandmother and brother. Her mother luckily survived. Everything he did was beyond imagination.
At present, the man is still at large. There are speculations that he is hiding in Pangasinan. The point is, up to this very moment, the woman and her child's lives are very much in danger of another attack from the man.
TREATMENT
The objective is to stick to the story as much as possible. This will be supported by in-depth interviews with the real people involved who will narrate the story. This will comprise the documentary part of the show.
For the pilot episode, the wife, her mother, and the neighbor who witnessed the crime will be interviewed, as well as the NBI investigators who handled the case. To help sustain the interest of the viewers, real footages and visual support will be used such as their wedding and the funeral. To add the story's authenticity, some scenes will be shot on the site where the crime originally happened. But if the situation does not permit us to do so, we will make sure that the scenario that will be created is close to what actually took place.
THE SYSTEM/PROCESS OF SELECTING A STORY
All available articles given by Mr. Calvento are read and from there the group chooses the interesting ones. For the pilot episode, for example, the Oroquieta Massacre was deemed as the most controversial one and as such was chosen for the pilot episode.
Initial research is done by the researcher with Mr. Calvento's article as the take off point. Materials are read by the writers and after that, advises the researcher on what other information he needs. On the other hand, the segment producer sets an interview with the people concerned and is provided with questions coming from the writer which he has made based on the materials he read.
After all the interviews have been made, the writer then previews them and then makes a sequence treatment. Said treatment is submitted to the headwriter and the creative consultant. They brainstorm on the treatment, of course, with the supervision of the executive producer, and then give life to the story by coming up with a final sequence treatment.
THE STAFF
ABS-CBN's top caliber employees from the drama department are gathered to handle the show. On top of everything is no less than Ms. Cory Vidanes, our TV Program Director; Mr. Tony Calvento, himself, is the Host; Laurenti Dyogi, Director; Edwin Deramas, Executive Producer; Maru Benitez, Supervising Producer; Ginny Monteagudo, Associate Producer (for Docu); Annaliza Goma, Associate Producer (for drama); Roy Iglesias, Creative Consultant; Chris Violago, Headwriter; Richard Reynante, Keiko Aquino-Galvez, Chito Francisco, and Linda Casimiro, Writers; Butch Llige, Ethel Manoloto, May Lacar, and George Mansueto, Segment Producers; Elfren Vibar, Production Designer; Roy Tuazon, Production Manager; Cathy Garcia, Assistant Director; Roda de la Cerna, Head Researcher; Denny Caballero, Nora Gatchalian, Ma. Carla Almazan, Jun Rubio, Zeny del Castillo, and Danny Victoriano, Researchers; Cornelia "Angge" Lee, Talent Coordinator; Rhoda Lacorte, Zoilo G. Barrel, and Raymund Dizon, Production Assistants; Ben Panaligan and Marietta Manlutac, Editors; Edgar Rustia, Music and Effects; Oscar Barbin, Post-prod/ADO operator; Leonard Barbin, Computer Graphics.
HOW'S THE SHOW'S RATING
Definitely, it has toppled down MOTHER STUDIO PRESENTS, which is being shown at a simultaneous slot! On its pilot episode, CALVENTO FILES reached to an amazing nineteen percent (19%) TV ratings over THE MOTHER STUDIO PRESENTS, which has reached to only ten percent (10%). Undoubtedly, it has been able to sustain its high rating in the succeeding episode. And on the fourth week, last December 31, 1995 to January 06, 1996, its rating reached to thirty one percent (31%) surpassing MSP which has garnered only thirteen percent (13%) of the viewing public. Commercial loads, nevertheless, keeps on getting higher, the fact of the matter is that it has now reached twenty-eight minutes (28 mins.).
T HE MARICEL DRAMA SPECIAL
The Diamond Star and still the Queen of Philippine Primetime Drama exhibits her gem-like talent in one of the country's longest running serials.
The Maricel Drama Special features Miss Maricel Soriano in powerful portrayals of the struggles, pains and triumphs of women in different life situations.
S TAR DRAMA THEATER
Exquisite performances, commendable directors, impressive work - - all sine quanons of STAR DRAMA THEATER.
An elite line-up of performers display their prowess and artistry in their respective anthologies.
The one and only Superstar Nora Aunor fills each characterization with depth unequaled by any. Philippine Cinema's most glamorous face Lorna Tolentino sparkles in every performance. Elizabeth Oropesa, total woman and complete actress, explores multi-faceted roles. Sultry songbird Zsa-Zsa Padilla crosses over the acting arena with her own season of portrayals.
Dawn Zulueta performs under the limelight with renewed intensity. Chin-Chin Gutierrez holds everyone spellbound with her talent. Controversial actor Gabby Concepcion goes back to the fold with his fine acting.
Witness too, the unfolding of today's most promising youths. Sheryl Cruz soars to greater acting heights in her anthology. Carmina Villaroel graces each performance with refreshing skill. Aiko Melendez, one of the youngest award-winning actresses, reprises characters of sorts. Singer-actress Manilyn Reynes displays her prowess in her own series. Jao Mapa carves his own niche in show business with his brand of acting.
Establishing itself as a medium for honing excellence in the Filipino artist, STAR DRAMA THEATER continues to explore the acting abilities of local actors and actresses. Watch out for more of the Philippines' best in STAR DRAMA THEATER.
F AMILIA ZARAGOZA
An intricate web of lies and deception surrounding the Zaragoza family is engineered by a woman who is insanely driven with ambition that she would resort to manipulation, treachery, and even murder to achieve her goals. With the death of Don Luis, the patriarch of the wealthy Zaragoza clan, the dark veil of secrecy is slowly lifted as the drama begins.
The widowed of Doña Amparo Zaragoza does not waste time to know how much she and her children, Divina and Alferdo, have inherited. To her surprise, most of Don Luis Zaragoza's estate is awarded to a certain Benita who is believed to be the legal wife of the deceased. Doña Amparo insists that she is the only spouse the society and the entire Zaragoza clan has known and being confined in a mental institution for so long, Benita has never been a wife to the late Don. Even though the situation does not turn out the way she has expected, Doña Amparo is confident that she will win her case believing that someone who is mentally ill could not possibly mind about her inheritance. What she does not know is that Beatrice, Don Luis and Benita's daughter and only legitimate heir who was believed to be dead, is alive and well. Deprived of her father's love and support since birth, she will try to pursue the full inheritance of her father's wealth and leave his mistress and illegitimate children with nothing.
Divina and her mother share the same fate in a way that they both have fallen deeply in love with another woman's husband. When she met Lorenzo, she knew very well that she has a wife, Ester, and has three children with her. They live in a shanty not very far away from the Zaragoza mansion. Divina had convinced Lorenzo to leave the country with her and start a new life in America. Lorenzo agreed, if only for the sake of his ailing wife and the future of his three children. Lorenzo worked hard to support his two families with his business in the States. But with Lorenzo's absence, Ester's children have learned to believe that their father abandoned them for a more comfortable life.
Unknown to both, the wealthy Divina and the lowly Ester share more than the love for the same man. Not far ahead looms a chartered fate that will boggle even one's wildest imagination.
Cast of Characters
Gloria Romero as Doña Amparo Zaragoza - the legendary movie and television actress plays a scheming matriarch who will exhaust all means of to bend circumstances according to her will.
Jacklyn Jose as Ester Lagrimas - A fine actress who delivers powerful dramatic performances, plays Ester, a woman who tries to overcome the pain of raising her children alone.
Julio Diaz as Lorenzo Lagrimas - The star of "Sakay" and "Bayani" plays Lorenzo, the object of Divina's affection who agreed to go away with her because he needed the money to support an ailing wife and three children.
Janice de Belen as Lupe - From her impressive acting debut in "Flordeluna", she gives another outstanding performance in a television drama as Ester's very dependable and supportive younger sibling.
Rita Avila as Vivian Zaragoza - The screen siren ventures into serious dramatic acting as Alfredo's over zealous wife who will do anything to win her mother-in-law's affection
Jean Garcia as Beatrice Zaragoza - The next best character actress to grace the screen plays Beatrice, the legitimate heir of Don Luis who will wage the battle against Doña Amparo and her children for the full inheritance of her father's estate.
Zsa Zsa Padilla as Divina Zaragoza-Lagrimas -The soulful singer and the sensitive dramatic actress plays Doña Amparo's eldest child who rebelled against her parents to be with a married man.
Lucita Soriano as Trining - The veteran actress plays Ester and Lupe's sickly mother who holds the key to the dark past of the Zaragoza family.
Ricky Davao as Alfredo Zaragoza - A very talented actor takes on the role of the son who did not live up to the expectations of his over-achieving parents.
Gina Pareño as Benita Zaragoza - The 60's silver screen goddess will give us a moving performance as Benita Zaragoza, the legitimate spouse of the late Don Luis who has been hidden away in a secluded mental institution.
Elizabeth Oropesa as Dra. Bienvenida Perea - A dramatic force to reckon with. Elizabeth makes her comeback as the character who will expose Doña Amparo's manipulative schemes.
Tommy Abuel as Atty. Nicolas Fuentabella - The seasoned artist who gave us quiet but stirring performances portrays the role of a trusted friend and lawyer of the late Don Luis Zaragoza.
Stefano Mori as Danilo - The talented young dramatic actor portrays Ester's eldest son who shoulder the responsibility his father did not fulfill.
Princess Shuck as Lorena - Another promising child actress with a potential for dramatic stardom plays Ester's youngest daughter Lorena.
Angelica Panganiban as Angelica - Not since Julie Vega did another child actress have the ability to move the audience to tears. Angelica is Ester's youngest daughter who feels deeply for her mother's pain.
Paula Peralejo as Samantha - The carefree pre-teener from"Ang TV" makes her television drama debut as Divina's daughter Samantha.
Carlo Aquino as Miguel - Another newcomer who will impress viewers each with his quiet and subdued portrayal of Miguel, Ester's youngest son.
John Prats as Luigi - The young comic from "Ang TV" displays serious acting potential in playing Divina's son Luigi.
