MANILA, Philippines – “Maalaala Mo Kaya” viewers nationwide tuned in to the life story of “The Voice Kids” 2nd runner-up Juan Karlos “JK” Labajo last Saturday (September 27) and made it the number one TV program over the weekend.
According to data from Kantar Media, the “MMK” episode where JK portrayed himself topped the list of the most watched programs last weekend as it recorded a national TV rating of 30.7%, or 11 points higher than the score of GMA’s “Magpakailanman” which only got 19.5%.
Aside from the ratings game, JK’s first “MMK” also dominated Twitter. The show’s official hashtag #MMKJuanKarlos became one of the worldwide trending topics as netizens took on the microblogging site to share their thoughts about the inspiring life story of the 13-year-old singing heartthrob who did not let go of his dream of becoming a singer despite growing up without a complete family and his mother’s death days before his “The Voice Kids” audition.
Meanwhile, the upcoming “MMK” episode will continue to inspire viewers through a touching drama episode that shares the story of Joshua (to be played by Louise Abuel and Benjamin de Guzman) who, at the age of 6, left his family in Antique with the hope of having a better life. But after feeling lonely in the custody of his strict aunt, Joshua decided to run away. From then on, he experienced the harsh reality of life in the urban streets and squatter areas of Antipolo.
How did Joshua manage to pursue his education despite sheer poverty?
Also part of the episode this Saturday (October 4) are Aiko Melendez, John Arcilla, Odette Khan, Shamaine Centenera, Glenda Garcia, Boboy Garovillo, Jed Montero, Emman Vera, Marithez Samson, Kyle Banzon, Gerald Pesigan, Winryll Banaag, John Vincent Servilla, and Brace Arquiza. It is directed by Nick Olanka and written by Joan Habana. “MMK” is led by business unit head Malou Santos and creative manager Mel Mendoza-del Rosario.
Capturing the hearts of Filipino viewers all over the world for the past 23 years, “Maalaala Mo Kaya” has legions of fans from different generations who cried, laughed, fell in love, and got inspired through the real-life narratives of the show’s letter-senders.