Maalaala Mo Kaya directors Jerry Lopez-Sineneng and Mae Cruz-Alviar shared their thoughts on the anniversary of the ABS-CBN’s shutdown this July 10.
During the media conference for the July episodes of MMK, Direk Mae admitted, “Masakit pa din kahit one year na s’ya.”
She then shared her motivations to keep moving forward.
“But it’s not like iniinda mo ‘yung pain. Because what we got to do is move on and show them that you’re still standing. And, you’re doing this not just for yourself, but for everybody who’s still there and who still believes in us.”
She also echoed the Kapamilya Network’s creed focusing on family.
“This is not just a job. This is not just a company that you work for. This is a family.
“And, you are there for your family, and I am here for my family. I’m still here, and I will be here for my family.”
As for Direk Jerry, he echoed Direk Mae’s emotions toward the shutdown.
“Hindi talaga nawawala ‘yung sakit. Lalo na palapit na ‘yung anniversary.”
However, he still felt thankful that the Network was able to survive despite not having a franchise.
“Pero sa kabilang banda nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos kasi naka-survive tayo ng isang taon na walang prangkisa.
“Pero, hindi nila napatay ang ABS-CBN. Hindi napatay ng ilang makapangyarihan ang ABS-CBN.”
He also highlighted their bond as a family, which helped the Network thrive for the past year.
“Siguro nga dahil we are a family. We have formed a really strong family na kahit ganyan na ‘yung pagsubok naghawak-kamay, nagkapit-kapit at kahit pa’no naitawid ang isang taon.
“Hindi lang basta naitawid, naitawid naman s’ya ng matagumpay sa kabila ng kawalan ng prangkisa. Pero, isang patunay lang talaga na ang inaapi ay inaalalayan ng Diyos.”
On July 10, 2020, ABS-CBN had to shut down after Congress denied their 25-year franchise in May of the same year.
Despite losing the franchise and a bigger chunk of its employees, the network continued producing content through digital platforms for the past year, which kept the ABS-CBN afloat.
They also made their free TV return via their block time deals with A2Z channel 11 and TV5.
For July, Maalaala Mo Kaya highlights four stories depicting different forms of love.
It starts with Zaijan Jaranilla and Nonie Buencamino’s two-part episode Living to Care, directed by Direk Jerry for July 3 and July 10 run.
Then, fall in love with the MMK episode Pinoy-Korean Love directed by Theodore Boborol and top-billed by Ejay Falcon and Sunshine Kim this July 17.
After that, a mother-daughter story focusing on mental illness with the episode My Two Mothers, directed by Direk Mae on July 24. This episode stars Iza Calzado, Heaven Peralejo, and Shamaine Buencamino.
Finally, fall in love with the episode, Janitor Love directed by Carlo Po Artillaga, and top-billed by Joem Bascon and Denise Laurel on July 31.
