After touching the lives of Filipinos overseas with the first "Kwentuhang Kapamilya" in Madrid, Spain, streamed worldwide via TFC.tv, the longest-running drama anthology continues its journey with overseas Filipinos with its second inspirational talk series in Hong Kong this weekend.
"MMK," hosted by Ms. Charo Santos has been documenting the lives of Filipinos in the Philippines and even outside the homeland for over two decades. It has become an icon in the Philippine entertainment industry for its award-winning episodes, stirring performances and the valuable lessons the readers themselves impart, true to its tagline "Ikaw Ang Bida Sa Kuwento Mo."
First seen on television in 1991, it has since then, been shared and experienced by audiences across platforms: radio, movies, music, books, merchandise and including its sub-titled version for non-Filipino speaking viewers of TFC.
Now, through "Kwentuhang Kapamilya," MMK's celebration of its 25th year, and The Filipino Channel's (TFC) way of reaching out to its audience through live events, the program has become a venue for the actual exchanging of stories as overseas Filipinos leave their homeland, try to survive at a land they call their second home and thrive in the path they have chosen.
The stories in the first "Kuwentuhang Kapamilya" were as varied as Europe's terrain. Rico "Ericka" Angsioco from Nasugbu Batangas was honored to be chosen as one of the story tellers because finally, he could share his experience. From being a teacher, he accepted a job as a food server to fend for his family. Angsioco said that each pasalubong he sent back home carried a piece of him. "Ang bawat tsokolate o bagay na ipinapadala namin sa inyo, lungkot at luha ang kapalit nito sa amin na nandito sa abroad," Ericka shared. Now he enjoys life in Madrid with his mother who now reaps the fruits of his labor with him.
Atty. Chona Tenorio of Occidental Mindoro's story was a reverse of Angsioco's story. She started as a domestic helper but through her perseverance, was able to become an immigration lawyer.
However, her success did not come with challenges as her children grew up not knowing who she was. "Napakahirap isipin para sa isang ina na iwan ang mga anak mo."
During the first year as an overseas Filipino, Tenorio left with a heavy heart. But after having endured the distance, she was able to reconcile with her children.
Tenorio adds: "Kapag dinadalaw ako ng mga anak ko dito sa Madrid sinasabi ko nagsusumikap ako para sa kanila. Nagbunga naman lahat dahil iyong isa doctor at iyong isa ay engineer ngayon dito sa Madrid."
The story of Miracel Plarical from Bukidnon is quite different. She came to Spain as a candidate for the religious life. "Noong una, buo ang pamilya ko. Noong nagkahiwalay ang parents, doon nawala ang desire ko sa pagmamadre. Kasi kung hindi mo alam ang gagawin mo, wala ring direksiyon ang buhay mo." Eventually, she learned to forgive her father but has chosen a different vocation in life.
The inspiration talk series became a rollercoaster of emotions when Angela Maalafrom Lemery, Batangas shared her interesting story. She fell in love at an early age, not fully knowing that she was marrying someone who rendered her a battered wife. "Noong una para akong nasa heaven…Matagal po akong nagising. Umabot sa point na muntik na akong magkapamatay." Once she finally realized her predicament and decided to take charge, Go left for overseas where her story took a turning point.
Maala ended: "Nang iwan ako ng asawa ko, nag-abroad ako, akalain mo na dito ko pa sa Madrid mararanasan ang mag-opisina e kung tutuusin, wala naman akong pinag-aralan."
Altogether, Angsioco, Tenorio, Plarical and Maala's stories are narratives OFs can relate to but most importantly, life lessons kababayans can learn from to move on with their own lives.
On July 24, the sharing continues as TFC bringsMs. Charo Santos, host Eric Nicholas and Kapamilya Diva KZ Tandingan to Hong Kong to hear the stories for themselves. Together, overseas Filipinos can watch the episode and become part of the MMK "Kwentuhang Kapamilya" via TFC IPTV and TFC.tv on July 25, 10 p.m. Manila time
For more information, facebook.com/TFCHongKong for more information.
