Over the years, “Maalaala Mo Kaya” has not only featured the stories of ordinary people who have inspired us with their resilience, hardwork, and strength as they go through the ups and downs of life, but also of influential and famous personalities like celebrities who, unbeknownst to many, have had to hurdle tough obstacles before getting to where they are at present.
Not all celebrities may get the chance to have their stories featured on the long-running program, but ABS-CBN Studios asked some stars which actor they would choose to portray them if their life stories were turned into “MMK” episodes. And we collated their witty and interesting responses in this exclusive video!
Whether they already have experiences in acting or they wish to try their hand at it, the following celebrities are game to portray themselves if their life stories were to be adapted by the drama anthology.
As we all know, Darren Espanto already had a couple of acting stints, which were the 2018 Star Cinema flick “The Hows of Us” and the 2023 ABS-CBN Studios series “Can’t Buy Me Love.” So, it wasn’t surprising when he conveyed that he would want to do his own story, which he would likely entitle “Passport.”
The same goes for his close friend and fellow “ASAP” performer Ken San Jose, who expressed his eagerness to act in his own story as he claimed that he can also act. Emilio Daez gave a similar reason, as well as his iWantASAP co-host Jeremy Glinoga, who imparted that he has always wondered about acting in general and in “MMK.” He further added that seeing BINI Sheena Catacutan’s portrayal of herself in the “Camera” episode amplified his curiosity about how it feels to try acting out one’s own life and relive the experience one had as a kid.
Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan would also love to do her own story so that she’ll get paid without having to really act since it was herself whom she would portray. Her friend, Jason Dy, is keen to do his own story, too, since he already experienced acting on “MMK” once. He recounted his first-ever foray into the show via the “Planner” episode aired in 2021, in which he played third wheel to the characters of Jameson Blake and Charlie Dizon and enjoyed the experience.
And since she also has “actress” in her resume aside from being an OPM icon, “Magandang Buhay” and “ASAP” host, and “Idol Philippines Kids” judge, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid said that it would be none other than herself.
For ASAP Rockoustic Heartthrob member Kobie Brown, it would be either Jameson Blake or Markus Paterson since he’s close friends with them and both of them know him so well. “Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11” alumnus JM Ibarra also picks Jameson, whom he often gets to work with on “ASAP.”
Jameson Blake, meanwhile, jested that he would choose Joshua Garcia because he wanted to test his English-speaking skills. But on a serious note, Jameson believes that Joshua can pull it off. Luke Alford Jeremiah Lisbo and StarPop PH artist Justin Mclaire, all have trust that Joshua can nail his performance as them.
Since he probably observed that they have the same vibe, Iñigo Pascual suggested that “PBB Gen 11” alumnus Jarren Garcia could be a good choice to portray him. AC Bonifacio, on the other hand, opts for “PBB Gen 11” alumna Kai Montinola, who starred in the “Makeup Story” episode of “MMK” opposite Kyle Echarri, because she adores her so much.
“PBB Collab” ex-housemate Vince Maristela mentioned Kyle Echarri since it was he who first came into his mind when asked the question. Xyriel Manabat wants it to be Andrea Brillantes because she believes that they have similar personalities. “PBB Gen 11” Big Winner Fyang Smith stated the same reason when she picked Xyriel as the actress she envisions to portray her in an “MMK” episode.
As Emilio Daez expressed his enthusiasm to play himself, it was also him whom Edward Barber had chosen since they almost have the same hairstyle. Emilio’s “Love At First Spike” castmates Universe Ramos, Miggy Ruallo, Nick Deocampo, Bong Gonzales, Jude Hinumdum, Lance Reblando, Sky Quizon, Dylan Yturralde, and Binsoy Namoca imparted their target celebrities, too.
Bong said that it would be Adrian Lindayag for him, while Miggy put his trust in Bong to depict him once “MMK” would adapt his story. Universe opts for their co-actor Sean Tristan since they have a mole in the same part of their face, while Nick would want it to be his fellow Ilonggo, Anthony Jennings. Jude imagined himself being portrayed by Binsoy, while Sky jokingly warned Dylan about representing him. Lance expressed her wish for Sue Ramirez to star in the narration of her journey to becoming a transwoman.
Binsoy and Dylan, on the other hand, both dream of being depicted by prime actors—Coco Martin and Elijah Canlas, respectively.
Similarly, the following celebrities opt for some of the bigwigs in the entertainment industry as well.
For “Idol Kids Philippines” host Robi Domingo and “Sins of the Father” actor Elyson de Dios, it would be Ultimate Heartthrob Piolo Pascual, no less, with the latter alluding to the comments that they look alike. TJ Monterde, meanwhile, chooses Jericho Rosales because he is his idol.
Alexa Ilacad fancies being portrayed by Marian Rivera, while Fearless Diva Jona dreams of being portrayed by award-winning actress Jodi Sta. Maria.
As Harvey Bautista opts for Paulo Avelino, it was his name that seasoned character actor Alex Medina mentioned when asked the question, since he has been receiving comments that the two of them have a striking resemblance.
“Sins of the Father” stars Jerald Napoles, JC De Vera, and RK Bagatsing, on the other hand, have quite surprising picks for the artists they would like to portray themselves on “MMK.”
Aside from their resemblance, Jerald would like to gauge the acting chops of Hollywood actor and comedian Kevin Hart as he eyes him to be the one to depict him. JC is apparently a huge “Captain America”, fan as he enthusiastically mentioned American actor Chris Evans. RK, meanwhile, had a totally unique and surprising choice, as he wanted his actress-girlfriend Jane Oineza to be the one to depict him in an “MMK” episode about himself.
How do you find these celebrities’ preferences, Kapamilya?
Catch "MMK" every Saturday on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z and iWant from 8:30pm to 9:30pm.
*Photos credit to Fyang Smith and Xyriel Manabat IG