Maalaala Mo Kaya August 12: Christian Bables Tries To Find Himself Through The Limelight

Maalaala Mo Kaya August 12 tells the story of Ben (Reuben), the son of renowned actress Helen Vela and the brother of Princess Punzalan. Despite his famous family, he experienced being bullied for how he looks and for being an illegitimate child. Even if he is well-off, he grows up lost, longing for acceptance and love. The role of Ben is played by 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actor Christin Bables.

The episode written by Shugo Praico is directed by Raz dela Torre. Other actors starring alongside Christian are Gloria Diaz, Ritz Azul, Ingrid del Paz, Micah Javier, Angelo Ilagan, Alex Castro, JB Agustin, Kyline Alcantara, Toby Alejar, and Nathaniel Britt.

MMK Limelight: Finding Yourself Through Faith, Self-Acceptance and Family

There are more than a few things that Ben had to face while growing up. He was described as “ugly” by his classmates while growing up because of his bushy eyebrows, disfigured nose and dark complexion. This was difficult for him to live with because his mom and his older sister were both famous and beautiful actresses in the entertainment industry. Another painful reality he needed to face is that he is an illegitimate child. It was complicated for him to feel complete as a family. His father seemed to never have time for him and was also an alcoholic. This situation caused Ben to grow up insecure, longing for acceptance.

Ben desperately wanted to be an actor and be famous himself. One day, he asked his mother if he could also enter showbiz, his mother told him that he does not have the looks for it. This thought got imprinted in his mind and heart. Since that day, he vowed to do everything he can to change the way he looks so he will be accepted and fulfill his dream to be admired. He also promised himself that someday he will get back at those who he felt have wronged him.

When Ben’s mother passes away, Ben goes from bad to worse. As a birthday present from his mother, Ben went through plastic surgery. To him, this was the best gift he ever received. For the first time, he felt appreciated. Everything was going well, then unexpectedly, Helen Vela got terminally ill with lymphoma. This devastating loss caused Ben to lose the only light left in him. He lost himself and was consumed by the emptiness. His brother, who is a pastor, tried to reach out to him, but Ben refused. Princess did the same, but their efforts returned void. Ben decided to quit school and move out.

Blinding selfishness leaves Ben unsatisfied in life. As Ben stepped out and began to live his own life, he met a few people whom he felt loved. One of these people is his girlfriend because she accepted him for who he is. Then this was short lived because Ben recorded one of their intimate moments on video. As to why? His girlfriend believes he wants to feel good about himself  and have some sort of proof of his ego. He was selfish. Another friend he came to know is Jepoy. He saw Ben as his younger brother and felt responsible for him. He would tell Ben to go back home to his family but Ben had a hard heart.

Ben desired attention by all means. When a person perceives himself through the eyes of others, he ends up disillusioned. Because Jepoy didn’t want Ben to end up wasting his life on alcohol, Jepoy decided to bring Ben to his place of work. The problem is, Jepoy was working in a gay bar as a male entertainer. As Jepoy’s runner and assistant, Ben was exposed to this gray life. The only thing he saw was that people seemed to love Jepoy on stage. This made Ben want to do the same. Although Jepoy was against this, Ben was relentless.

A sister’s love steps in. Ben could not hide who he was no matter what he did. He soon became a blind item in one of the local tabloids which alarmed the family, specially his sister. Princess then went to Ben’s apartment to to talk to him in the hopes of enlightening him but Ben was as hard as stone. Princess told Ben that the family has always loved and accepted him. As his sister, she even apologized if they in any way let Ben feel unwanted. She asks Ben why he chose the job he was in when there are so many others he can choose to do. Ben’s only answer is that he loves the attention. He refused to listen. The day came when the bar he was working in got raided and Ben was one of those who were brought to jail. Not too long, Princess bailed him out. She told him that she does not care about what others say. What she does care about is Ben, her brother. It was this time that the brother and sister got restored. Ben went back home.

Ben’s life turns around through the love of his family and faith. Ben was finally freed from his emptiness and vanity when he accepted himself through the love of others and through faith. He would share his life-changing testimony to others like him seeking for unconditional love. He began making better choices and embraced who he is. He worked in various places like in BPO’s, teaching online and even made his own indie films. In other words, he learned to like and accept who he is and no longer relied on finding appreciation  in others. If he was able to accept this, then many others can do the same. Through the love of the family, faith, and making a choice, we will be able to truly embrace who we are and live a life free from bitterness.

Maalaala Mo Kaya’s August 12 episode is entitled, “Salamin” (Mirror).

Ngayong Sabado (Aug. 12), tunghayan ang kwento ni Ben, isang lalakeng sinubukang hanapin ang kinang sa isang madilim na mundo. #MMKLimelight pic.twitter.com/VHrMJU9eiF

— MMKOfficial (@MMKOfficial) August 10, 2017