Maalaala Mo Kaya July 15 stars Bella Padilla in a story about a hunch back mother and her daughter who is born out of abuse. The reality of Melania’s painful past makes life difficult as a mother, let alone as a victim of rape. However, with the support of her family and with her good-natured heart, her life takes a turn for the better.
The episode is directed by Jerome Pobocan and written by Akeem Jordan Del Rosario. The cast includes Mutya Orquia, Miel Espinoza and Ashley Sarmiento. Other actors include Nina Dolino, Mickey Feriols, Vivieka Ravanes, Boom Labrusca, Olive Cruz and Jordan Herrera.
MMK Stand Still: Disability, Rape and Motherhood
How can a woman embrace motherhood when the circumstances of having a child is brought about by rape? This is only one of the greatest pains in the life of Melania. Her life did not start well at all. As a toddler, Melania had an accident that caused her hunched back. Since then, growing up normally was never possible. She experienced constant discrimination. This, however, did not affect how kind she preferred to be despite these experiences. She was more mature and chose, instead, to be understanding of others. This was the same thing she did when her father left her mother and three siblings for another woman.
Melania strives to finish her education, works relentlessly. No matter how difficult it is for Melania to finish school, she remained focused. She works two jobs just to sustain her education. When she was in college, unfortunately, she had to stop to support her family. All her earnings in her job as a storekeeper in Manila were sent back home. Things became more difficult when her mother gets sick due to a kidney problem. She remains true to her commitment to support her family, most specially her mother.
Melania experiences her darkest hour. Melania did nothing but her best in her job for her family’s survival. However, one frightful time came when she was raped by her co-worker. Because she needed the job, she had no choice but to stay in the same shop. Soon after, her mother passes away shortly because of complications. This was unbearable for her. It became worse when she found out that she was pregnant and that her child is born out of abuse.
Melania faces the challenge of motherhood. Melania is forced to raise her daughter by herself but no matter what her past was. Even if she wanted so much to take her own life, with the help of her familiy, she was able to realize her worth and remain to be the kind-hearted soul she is. When her daughter found out the truth behind how she came to be, Melania’s daughter despised her. This is even more painful to deal with but in time, acceptance prevails. In the end, the mother-and-daughter find the truest sense of family. This was the first time in years that Melania felt whole and loved again.