In Maalaala Mo Kaya June 17 Special Father’s Day episode entitled, “Upuan,” also more familiarly known as “Selfless Father,” has truly struck a chord in the hearts of Pinoy televiewers on June 17. Just like real-life dad, Ryan Arebuabo in the photo of him and his daughters in a fast food chain, Piolo Pascual has also gone viral for all the right reasons.
The story of Ryan raising his two daughters after suffering a stroke and having his wife leaving him for another man is truly noble. Ryan’s father, Rodolfo, also played a pivotal role in the life of Ryan and his daughters as he unconditionally helped his son get up on his feet in his darkest hour. As the characters bring Ryan’s story to life, it is clear that being a father is a commitment no matter what happens.
Fatherhood Takes More than a Lifetime
Piolo has captured the sentiment of Ryan’s life story in all its phases. From being a family, to suffering a stroke, to having been left by his wife and seeing him relentlessly strive to still be the father he is called to be, every line and scene of the cast brought out a sense of sincerity. As a single parent, Ryan did everything he can to keep his family together. When he lost all hope of his wife, Rosalyn (Isabelle Daza), returning, he worked harder to support his children. He taught them how to read and he also brings them to school. Through the DSWD program, he was able to put up a small sari-sari store to provide for their needs. With persistence, Ryan was able to regain some physical normalcy, making him more able to care for his children and himself.
One important scene in the story was when Ryan’s daughters mentioned how much they wanted to eat in a fastfood restaurant. Ryan took this to heart and saved as much as he can to honor that request. Just when he felt that he had saved enough, someone stole his earnings, leaving him devastated. It was at this time that his father, Rodolfo (Lito Pimentel), was willing to give Ryan the amount he needs to take his daughters out. Ryan asked why he was doing this, and all Rodolfo could say is because he was his father. Those words surely makes every lost soul found again. As Ryan is the noble dad to his daughters, Rodolfo was a loving father to Ryan, too. It takes a lifetime to be a father. Even if children are all grown up, the role of a father just keeps going on.
MMK Selfless Father goes viral on Twitter. In each scene, there were countless responses from viewers. Some reactions could not help but mention how much they appreciate their own father as to how they are today. The meaning of marriage and “till death do us part” was also one of the highlights. Piolo Pascual could not help but thank the fans for the success.