The episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya June 24 stars Ketchup Eusebio as George – one of the most optimistic persons anyone will ever come to know. In the early years of his life, he lived normally. When he fell mysteriously ill, he suddenly was not able to walk anymore because of paralysis from the waist down. He strives to live normally being the lion-hearted man he is. His life proves that if you don’t give up and always have a positive outlook in life, living with joy can be normal regardless of hardships. Even with being paralyzed, having a family of your own, earning a living and being a father are all possible with a touch of faith.
The story also stars Empress Schuck as Emily, George’s wife. Justin James stars as young George along with other actors like Marco Masa, Allan Paule, Alicia Alonzo and Crispin Pineda. The episode is directed by Diosdado Lumibao and written by Joan Habana.
Ketchup Eusebio as Kuya George is an Honest Portrayal of the Blessing of Optimism and Faith
For the first seven years of his life, George grew up with his grandparents. The day came when his father, Patricio, came back asking to take George and live with him and his family. George’s grandparents were angered by this, naturally. All they wanted was to raise George as their own, specially after Patricio left him. When Patricio stresses that he is still the father and has the right to take George, George’s grandparents have no choice. George did not want to leave his itay and inay. But, he, too was powerless.
As George settles in with Patricio and his family, George learns to work and help in the farm. Patricio was rather the type of father who gives tough love so George grew up fearful of his father. When George asked if he could study, Patricio discouraged him saying that studying is only a waste of money. George was relentless and promised his father that if he studied, he will continue to work hard. With this, Patricio allowed George to go to school.
Fever leads to the paralysis of George. Just when George was feeling content with his life, he incurs a fever which mysteriously led to his paralysis. When it dawned on him that he could no longer walk, he was devastated. This, however, did not last long. He was persistent and told his father that he wanted to keep going to school. Patricio, once again, shattered his dreams. He said that George cannot go to school anymore but George still did. Even if he had to walk everyday with a pair of slippers on his knees and another pair on his hands, he literally would crawl to school every day.
George experiences both joy and pain. When the teachers saw George’s perseverance, the administration decided to give George a scholarship. He felt overjoyed by the news and kept going to school until he finished 2nd honor in his graduation day. At the other side of that, though, was a father who was not proud of his accomplishments at all. Time and again, George is always faced with discouragement from his own father. The worst thing that happened was when Patricio told George that he will never live a normal life because of his disability. He even said that no one will fall in love with him because of his condition. George wanted to prove him wrong so he ran away from home even it was the most painful thing to feel and experience.
George’s life is favored. Despite his past, George pulled through. With hard work and determination, he was able to make a life for himself. Favor was always with him. When a foreigner recognized his resourcefulness in building, George was given a modified tricycle – one he can use as a means of transportation and a way to earn. Things even got better for him when he met Emily. At first he was afraid to let her see his true state, but then, because Emily too has a good heart, she accepted him wholeheartedly. They got married and start a family of their own – having two children, to be exact. George did his best as a father and earned a living with his trike, selling vegetables. His wife, on the other hand, focused on taking care of their children and washing clothes whenever possible.
George does everything he can to be the best father he can be. It wasn’t easy to be the protector of the family for George. With his disability, he and his family experienced much tribulation. The first was when thieves stole George’s earnings after a day’s work. The next was when he and his family got into an accident while they were riding the trike. The third and worst was when the family was robbed in their own house. As a father, even if he wanted so much to fight for his home, he is unable to. However, with the unwavering love and support of his wife and family, they were always able to recover from such mishaps. He always tells his children that blessings come to those who persevere.
George finally reconciles with his father, Patricio. Because of George’s determination and relentless spirit, his neighbor posted a picture of him on Facebook. Through this, George’s stepmother was able to find him and his family. Soon after, George and his family went back home to visit Patricio who was very ill. When Patricio finds out about how George’s life turned out to be the opposite of what he used to say, Patricio finally feels proud of George and asks forgiveness from his son for his failures as a father. George accepts his father’s apology. The father and son are finally restored.
The life of George serves as an inspiration to everyone. Even in disability, it is most possible to live a good life.