Maalaala Mo Kaya’s June 3 episode stars Liza Soberano as Ms. Pia Wurtzbach before the glamour and glory as Miss Universe 2015. The tale begins with the separation of Pia’s parents when she was very young. What followed are the realities of life she had to face and how these taught her to be mature, tough and resilient. In the end, Pia is successful and able to fulfill her dreams which she did mainly because of her family.
The cast includes Krystal Krooks as Young Pia, Erin Ocampo as Sarah, Lily Yulos as Young Sara, Zsa Zsa Padilla as Cherryl (Pia’s mom), Lee O’brien as Uwe (Klaus), Fifth Solomon as Harley, Roder Camanag as Jonas, Hanna Ledesma as Malou, Michelle Vito as Bea Alonzo and Heaven Peralejo as Angeline Aguilar. The episode is written by Benjamin Benson Logronio and directed by Nuel C. Naval.
MMKPiaWurtzbach: “Don’t tell your Mama, okay?”
Growing up, Pia had to deal with issues beyond her age. When her father decided to live in the Philippines with them, what she thought was the greatest thing in her life turned out to be one of the most frustrating. At first, she described her relationship with her dad as a tag team. She would say that they got each other’s back. However, this tandem was used in a very wrong way. To cover up his affair with another woman, Pia’s dad would say, “Don’t tell your, mom, okay?” Because Pia wanted to stay true to this promise she shared with her dad, she would not tell the truth about her father’s infidelity even to her mother.
Pia is motivated by loss. Things eventually did not turn out well for Pia’s mom, Cheryl and her father. When her father left them for another, she vowed that she will be courageous for her family. She promised herself that she will strive for her mom and her sister to have a better life. This promise led her to showbiz. She got discovered because of her beauty and grace and got a stint at modeling. After some time, she slowly made her way into acting and was able to earn for her family.
A significant change affects Pia’s stride. Just when 17-year-old Pia was doing well in her acting career, her mother tells them that she is going to get married to her British boyfriend. She is forced to leave her budding career and move to England. Being happy was the least of what she felt. She struggled to adjust and fit in leaving her miserable. After waiting on tables and working in a factory, she decides to go back to the Philippines to fulfill her dreams and make a name for herself.
A comeback wasn’t as easy as anyone would think. After numerous casting auditions, Pia just couldn’t get that big break. It was one of the most difficult things to feel for anyone who wants nothing but to be successful. Just when she thought she was at the end of her career, she was noticed once again and this time, it was the world of beauty pageants that opened its doors. With a pair of heels and her foxy runway walk, she was asked to join a pageant camp. This was the beginning of her newfound career.
The Pia Syndrome comes alive. Pageant bigwigs noticed how much Pia wanted to win the crown. They knew that she had what it takes to be the next Miss Universe, however, they strongly felt that she should still do her best at the Binibining Pilipinas pageants. These observations were put to the test and Pia was proven resilient. She joined twice and in those two times, she didn’t win a crown. She remained her best self despite losing twice. Another heartbreaking event in Pia’s life at this time was when she received a call from her father saying that he saw her on TV. Instead of encouraging her, her father’s new wife asked her for money to help them because her father was sick. She turned down the request because she also had to earn for her own survival. Beyond that, however, she felt saddened all over again. What is great about what she did after is that she chose to get up from it. This motivated her to go beyond herself.
Pia finally wins the crown. With the encouragement of her family, Pia decided to join Binibining Pilipinas once again. As a matter of fact, she was the first to submit an application. She did everything right, this time. Even if sabotage was blatantly in her face, she still took the higher route and performed her best. What sets her apart from the others is her undeniable wit and charisma. In the end, she won Bb. Pilipinas, represented the Philippines and won the 2015 Miss Universe pageant. Also, in Pia’s reign, it is the first time that her term has been extended for another three years and that she is also given the title as the Miss Universe Ambassador.
Pia Wurtzbach’s success story is proof that we should always chase after our dreams until they are fulfilled and our life is made complete. The episode title of MMK June 3 is “Corona.”