The episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya May 13 stars Hero Angeles as transgender Pia, who had no choice but to work as a Guest Relations Officer (G.R.O.) to support their family after losing their home to Mt. Pinatubo. Although his parents do not fully accept him, he strives to do his best to be appreciated even if it means being a “mom” to Lester, a child who the family is fond of but is not related to them at all.
At the time when American G.I.’s lived in the nearby bases in Zambales, working as a GRO was rampant. At first, Pia was disinterested because he owned his own salon. However, when the volcano erupted, everything changed. The family lost everything, forcing Pia to work as a GRO to put food on the table. The sad reality is, no matter how hard he works, his efforts are not appreciated at all.
Hero Angeles as Pia is Self-Sacrificing
Pia despises his job as a GRO. His family does not even realize this and continues to put him down even after everything he sacrifices. He could not take it anymore and spoke his heart out. He expressed anger for how his mom continues to gamble and how his parents do not help earn at all. All he wants is to be loved but this seems impossible.
Lester comes along and brings the family together. One day, Abby, the next-door neighbor needed someone to take care of her son, Lester. Pia’s family was more than willing to take care of Lester. Pia, on the other hand, was distant and did not totally agree with the arrangement. As each day progresses, however, Pia began to care. His family, too, began to be more caring towards Pia with Lester in the picture. After so long, Pia feels part of the family.
Pia feels how it is to be a parent. Raising Lester is difficult for Pia. Every phase of Lester’s life poses a new challenge. Conflicts become normal between Pia and Lester and both feel the struggle. Pia would at times bring Lester to Abby’s family so he grows up knowing his roots. But instead of this drawing them closer, both become distant. Lester prefers to live with his mother’s family. Despite this, Pia remains caring towards Lester and vows to be responsible for him.
Abby returns to ask payment for Lester. After so long, Lester’s mother returns. She came back to ask money from Pia upon finding out news that a documentary was being made about children who were left by their American fathers. Abby thought Pia was earning from these donations. Pia could not believe what she was hearing and stood up against Abby. Pia expressed disgust towards Abby but Abby said she will return to take Lester from Pia.
Pia and Lester begin a new chapter. Lester heard everything that Pia and Abby were talking about. He realized just how much Pia cares for him. His heart changes instantly and now appreciates Pia for everything. Both now see life in a new light.
The title of the episode is “Salon.”