MMK March 11: Erich Gonzales Is A Resilient Student Mom

Erich Gonzales in #MMKSchoolGirls

It is tough enough to finish a degree, but there are no words to describe how it must feel for a student mother to bring her child to class every single day just to fulfill her dreams. Maalaala Mo Kaya’s March 11 episode is an epitome of what a young mother’s resilience really means through the life of 17-year-old Vin-zl played by Erich Gonzales. Geoff Eigenmann stars alongside Erich as Red, the father of their daughter. The episode is directed by Raz dela Torre and written by Mae Rose Balanay and Arah Jell Badayos.

MMKSchoolGirls: Education is a Parent’s Only Inheritance

“Huwag kayong pabigat sa buhay natin,” Vin-zl’s mom angrily says at her family. Moments after, she once again bursts in utter frustration when she finds out that Vin-zl’s sister got pregnant. This reality puts so much pressure on Vin-zl being her mother’s studious favorite. Even after her dad leaves them because of unresolvable issues with her mom, studying well is still the priority. It was the only way for them to have a better life.

The Shoe Fits But Things Don’t Go as Planned

With painful feet from walking on heels all day in school, Vin-zl talks to her shoe blaming it for the day’s predicament. To her surprise, she hears Red’s voice talking back. From there, it was fireworks. When Cupid works his wonders, there is no escape. Falling in love with each other was as easy as pie.

Vin-zl doesn’t want to end up like her sister and is very much aware that of the expectations she has to meet. Red, on the other hand, understands her but still declares his love. Between mind and heart, the heart wins most of the time. Long story short, Vin-zl and Red become happy as a couple. This, however, did. Ot last long. Vin-zl got pregnant.

It Takes Two to Raise a Child

What is respectable is that Red will support Vin-zl and their child. He decides to drop out of college to work to provide for their needs. Vin-zl still wants to study but her mom disagreed. Little by little, she is saddened by the fact that her life has changed. She somehow feels insecure and useless. It is a good thing Red is her rock. Things then begin to turn around.

Red’s mother decides to send him back to school to secure the future of his family. Vin-zl also wants this for herself but again, reality sinks in. They cannot afford to pay for someone to take care of Vianca, their daughter. Vin-zl decides to ask her father for help since he is still working abroad. Her father agres and she does the necessary steps.

MMKSchoolgirls, Vin-zl and Vianca, Go to College

Although Vin-zl is highly motivated, bringing a toddler into a college classroom is more than challenging. It is impossible. Having to deal with listening to a professor, facing criticisms of schoolmates and consoling a child’s short attention span were all part of the daily grind for Vin-zl. To add, she would even make her daughter’s milk while taking a test. She endures, regardless.

After a few months, the mother of Red said she can no longer support Red’s education. He then takes the job as a call center agent. Vin-zl continues on in studying, bringing her daughter with her. At times Vin-zl and Red get into arguments because of exhaustion but they manage to patch things up. They remain strong together amidst the difficulties.

Erich Gonzales’ Labor of Love Rewarded

The sweetest gift Vin-zl has received is being restored to her mother. As they both confront their feelings and honestly accept each other, forgiveness wins and hearts are restored. With a family fully whole again, any obstacle can be conquered.

Vin-zl has been a consistent dean’s lister and finished her studies. Vianca is now kindergarten. On graduation day, Vin-zl expresses her thanks to her university, her classmates and most of all her family. Vin-zl’s mother cries with tears of joy, proud to be the mother of her daughter.

The episode is entitled, “Stroller Bag.”