Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) Features the Life Story of Charice Pempengco

The public is aware of the struggles of this young singer who made waves abroad because of a YouTube video. This Saturday, July 26, viewers will be able to learn about the background of Charice and the reason why she no longer uses the last name Pempengco.

After tapping Gretchen Barretto in Maalala Mo Kaya, Filipina singing sensation Charice will be tapped to play herself in ABS-CBN's drama anthology show. Singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla has been chosen to portray Raquel, the mother of Charice who also struggled to be a single parent to her children.

Maalala Mo Kaya (July 26, 2008)

Director: Jeffrey Jeturian
Writers: Joan Habana and Dado Lumibao

Cast:
Charice: Charice Pempengco
Young Charice: Sharlene San Pedro
Raquel (Charice's Mom): Zsa Zsa Padilla
Kokoy (Charice's Brother) Rhap Salazar
Charice's Dad: Neil Ryan Sese
Tess (Charice's Grand Mother): Madeleine Nicolas

Synopsis:
This is the story of Charice, a 16-year old girl who has always dreamed of seeing herself on TV. Growing up in a broken family, she has never seen her father since she was three. Charice and her brother Kokoy were raised alone by their mother Racquel, who also taught her daughter how to sing and conquer her fears.

Charice, equipped with the talent and the passion, as well as a very supportive and heroic mother, joined numerous singing competitions. She won sometimes but it reached a point when she started losing hope, especially when she did not make it as the grand winner in Little Big Star. A lot of people continued to put their faith in Charice but more than anyone else, it was her Mommy Raquel who never stopped in believing that she can reach her dream through her music.

In 2007, an anonymous fan and YouTube blogger FalseVoice posted her videos on the web. Today, Charice is not only popular here in the Philippines but also among foreigners who continue to recognize her gift of music.

With hard work, faith, and through the help of the video sharing site, Charice is now famous all over the world, proudly showcasing the immense talent that Filipinos have to offer.

Maalala Mo Kaya, hosted by Charo Santos-Concio, airs Saturday nights on ABS-CBN.