Maalaala Mo Kaya has never shied away from telling challenging and emotionally heavy real-life stories. Now, it returns as a limited series, revisiting the 2021 double murder case of the Maguad siblings in North Cotabato.

In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Karina Bautista opened up about the challenges of portraying the convict in the Maguad siblings case.

“I will be playing the role of the orphan. This story is very dark. Mabigat siya and painful lalo na para sa aming letter sender. So we just all want to give justice dun sa kwento na sinulat niya na binigay niya sa amin. And it’s parang timely thing right now kasi di ba, ang daming nangyayari when it comes to the news. I think dito makikita natin how a family copes with grief,” she shared.

The Kapamilya actress, however, shared that the very challenge of the role was what compelled her to take it on.

“Challenging siya so that’s why I said yes talaga and (it’s) MMK. Yung bago magtapos ang (original run ng) MMK kasi kami naman ni Kaila Estrada, ang three-part episode na nag-end sa MMK. So I’m so grateful na naalala nila ako for reopening MMK naman. And first time ko nga gumawa ng ganito ka-dark na character and role and mas lalo na dahil real-life story ito,” Karina said.

She went on to say that she also sees this as a learning opportunity to grow as an actress: “Ako naman, I always take any acting piece as an opportunity and a learning curve. I’m really excited for everyone to see the product of the hard work we’ve done.”

Karina also admitted that her portrayal took an emotional toll on her.

“Super hirap siya to the point na even before kami nag-take, parang medyo in-anxiety na ako. Siyempre sa ABS-CBN, with Star Magic and Rise Artists, we always want to embody talaga the character, be the character so medyo mahirap siya kasi kahit makalimutan ng utak ko yung mga linya, yung mga naganap, my heart still feels it and sobrang bigat niya sa body,” she openly shared.

However, Karina assured the Kapamilya viewers that she’s actively working through it and is doing better now.

“I really felt it throughout the days. Pero ayun nga, I’m starting to let go of it and (just) learn from it, ganyan, because it’s not me naman. I’m still happy na nakuha ko yung spirit ng kwento,” she pointed out.

In December 2021, the Maguad siblings were brutally murdered in their home in North Cotabato. As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that the family’s adopted teenage daughter, along with another minor, were both responsible for the heinous crime.

Along with Karina, who plays the orphan and murderer, Dimples Romana and Joem Bascon star as Lovella and Cruz Maguad—the grieving parents of the slain siblings, Gwynn and Boyboy. Criza Taa and Miguel Vergara portray the roles of the siblings, respectively. The episode is directed by Onat Diaz.

The two-part Mother’s Day special is based on the true story of Lovella and grounded in official records from the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police.

Stream the unfiltered, full episodes of inspiring stories from MMK on iWantTFC—available worldwide 48 hours in advance every Thursday. iWantTFC is also compatible with Chromecast and AirPlay.