Charo Santos recently shared the humble yet powerful story behind the creation of Maalaala Mo Kaya, Asia's longest-running drama anthology.

In a video posted on Instagram, Charo looked back on the moment the concept for MMK was born, which was thanks to a simple paperclip.

"It was in 1991. I was in a programming meeting. Our president asked me this question. 'If we will replace this program with another concept, what will you pitch?'" she recalled.

Caught off guard, Charo asked for more time to prepare. But the response was firm. She recounted: "[I said] sir can you give me 2 weeks? [Sabi niya,] 'Naku Charo sa television lahat mabilis. Ang mantra talaga the show  must go on. Hindi ito katulad ng pelikula na pwede mong igalaw ang playdate," she said.

Nervous and under pressure, Charo searched for inspiration and found it in the most unexpected place. "Jusko, ninyerbyos talaga ako. Biglang nakita ko 'yung paperclip dun sa mesa," she relayed.

Reflecting on its simplicity, Charo recalled: "Kinuha ko 'yung paperclip sabi ko. 'Ito, napasimpleng bagay ni hindi ito pinapansin, pero maaaring may mahalagang kwento sa likod ng simpleng bagay. Dahil maaring ito ang ginamit niya pambukas ng pinto nung tinanan niya ang kanyang girlfriend."

From there, the concept of Maalaala Mo Kaya was born. When asked what title she would give the show, Charo pitched: "[Tanong niya] So ano ang itititulo mo diyan? Sabi ko, 'Sir 'Among My Souvenirs.' [Sabi niya,] 'Hindi, kailangan Tagalog song 'yung mala kundiman. [Sagot ko,] 'Maalaala Mo Kaya.'"

The show went on to premiere on ABS-CBN and made history.

"Doon po isinilang ang programang Maalaala Mo Kaya which lasted on the air for 31 years and it became the longest-running drama anthology not only here in the Philippines but in the entire Asia," she stated.

On Monday, April 8, Charo announced on TV Patrol that MMK will return on air on April 24.

The pilot episode will feature the life story of The Voice winner Sofronio Vasquez.

"In my heart, I knew na babalik siya. The new generation of viewers are looking forward to true-to-life stories about our Kapamilyas. Ang daming Gen-Z na lumaki na nanonood ng Maalaala Mo Kaya kasama ang kanilang mommies, daddies, lolas, and lolos so I’m so happy that they really know [MMK] as a brand of good storytelling," she said.

MMK will return in a limited series format.