Photo from @iamsuperbianca

Ahead of the premiere of the iconic Filipino drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya’s new season, its host Charo Santos-Concio was featured in Bianca Gonzalez-Intal's podcast, Paano Ba ’To?!

Bianca shared that she previously asked Charo to be among the guests for her podcast’s special series called “Legends Only” a few years ago, but the media icon politely declined because she said she doesn’t consider herself a “legend.” 

“I’m an ordinary mortal just having fun and following the desires of her heart, and just giving her best,” Charo humbly told Bianca.

The opportunity for this type of content collaboration presented itself once again as MMK—a show that has been sharing real-life Filipino stories for over three decades now—returns as a limited series on April 24. Slated for 13 episodes, MMK will continue to share compelling real-life stories of Filipinos, including The Voice USA Season 26 winner Sofronio Vasquez.

In Paano Ba ’To?!’s episode, titled “A Masterclass on Navigating Life,” Bianca shared a curated selection of quotes from renowned personalities and asked Charo for her thoughts and beliefs about the statements.

Here are some of the inspiring, quotable quotes of Charo Santos-Concio from that insightful episode:

Photo from @iamsuperbianca

On dreaming big and aiming high vs. being content

“I think it depends on your stage in life. When you’re young, there’s so much to look forward to. So many years ahead of you. So you aim high. You dream, you soar, and make sure you’re very clear about your goals.”

On leadership and embracing a take-charge attitude

“In times of crisis, the leader in you has to step up to the plate, and you take charge… Eventually, you gain the confidence… ‘Kaya ko ’to!,’ ‘Kinaya ko ’to!,’ ‘Ah, kakayanin ko ito.’ Until you get that attitude, ‘Kakayanin ko ’to!’ Wala akong tatalikuran. Don’t be a quitter.” 

On finding the balance in life

“Alam mo yung values, you stand on, and then you listen to your heart. I think that’s a good combination to guide you in life. Alam mo kung saan ka nakatayo. ‘What are the non-negotiables for me? What are my boundaries?’ Kung sigurado ka du’n, na-define mo ’yun, in instances where sometimes you go through periods of self-doubt, or hindi mo sigurado, ‘Do I turn left? Or, do I turn right? Or, do I go straight?’ You always have to, I think, have that stillness. Practice that stillness. Be reflective. Listen hard to what your heart is saying.”

Photo from @iamsuperbianca

On one controlling his own destiny vs. how life happens while one is busy making other plans

“At the end of the day, you make the decisions. You choose what you want for your life. Nobody else will do that for you. However… it’s when you go with the flow, that’s when you discover life e and then you choose… The choices you make, the decisions that you make will define your destiny.”

On following one’s passion vs. doing what one is good at

“Follow your passion. When you follow your passion, you do everything. You give your best, and you’re happy no matter how tiring it may be sometimes.”

On looking to the light vs. looking back at the shadows cast by one’s wounds in life

“You can’t have the light without looking at your wounds e. And I think you should always aspire for seeking that light. But you have to look at your wounds, so sa’kin complementary siya e. You don’t stay there. You look at your wounds and don’t stay in the dark. Be sure to go through the tunnel and see the light, so forever look at the light. But don’t ignore the shadow. Hindi mo makikita ’yung liwanag ’pag di ka dumaan sa dilim.” 

Photo from @iwanttfc

On being positive vs. acknowledging life’s hardships

“Make reflection a part of your life. One has to be reflective. You can’t just look at the light… take a look at the mirror also…. Tingnan mo rin 'yung salamin at tignan mo 'yung reflection na nakikita mo… You have to bring out that authentic self… Reflection is part of the integration of self… You have to dig deep, even as you are looking at the light. And when you dig deep, that’s when you see your wounds, your demons, the not-so-many good things about you, your truth that you cannot face. And it’s liberating. When you’re liberated, that’s when you see the light.“

On the victim mentality and the struggle of pulling oneself out of misery 

“You have to make a choice. You have to decide. Ano’ng gusto mo? Gusto mong manatili sa dilim or gusto mong makawala d'yan? Tama na, move on ka na. But before you can move on nga, you have to process e. Others naman, they keep moving on—no processing and so they become quite dense. Walang natutunan. ‘Grow up,’ gusto mo naman sabihin ’yun. Pero napakahirap ng manatili ka sa dark… Mind over matter: 'Despite everything that I went through, I am making a choice to count my blessings and to look forward to a brighter future.'“

On happiness 

“Happiness is a choice… It’s not the externals that will make you happy—it is what you feel inside you, ’yun ang lalabas. The externals will not define you, unfortunately. So reflection is part of integrating oneself.”

Photo from @charosantos

All-new, inspiring stories from MMK will stream 48 hours in advance on iWantTFC starting April 24 (Thursday). iWantTFC is now also available via Chromecast and AirPlay.

MMK will also air on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z every Saturday from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, starting April 26.

Lead photo from @iamsuperbianca