The fact that "Maalaala Mo Kaya" has been on-air for more than 25 years is proof that it's one of the best things on television. Rare is an episode that's not superbly acted, or one that fails to draw tears. This Saturday's episode maintains that gold standard --that is to say, it's depressing.

Viewers meet Adelina, played by Ana Capri as an adult and Rhed Bustamante as a kid. She has seen her dad and older sister die, her mentally challenged mother break down, and her brother go crazy because of emotional and physical abuse --and she's not even old enough to drink those painful feelings away.

But this series of tragic events only solidified her view on family --that while she may prefer a more normal and happier one, she realizes that one can't really choose one's kin and one has to stand by them no matter what. She was asked by her own daughter that if she had the choice, would she pick to have a mentally challenged mother?

To which she replied: "Hindi naman natin mapipili kung sino ang magiging magulang natin. Puwede naman natin pansinin kung ano iyong mga pagkukulang nila, mga kahinaan nila, pero tao lang din sila, hindi ba?"

"Ang mas mahalaga ay iyong ginagawa nila ang lahat ng makakaya nila para sa atin. Kadalasan nga, mas higit pa doon sa kaya nila. Ganoon si nanay. Kaya kahit sabi ng mga ibang tao na may kulang siya, mahal na mahal ko siya," she added.

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It's precisely that perspective that viewers latched upon, with reactions ranging from realizations about how lucky they are to simply have a family, to those putting the focus on the need to recognize mental health issues.

There's also many online posts praising the acting, including that of Malou de Guzman, who portrayed Adelina's mother, resulting in the show's official hashtag being the most talked about topic on Twitter among Filipinos Saturday night. Check them out below:

Upon watching, you'll realize that you're luckier than those who suffer major major problems in life. So let's just be thankful on what we have especially our family who are always there for us no matter what. Love them and Be Proud! 😇#MMKUpsAndDowns

— 🇩 🇷 U 🇩 🇪 (@drudchestercusi) June 9, 2018

If you're watching MMK right now, you'll realize how blessed you are. #MMKUpsAndDowns

— 💫 (@araawr_) June 9, 2018

Malou De Guzman's acting is superb! ❤❤❤
Rhed Bustamante deserves another soap opera main role!!! #MMKUpsAndDowns

— CJ Lapatha (@JanLapatha) June 9, 2018

learn to appreciate what you have 💖#MMKUpsAndDowns

— Tan (@Cristantantan) June 9, 2018

Don't ever say "ayaw mo na mabuhay" just because you have a problem. What we don't know is that there are people living worse than us yet they never give up on living. #MMKUpsAndDowns

— Rick Sanchez (@JGeollegue) June 9, 2018

When you realize that the cast tonights episode are really powerhouse... impressive shifting of emotions❤️ #MMKUpsAndDowns

— Dhean (@dhean_4th) June 9, 2018

If this ain't one of the most heartbreaking episode, then Idk what it is #MMKUpsAndDowns

— Vela (@veyayaa_) June 9, 2018

Rhed Bustamante rings the bell for the film industry.#MMKUpsAndDowns

— Luis Isidro | Sid (@loylowes) June 9, 2018

TONIGHT’S MMK IS ONE OF THE BEST ACTING I’VE SEEN IN PHILIPPINE TV. Ms Malou de Guzman, Ana Capri, Rhed Bustamante, and all others!!! GALING!!!! #MMKUpsAndDowns

— Lauren Isabelle Lim (@isabelle_lim) June 9, 2018

Malou de Guzman has been my favorite actress, I'm her fan ever since she portrayed the character of "Dugong" in a TV series Marina (2004). In fact, she's my fav villain when I was a kid. Tonight, I burst in tears while watching her. 😭💟#MMKUpsAndDowns pic.twitter.com/VVhmcwzGSt

— bim lenard ♡ (@withlovelenard) June 9, 2018

It’s sad to realize that there are families who experience life as an everyday hell. Today’s episode reminds us that despite the circumstances, it’s always the magnificent love for esch other that prevails. powerful way to reflect about to our own family. #MMKUpsAndDowns

— Nino Memoire (@Nino_Memoire) June 9, 2018

Here I am complaining about doing a lot of stuff while others are suffering just to get the things they need just for a 'day' despite of their condition. I think we should think more whenever we complain about our work/studies. #MMKUpsAndDowns

— Aries 🙃 (@AriesPii) June 9, 2018

Mental Illness is real. I hope today's episode spoke for understanding... We need no judgements, we need support in our unseen silent battles.#MMKUpsAndDowns

— suds (@latentsuji) June 9, 2018

Please give praise to Malou De Guzman's performance tonight. That woman made me burst my tears like a river. Probably deserved an award for this. #MMKUpsAndDowns

— Jayson Vistal (@JaysonH__17) June 9, 2018

I think, tonight's MMK story is one of the best.. the actors, act so good and the story itself has a good plot.. #MMKUpsAndDowns

— justinie (@jstn_ss) June 9, 2018

One of the most heartbreaking stories ever portrayed in MMK. Can't handle my emotions. #MMKUpsAndDowns

— Jay Gutierrez (@jayottoputh) June 9, 2018

#MMKUpsAndDowns grabeee nakakadmire yong anak na ginagampanan ni Ana Capri, she did not give up on her mother...
Lord bless that woman🙏🙏🙏

— Flor (@flr_flr_flr) June 9, 2018

Rhed Bustamante is sooooooooooo magaling umakting. You can feel her character through looking in her eyes ✨#MMKUpsAndDowns pic.twitter.com/gZBbrjIepS

— bim lenard ♡ (@withlovelenard) June 9, 2018

People nowadays who are in the midst thinking how miserable, struggling and hard their lives should watch this MMK episode and think that there are still reasons to hope and survive life. #MMKUpsAndDowns

— JK🎓👑🌼 (@jknnthbereached) June 9, 2018