Eula Valdes stars in first MMK shot in Japan

One of Maalaala Mo Kaya's favorite guest stars, Eula Valdes, adds another vivid portrayal this Thursday, when she appears in a very special edition of ABS-CBN's award-winning anthology - the very first Maalaala Mo Kaya episode shot on location in Japan.

This episode closely follows last September's US-shot edition of Maalaala Mo Kaya. Eighty percent of the scenes in this Thursday's episode were shot on location in Japan.

How far can ambition take you? Is it possible to know when your ambitions have taken you too far? Maalaala Mo Kaya puts its focus on the journey of a Filipina woman named Babes (Eula Valdes), who is determined to make a life for herself in Japan. Her ambition and determination help her survive many desperate situations in this foreign land, including being brought to a Japanese brothel and losing a finger in a work-related accident.

While Babes becomes obsessed with her fortunes in Japan, however, she loses sight of what is truly important - family. With Babes in Japan, her mother had to raise Babes' daughter Anne. So what kind of welcome will Babes receive from her daughter when she returns to the Philippines?

This powerful episode brings Eula and episode director Jeffrey Jeturian together with some very special guests, including Japanese native Ya Chang, who makes his first return to Maalaala Mo Kaya since the top-rating episode that featured his own story aired a year ago. In fact, owing to his familiarity with the locations, Ya Chang took on multiple responsibilities in the marathon shoot, serving as location manager, translator and driver, among others, to the very grateful Maalaala Mo Kaya crew.

Actress Jobelle Salvador also features heavily as Babes' friend Carina. Jobelle, currently based in Japan, is one of Eula's contemporaries, with both actresses making their first big splash in the '80s teen classic Bagets.

Another featured role is played by former sexy actor Anton Bernardo, who is also based in Japan. Also appearing in this episode are Noni Buencamino as Babes' undependable husband Rodrigo, Sheryl Lara as Babes' mother Matilde, and Empress Schuck as Babes' teenaged daughter. The episode was written by Ruel Montañez. Charo Santos-Concio hosts the very first Maalaala Mo Kaya episode shot in Japan tonight, after Pinoy Big Brother.