‘Mommy Dearest’ tackles Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

CEBU, Philippines —  When love becomes an obsession, it suffocates the very thing it was meant to nurture. Witness an out-of-the-box story about family, a mother’s love, and self-discovery that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats in “Mommy Dearest.”

The series is headlined by StarStruck alumni Katrina Halili, Dion Ignacio, and Shayne Sava -- and award-winning actress Camille Prats in her first villain role. Adding more depth to this intriguing plot are Winwyn Marquez, Prince Carlos, Mel Martinez, Riel Lomadilla, Viveika Ravanes, and Amy Austria.

Beginning February 24, “Mommy Dearest” takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, as Mookie (Shayne) tries to navigate life despite her serious illnesses since childhood. However, her overprotective mother Olive (Camille) refrains her from going out and discovering the world, making Mookie seem like a prisoner in their own home.

For years, Olive is the only one who takes care of Mookie. Until one day, Emma (Katrina) gets hired as their housemaid, and Mookie finally finds in her the real love and care of a mother.

How will their growing closeness affect and threaten Olive? Who is more deserving of Mookie’s love — her obsessed mother who has abandonment issues or a stranger who treats her like a real daughter?

Apart from this unique storyline, “Mommy Dearest” also tackles Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy — a psychological disorder where a caregiver, typically a parent, fabricates or induces illness in someone under their care to gain attention or sympathy.

“Mommy Dearest”, directed by Ralfh Manuel Malabunga, will air Mondays to Fridays at 3:20 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime and Kapuso Stream. (CEBU NEWS)