Marian Rivera banners Tadhana anniversary episode

Marian is grateful for the warm reception of viewers—especially of OFWs—to her program. (Supplied)

Top-rating GMA Public Affairs’ weekly drama anthology Tadhana celebrates its first anniversary with host Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera leading the cast of a special episode airing on Saturday via GMA Pinoy TV.

Since last year, Tadhana has shared inspiring stories of OFWs enduring hardships and overcoming challenges to be able to improve the lives of their families back home. Viewers are given an opportunity to see the trials OFWs endure and how they persevere in the face of challenging circumstances.

Marian is grateful for the warm reception of viewers—especially of OFWs—to her program.

“Nagpapasalamat kami na patuloy na sinusubaybayan ng televiewers ang aming episodes tuwing Sabado,” says Marian. “Ako mismo nai-inspire tuwing mababasa ko ang script ng bawat episode. At nakatataba ng puso na isang taon na tayong nagbibigay ng leksyon at inspirasyon sa ating mga kababayan—para mag-ingat sila sa pag-a-apply nila ng trabaho sa ibang bansa at magkaroon ng katuparan ang pangarap nila sa buhay. Sa ating mga kababayang OFW, saludo po kami sa inyong pagsisikap para maitaguyod ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay.”

As a treat to her loyal viewers and fans, Marian will play the lead role in the anniversary special of Tadhana with no less than her husband and Kapuso Primetime King, Dingdong Dantes, directing the episode.

Dingdong admits that he had reservations accepting the rare chance of directing his wife but eventually took the project. “’Yung takot ko at ‘yung pag-iwas ko na idirek siya ay naging opportunity,” shared Dingdong in an interview with GMA News Online. “I saw a different kind of actress, a different kind of Marian. Mas na-appreciate ko siya bilang artista, bilang tao, bilang nanay, dahil ganu’n siya kaseryoso sa kaniyang [trabaho].”

In the special episode, Marian brings to life the story of Jackie—an OFW who had to bear being away from her children to give them a good life by working in Bahrain during the ‘90s.

With her husband seriously ill, Jackie was left alone to raise their family. When the opportunity to work as a domestic helper abroad came knocking on her door, Jackie did not hesitate and accepted the job.

It did not matter if this meant being separated from her kids. What was important was to give them a decent future.

Little did she know that an ordeal awaited her in Bahrain.

Jackie’s employer was cruel. On top of the physical abuse she got, she was prohibited to go out or even use the phone to call her family. Except for letters, she had no way of communicating with her loved ones in the Philippines.

She endured this for two years.

But upon Jackie’s return to the Philippines, she learned that her family never received the money and letters she sent them and that the same people she worked hard for had turned their backs on her.

Playing special roles in the episode are veteran actors Jackielou Blanco, Emilio Garcia, and Lotlot de Leon.

Don’t miss the special anniversary offering of Tadhana on GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV.