“MMK”’s tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of our country’s soldiers last Saturday (June 22) broke records as it registered its highest rating this year and topped the trending topics list on social media.

The episode recorded 30.8%, or more than double that of “Magpakailanman’s” 14.6%. The show’s official hashtag #MMKMedalOfValor also topped the trending list on Twitter, earning thousands of tweets.

The episode that starred Joshua Garcia, who played Ian Paquit, the brave soldier who fought for peace during the Zamboanga siege in 2013, showed viewers the many struggles, sacrifices, bravery and dedication of the military for the country, even if it cost them their lives.

The hurt felt by soldiers’ parents was also highlighted in the show in the emotional portrayal of Janice de Belen as Ian’s mother, Teba, who spent every moment in anguish and fear for her son’s life since he left to fight in Mindanao.

“Just saw the latest episode of ‘MMK,’ and just 16mins in I already cried. Kudos and thanks to Private First Class Ian Paquit! And to all the soldiers of our country! Words are not enough to appreciate your braveness and love for the country,” said Twitter user @escmanalad.

“I'm having goosebumps on this MMK tonight episode. Ang galing ng cast esp. Joshua Garcia and Janice De Belen,” @cheeksjeanny also tweeted.

“Kudos to Joshua Garcia for giving more justice to the role he portrayed. This man deserves a lot more than he is having right now,” @tavvias posted.

Along with “MMK’s” tribute to Filipino soldiers on television, ABS-CBN also held a thanksgiving event for over 500 soldiers at the “Saludo sa Sundalong Pilipino” last Friday (June 21) at the Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena. They were warmly greeted by various Kapamilya stars, played games with their collegues, and brought home special prizes.

Now on its third year, the “Saludo sa Sundalong Pilipino” was first held at the AFP Medical Center in Quezon City and Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija last 2017. It was then relaunched Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Command in Tarlac in 2018.