The Manila Times warmly congratulates the cast and crew of the successful ABS-CBN sitcom Toda Max, which stars action king Robin Padilla, comedian Vhong Navarro, and the beautiful and talented Angel Locsin, on their first anniversary.

Not only has the show resurrected comedy sitcoms on TV—a popular genre of the ‘80s with such iconic programs as John ‘en Marsha, Joey and Son, OK Ka Fairy Ko that was taken over by the teleserye—but it has done so in a way that inculcates traditional the Filipino values of love for family, loyal friendships, and commitment to one’s work, among many others.

As Robin earnestly said on the show’s anniversary party on Tuesday night, “Hindi kami narito para magpatawa lamang pero para palawigin ang isang kulturang Pilipinong-Pilipino, at para mag-bigay ng aral.

“Bago namin simulan ang bawat episode, hindi namin tinatanong kung ano ba ang gimmick namin ngayon; ang tinatanong namin kaagad ay kung anong aral ang mapupulot ng mga manunood sa dulo ng show,” added the big name celebrity, who portrays the role of a dedicated tricycle driver and a devoted single father in Toda Max.

Proof of the show’s success, not just in bringing in the laughs, but in imparting moral values is its big win in the 34th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) this year as Best Comedy Program.

According to Vhong, Toda Max takes inspiration from the Filipino family comedies of the past, some of which have been listed above.

“If it weren’t for the inspiration given to us by these shows, I believe Toda Max wouldn’t be this successful, and wouldn’t have lasted this long or won in the CMMA,” added Vhong, who portrays the lovable role of Justin Bibbo, a cook, in the show, and the love teammate of Angel Locsin’s Isabel, a conscientious working student.

Fittingly, Toda Max’s month long anniversary celebration will have for its theme, “A Tribute to ABS-CBN Comedy Shows,” and will guest the rightful sons of the late Comedy King Dolphy, Epi and Vandolph Quizon; Comedy Queen Ai Ai Delas Alas; and versatile actor Richard Gomez, who also shot to fame through the sitcom Palibhasa Lalaki.

Toda Max’s weekly anniversary episodes will air every Saturday beginning November 10 after Maalala Mo Kaya on ABS-CBN.