By: Nestor Cuartero
JUST A THOUGHT: “You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger.” – Buddha
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CRYING LADY: A brief run-through of scenes from her long-running drama show reduced Mel Tiangco to tears during a media event.
As scenes from “Magpakailanman” flashed on a giant screen, Mel silently wiped tears from her eyes, visibly touched as she remembered some poignant moments from her program, which this year celebrates its fifth anniversary.
Mel said stories come from everywhere, but most touching are those culled from GMA Kapuso Foundation, which she used to head. She has since relinquished that post to slacken her pace somehow.
The durable news personality said “Magpakailanman” shall focus on more inspiring stories from here on. The four episodes celebrating the show’s anniversary throughout November are a proof to this commitment.
Throughout its 5-year run, the show has been touching the lives of Filipinos while promoting good family values.
However, when asked how she would want her life story dramatized on her own program, Mel declined. She said, “Masyadong corny ang buhay ko.”
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SERIES OF TV SPECIALS: The month-long special opened with the touching story of the Lagdamat sisters – four orphaned children who had no one else but each other to lean on. The Nov. 4 episode entitled “BSF: Best Sisters Forever: The Lagdamat Sisters Story” revealed how the sisters supported a sibling downed by renal failure.
On Nov. 11, “Magpakailanman” presented the incredibly romantic love story between an American sailor and his maid.
Under the helm of director Joel Lamangan, the episode entitled “My Heart Belongs to You: The Bud and Gloria Brown Story” was topbilled by Ivan Dorschner and Denise Barbacena.
On Nov. 18 and 25, “Magpakailanman” will share the real-life stories of Azramie “Ramram” Cabugatan and Marawi Suicide Squad soldier PFC Jomille Pavia.
The “Isang Bata, Dalawang Ina” episode is about a young boy who was taken away from his parents but later on reunited with his biological mother Rohaniza “Hani” Abdul Jabbar Cabugatan after seven long years. This episode stars Yasmien Kurdi and Sharmaine Arnaiz and will be directed by Gina Alajar.
The “Kuwentong Marawi sa Mata ng Isang Sundalo” episode is about a brave soldier who was deployed in Marawi and was able to survive and save a number of civilians especially an old woman trapped in her own home. The episode is headlined by Alden Richards and is under the direction of Mark dela Cruz.
“Magpakailanman” airs every Saturday night after “Pepito Manaloto” on GMA7.