As ‘Magpakailanman’ marks its 23rd anniversary, veteran broadcast journalist Mel Tiangco opened up about one of the most difficult moments in the show’s history — the years it disappeared from television.
The long-running real-life drama anthology first premiered in 2002 and aired until 2007. It returned in 2012, and for Mel, its comeback remains the show’s biggest milestone.
But she admitted that when it was initially removed from GMA Network’s lineup, the decision left her devastated.
“We were off the air because, according to Mrs. (Wilma) Galvante, at that time, ang uso na noon, ang genre at that time was contests—television contests. ‘Yung drama, medyo ayaw na daw ng mga tao. Of course, I cried. I cried and cried. Not in front of Wilma. I’m not the type to cry publicly, but I cried,” she recalled during an intimate media conference.
Mel shared that she struggled to accept the explanation, believing deeply that drama — especially based on true stories — would never lose its relevance.
“I kept it in my heart kasi I didn’t think it was true. I think people have different tastes. In my mind, hindi isa lang ‘yung klase ng genre na magugustuhan ng televiewers. In my mind, it was that people would always appreciate a drama, true to life stories. Basta ‘yan, umiikot sa utak ko talaga. Hindi ako nakakatulog when they said na game shows na ang [uso]. Of course, hindi naman puwedeng labanan ang network,” she said.
Because the removal hurt her deeply, Mel admitted she initially hesitated when GMA Network approached her years later to revive ‘Magpakailanman’.
“After several years, si Redgie (Magno) naman ang nag-[sabi] sa akin, ‘Gusto ni FLG.’ FLG, of course, represents Atty. (Felipe L.) Gozon. Who fights him? He always gets what he wants. He wants you back on Magpakailanman. What? Parang ano ako, ‘Tsk, ayoko nga. Tatanggalin n’yo tapos ibabalik n’yo.’ Para naman kaming busabos na ‘Tapos ka na!’ Siyempre tao lang ako, I was harboring certain tampo,” she revealed with a laugh.
But she has no regrets choosing to return.
“As I said, FLG will get what he wants. And so we are back! That is why the biggest milestone was when Magpakailanman was brought back on the air, and it has been there since,” she said proudly.
Although every episode is close to her heart, Mel shared a few stories that have stayed with her through the years.
One of the episodes she holds dear is ‘My Mother and I: The Abdul Raman Story.’
“If you recall ‘yung istorya ni Abdul, na-abuse siya ng father niya tapos siya ang nag-alaga sa mother niya, sa kapatid niya… Basta ‘yung buhay niya napaka-complicated but in the end, he won all his fights,” she said.
Their interview left a lasting impression: “Pagkatapos noong interview ko sa kanya, naiyak ako. Tumindig ako and I said, ‘Give me a hug.’ This was because I’ve faced a young man—so young, very very young man—who had surmounted problems na talagang hindi mo akalain na maayos niya ‘yung buhay niya on his own,” she shared.
Mel also praised Alden Richards’ award-winning performance in the episode ‘Sa Puso’t Isipan.’
“Nanalo si Alden Richards dito ah. ‘Yung parents niya, may mental problem, may mental illness and he was the one who had to [take care of them]… Imbis na parents taking care of children, ito naman the son taking care of both parents who are mentally ill. He won best actor no?”
The episode won Best Single Performance by an Actor at the 37th PMPC Star Awards for TV and became a National Winner at the 2024 Asian Academy Creative Awards.
Another unforgettable story for Tita Mel is ‘Ang Anghel sa Lupa: The Angel Chua Story.’
“This young girl was afflicted with osteogenesis imperfecta… Ang bones niya, lumalambot nang lumalambot as she gets older… Konting kibot lang, mababali na ‘yung bones niya,” she explained.
Despite her condition, Angel remained joyful and full of life.
“She was such a cheerful person despite that… She was a normal girl. She would also fall in love… She dances. She dances in her cart, nakakatuwa,” Mel shared.
Mel expressed deep admiration for the people who courageously share their stories on the show.
“Kung sasabihin niyo, you are inspired by Magpakailanman, ako ‘yung numero unong inspired when I meet these people… Ang lakas talaga ng mga loob nila, because maybe si God ang really nagga-guide sa kanila,” she said.
The show continues to air every Saturday at 8:15 p.m. on GMA Network. (with reports from Loyd Pino)
