The classic Wansapanataym shared classic children’s stories and timely tales that imparted enduring lessons of kindness, humanity, and hope.
Well-loved children’s stories filled with elements of fantasy and drama made the first incarnation of Wansapanataym, one of the most-watched children’s fantasy anthologies on local television. The series which made its debut in 1997 stayed on the air for more than two decades, gave way to the rise of old and new inspiring stories, and of the seasoned and up-and-coming stars who became part of it.
The very first episode of Wansapanataym, titled Ang Mahiwagang Palasyo was starred by Judy Ann Santos and Rico Yan.It featured a story about Princess Layla of Silvania (Santos) who was waiting for her prince before she arranged marriage with a wicked duke got realized.
The episode featured one of the rare moments that Rico Yan and Judy Santos played as lovers. The two also worked on Gimik (1996) and Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay (1998).
Throughout its more than two decades on air, Wansapanataym featured some of the biggest stars of ABS-CBN through the years.
Two of its most popular leading men starred in very important episodes of the show.
For episode 95, which is titled Ang Sireno, Piolo Pascual played as the merman Juno, who was befriended and taken care of by two young boys, when he was injured by dynamite-fishing fishermen. Juno was after the fishermen who damaged his kingdom undersea.
The said episode imparted lessons about taking care of water resources and nature. In the end, after fulfilling his mission, Juno returned to the sea but left the two boys and the people of their community, a gift and a very important lesson.
Diether Ocampo, who was then one of ABS-CBN’s fastest-rising young stars also appeared on the show.
The Kapamilya leading man headlined the Yanni, the Genie episode, where he played as the wish-granting genie, Yanni.
Yanni has been granting wishes for thousands of years, and he’s close to getting his wish granted once he granted the one-millionth wish. In the end, after falling in love with a mortal (Rachel Alejandro), Yanni wished to become human, himself, to be with the woman he loved the most.
The episode shared lessons about being grateful for what you have. Yanni’s wish in the end also showed how true love proves the sacrifices one is willing [just] to be with the people, he or she loves.
Do you remember these classic Wansapanataym episodes? JeepneyTV has been uploading this good old episode on its YouTube channel. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and recollection in the comment section:
