3 life lessons Mel Tiangco learned from 'Magpakailanman'

From stories of abuse and abandonment to stories of hope and inspiration, the award-winning drama anthology “Magpakailanman” has told it all.

At Wednesday's press conference of show’s 7th anniversary since its return on air,  “Magpakailanman” host Mel Tiangco shared three memorable lessons she has picked up along the way.

1. Unfortunate and tragic events really do happen in real life

It gives us comfort to think that the world isn’t that bad, but there are some stories you cannot unhear.

According to Mel Tiangco, the story of the mother who ate her own child really left an impact on her.

She said, “Siyempre bilang ina din myself at may anak rin ako tatamaan ka rin noon eh. Hindi mo aakalain eh mangyayari ‘yun sa mundong ito.”

Mel added that they’ve heard of stories of mothers who hit their children but to actually eat them? That was totally different.

Mel later on admitted that after that episode, she quickly prayed for the child, the mother and even the father.

2. Talking to wounded and broken people is never easy

Working in the show, Mel has talked to numerous people from all walks of life, carrying their own wounds and baggage.

Mel admitted that it was a challenge to interview people who were in pain whether emotionally or physically.

She said that you’d have to talk to them without adding to the pain they felt.

She added, “‘Pag may kausap kang tao na may dala-dala, eh medyo tantiyahin mo rin sarili mo na hindi kumapit sayo, na hindi ka maapektuhan ng daladala niya.”

She admitted that she herself can get affected at times, but she tries consciously not to and to simply understand the other person.

3. Success is a team effort

Mel said that “Magpakailanman” has been running for 12 years now, counting the first episodes that ran on-air before it went on hiatus.

With how successful the show has become, Mel said that it couldn’t have happened without the whole team’s efforts.

“Hindi mabubuo ang isang masterpiece such as ‘Magpakailanman' kung hindi sa tulong, pagod, galing ng maraming tao, and I mean the production staff, the director, the PAs,” the host said.

For the show’s anniversary, it will be releasing a two-part special that narrates the story of a man who went to Saudi Arabia for a better life but ended up experiencing tremendous abuse all the while his wife cheats on him at home.

Starring Dennis Trillo, Ina Feleo and Lito Pimentel among others, the special will be aired this coming December 7 and 14. — LA, GMA News