‘Wish Ko Lang!’ marks 19th anniversary with 5 special episodes this July

Award-winning public service program and drama anthology Wish Ko Lang! is celebrating its 19th anniversary this month with five special episodes airing every Saturday beginning July 3.

With inspiring stories that spark hope and remind everyone that one’s dream can come true amidst all the adversities, Wish Ko Lang! has touched the lives of Filipinos here and abroad. For host and GMA News pillar Vicky Morales, the longevity of the well-loved TV program reflects one’s fervent desire to overcome life’s challenges.

“Sinasalamin ng programa natin ‘yung tunay na buhay ng isang tao. As a show, ang dami nating pinagdaanan. Andiyan ‘yung saya, andun yung nanalo tayo ng napakaraming awards, nakatulong tayo ng maraming tao. Tapos andun din 'yung challenges. And then ngayong pandemic, andito tayo. The fact that we’ve been around for 19 years at talagang patuloy tayong lumalaban, giving our best—feeling ko ‘yun ang inspiring sa atin. ‘Yun ang kuwentong Wish Ko Lang! ‘Yun ang kuwento ng mga tao, ‘yun ang kuwento ng programa natin at kuwento nating lahat,” she said.

The first story featured for its 19th anniversary this Saturday will be headlined by new Kapuso, Pokwang. Joining her are Jeric Gonzales and Arra San Agustin, as well as Jennie Gabriel and Bench Hipolito.

Pokwang is grateful to be part Wish Ko Lang’s anniversary lineup. “Sobrang excited kasi kasama ako sa mahalagang pagdiriwang ng programa—ang kanilang anibersaryo. Nakakatuwa talaga,” she shared.

In the story entitled “Ang Forever ni Miss Virgie,” Pokwang is a dedicated teacher ‘married to her job’ that she has no time for romance. Her hard work pays off and soon she gets promoted to principal. On the school’s 25th anniversary, Virgie reunites with one of her former students, Joshua (Jeric Gonzales). Little does she know that the now grown-up man would fall in love with her. But Pauline (Arra), Joshua’s ex-girlfriend and Virgie’s former student as well, will not allow their romance to bloom. Virgie gets to find an ally in her sister Laida (Bench) who will encourage Virgie to fight for her love.

The story resonates in real life, says Pokwang. “Relate ako dahil mas may edad ako kay Papang,” she shared, referring to the three-year gap between her and her husband. “Pagdating sa pag-ibig, nagiging tama sa mata ng Diyos ang mga bagay na mali sa mata ng tao. Kasi tayo madaling maghusga pero ang Diyos kapag sa Kanya galing ang dahilan bakit kayo nag-iibigan, kahit pa malayo ang agwat ng edad n’yo walang makakapigil. At walang makakapaghiwalay sa inyo dahil tunay at wagas kapag Siya ang nagbigay lalo na’t pinagdasal mo naman ito ng taimtim sa Kanya,” she added.

Jeric has only good words to say about Pokwang. “Very exciting and special 'yung experience with Ms. Pokwang. Super bait niya and ang galing nya, hindi ako nahirapan sa mga eksena dahil kumportable na agad ako sa kanya,” he said.

He added that he is proud to be part of Wish Ko Lang’s anniversary lineup. “Isa [ito] sa mga show na nagiging inspirasyon ng mga Kapuso natin sa mahabang panahon na and masaya ako na maging part para magpatuloy ang pag-inspire at pagtulong sa mga tao.”

Meanwhile, Arra is grateful that the program entrusted the role of Pauline to her. “I think they believe na magagawa ko 'yung role ko dito. Also, siguro gusto din nila ako makita sa kakaibang character, na nasa antagonistic side naman. Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa tiwala nila,” said the Kapuso star, who has been a familiar face in Wish Ko Lang! episodes.

She believes that love knows no age. “Hindi mo naman natuturuan ang puso kung sino ang mamahalin niya. There are no rules in love. As long as wala kang nasasaktan o natatapakang ibang tao, mahalin mo nang buong buo yung taong minamahal mo,” she added.

Also set to be part of the month-long anniversary line-up of Wish Ko Lang! are Christopher de Leon, Albert Martinez, Rhian Ramos, and Sanya Lopez.

Catch 'Wish Ko Lang!' this Saturday at 4 pm on GMA Network. Kapuso abroad can also watch it on GMA Pinoy TV.

For more updates about GMA Network, visit www.gmanetwork.com. (30)