‘Wish Ko Lang’ celebrates 20 years with grand, cinematic anniversary episodes

This August, exciting Saturday afternoons await viewers as Wish Ko Lang – hosted by GMA News and Public Affairs pillar Vicky Morales – celebrates 20 years of granting wishes with the most cinematic anniversary episodes and biggest presents to date.

For two colorful decades, the award-winning GMA Public Affairs program has made life-changing memories for Filipinos here and abroad. With stories that spark hope and inspiration, Wish Ko Lang continues to touch viewers' lives by granting their wishes every week. And from fulfilling wishes via mailed letters, Wish Ko Lang is now able to reach more people across the globe via social media.

“For anyone, 20 years – in a relationship or in business – is such a big milestone,” shared Vicky. “I feel very grateful that we have reached two decades. We’ve been through a lot in the past 20 years. Andoon yung nagkaroon tayo syempre ng challenges. nawalan pa tayo ng programa for awhile tapos bumalik din tayo sa gitna ng pandemya. So parang sinasalamin natin yung talagang nangyayari talaga sa buhay—ng isang mag-asawa o ng magkaibigan. And this helps us to treasure every episode even more.”

As the show embarks on a new chapter, Wish Ko Lang is set to make more people smile, laugh, and believe that nothing is impossible to those who fervently hope and work hard for their dreams.

“Hangga’t hindi tayo napapagod humiling at maniwala, hindi tayo mapapagod lumaban sa buhay. Kaya sana ‘wag talaga tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang dami nating pinagdaanan, andito pa rin po tayo sama-sama,” Vicky further said.

This August, Vicky will give the show’s biggest gifts to deserving Filipinos, including a Wish Ko Lang financial assistance amounting to P 100,000.

The program is also giving away “Instant Wish” packages through its official Facebook page, where the most deserving individuals will have the chance to bring home business packages, gadgets, and cash assistance, among others.

“Natutuwa po ako na may presence po tayo sa social media. Nakakatulong ito sa amin to get the show out more. Sana mas marami pang makapanood ng Wish Ko Lang at ma-inspire sa mga kwento natin,” shared Vicky.

Month-long anniversary special

Shot in high-end C700 cameras, the month-long special features some of the country’s highly-acclaimed actors led by Sid Lucero, Bianca Umali, Ms. Tessie Tomas, and the Philippines’ Optimum Star Claudine Barretto.

In the “Sugal” episode airing this Saturday (August 6), Bianca takes on the story of Marife–a strong-willed and brave bus conductor. Joining Bianca are  Andrea del Rosario, Ian de Leon, Prince Clemente, Dentrix Ponce, and Bryce Eusebio.

Marife doesn't hold back, and even a bus holdup won't work for her. But behind this facade is Marife’s big problem with their family. She became tough and strong because her father, Edgar (Ian), has abandoned his duties to the family and is wasting away his life on alcohol. When drunk, he hurts his children. Marife’s mother, Rosemarie (Andrea), has a weak body so Marife has no choice but to stand in as a parent to her younger brothers, Jose (Bryce) and Melvin (Dentrix).

When Marife meets bus driver Raymond (Prince), it is love at first sight but Edgar does not approve of their relationship.

Rosemarie soon falls ill. Marife will do everything to generate the needed amount to get her mother treated. Unfortunately, Edgar will run off with Marife's money. But this will not stop Marife from trying to save her mother.

The episode is directed by Rommel Penesa and penned by head writer Erwin Caezar Bravo and writer Adam Cornelius Asin.

Don’t miss the upcoming episodes headlined by Claudine Barretto (August 13: Bisita), Ms. Tessie Tomas (August 20: Bintang), and Sid Lucero (August 27: Selos).

Wish Ko Lang’s 20th anniversary is made extra special with the release of the program's original soundtrack (OST) to be recorded by Hannah Precillas, Anthony Rosaldo, Jessica Villarubin, and Ysabel Ortega.

Catch Wish Ko Lang’s anniversary episodes beginning August 6, 4 PM, on GMA Network with live streaming on GMA Public Affairs social media accounts.

Kapuso abroad can watch it as well via GMA Pinoy TV.

For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMAnetwork.com. (30)