It has been 20 years since GMA's long-running drama anthology show 'Magpakailanman' debuted on Philippine television.
Since the show's debut on December 2, 2002, 'Magpakailanman' won numerous local and international awards.
In 2002, Jolina Magdangal's performance in "Abot-Kamay na Pangarap: The Wayda Cosme Story" was highly commended by the Asian Television Awards. The program also won local awards from the PMPC Star Awards for Television to the Catholic Mass Media Awards.
Now on its 20th anniversary, the show's host Mel Tiangco promised to continue telling real-life stories of everyday ordinary people.
She said during the show's mediacon, "Nais namin na pagkataoos mapanood 'yung episode ng 'Magpakailanman,' magkakaroon ngayon ng upliftment 'yung spirit ng televiewer. Either that or magkakaroon siya ng inpirasyon or mayroon siyang matutunang aral, mayroon siyang iiwan para sa kanya, para sa kanyang kabutihan."
Take a look at what happened during the show's 20th anniversary press conference in this gallery.
Tita Mel Tiangco faced the members of the press for 'Magpakailanman's 20th anniversary.
Sparkle host and actress Rain Matienzo hosted the event held at Harolds Evotel in Quezon City.
Rain successfully moderated the event between Tita Mel and the members of the press.
GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes had a very special video greeting as she congratulated everyone for 'Magpakailanman's new milestone.
Before the start of the press conference, Tita Mel became teary-eyed as she looked back at past episodes of 'Magpakailanman.'
Gracing the event were GMA Network Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Assistant Vice President for Drama Helen Rose Sese, and 'Magpakailanman' head writer Senedy Que.
Before the press conference, everyone had to be tested for COVID-19.
'Magpakailanman' program manager Elaine Lozano answered questions from the press about the show's 20th anniversary specials.
'Magpakailanman' head writer Senedy Que also gave a glimpse of the show's future stories.
GMA Network Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable thanked everyone who helped the show get to where it is today.
Like 'Magpakailanman,' the press conference ended with Tita Mel's trademark line and hand gesture. Watch for #MPK, every Saturday, 8:15 p.m. sa GMA.