TV

Reasons to watch the grand premiere of 'Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy Ang Kuwento'

By Aedrianne Acar

The time has come to see them all back together on TV!

Media giant GMA Network went all out to give loyal Kapuso viewers superior content every Saturday with the new chapter of the award-winning and well-loved sitcom Pepito Manaloto.

In July 2021, GMA-7 decided to tell the story of young Pepito (Sef Cadayona) and Elsa (Mikee Quintos) via the prequel Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kuwento. And after months of waiting, the network is bringing the whole gang back for viewers to witness funnier adventure and hilarious moments with the Manaloto fambam.

Starting June 11, right after 24 Oras Weekend, viewers will know what happened to the family of Pitoy and Elsa. The two iconic characters are played by seasoned comedian and creative director Michael V. and multi-awarded Kapuso personality Manilyn Reynes, respectively.

Wondering, what kept the Manalotos busy for a while?

Here are some of the reasons why watching Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy Ang Kuwento is a worthwhile bonding experience for you and the whole family every Saturday night.

1. OG cast are back

Aside from Michael V. and Manilyn Reynes, returning to Pepito Manaloto are Kapuso heartthrob Jake Vargas and former child star Angel Satsumi, who portray Chito and Clarissa, respectively.

Hotdog lover Patrick played by Sparkle comedian John Feir is ready to give us a good dose of laughter each episode.

Of course, the Manaloto mansion will not be complete without their family driver Robert portrayed by Arthur Solinap, while Mosang and Janna Dominguez will reprise their roles as Baby and Maria.

Veteran stars Ronnie Henares and Nova Villa will be back to showcase their comedic talents together with Chariz Solomon and Jen Rosendahl.

2. Deeper appreciation for the story of Pepito and Elsa

Telling the life of the young Pepito and Elsa, when they were living in Barangay Caniogan in the '80s, made viewers appreciate these characters even more.

In an interview with Arthur Solinap, he stated that doing the prequel was a good decision for their show.

The actor said, “Actually, 'yung build up na 'yun napaganda lalo 'yung Pepito, alam mo 'yun, binuhay nila. Nag-start sila sa umpisa, so parang hindi kami talaga Nawala.”

3. Michael V. has a new role

We know that Pepito Manaloto is in good hands, especially with Direk Bitoy around.

The multi-awarded comedian will play a new role in Tuloy Ang Kuwento, since he will be taking the helm as the show's director.

Michael expressed his sentiments about this milestone in his career.

“Napaka-personal para sa akin itong Pepito Manaloto and from the beginning, si Direk Bert de Leon talaga 'yung designated director.” the Kapuso star said.

He continued, “And, nung nawala siya, nung nagpaalam siya, e, parang wala kaming choice. Hindi namin maatim na palitan si Direk. Kaya minabuti na lang namin na in the meantime, ako muna 'yung mag-helm nung directorial job.”

Back in 2019, Michael V. also directed the family-drama movie Family History. He told GMANetwork.com what were some of his learnings doing that big project that he wanted to apply this time in Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy Ang Kuwento.

“Actually, ang mga nakita ko technical aspect, na maaari ka na mag-produce ng film-like quality, cinematic quality using smaller equipment,” he said.

“Kaya 'yun 'yung in-apply namin dito sa show. Kasi since nagsimula 'yung pandemic, nagiging problema 'yung number of people involved sa show. Palaging may restrictions, so with the use of a smaller but better equipment, nag-capitalize kami doon.”

“And dami namin na-eliminate na problema. So right now, mas hindi kami nakaka-encounter ng problems, restriction wise, dahil sa mga bagong learnings na 'yun,” Bitoy added.

4. What happened to the Manaloto family?

Fans of the show who have been tuning in for the past 12 years are curious what happened to the family of Pepito and Elsa when Pepito Manaloto Kuwento Kuwento ended on May 29, 2021.

In the video teasers for the new chapter, there are some hints that the Manalotos left the city and are spending some time on a farm in the province.

Direk Michael provided some details on what to expect beginning June 11, “Medyo umatras ng konti 'yung simula nung kuwento, sa Tuloy Ang Kuwento. Doon malalaman ng audience kung bakit natuloy 'yung kuwento ng mga Manalotos at tsaka kung papaano itinuloy.”

He continued, “In the first place, malalaman mo rin kung bakit huminto 'yung kuwento nila, nag-transition tayo dun sa Unang Kuwento sa pagbabalik nga dun sa past nila Pepito at Elsa.

“Malalaman n'yo kung bakit kinailagan huminto ng Manalotos. Well, na-explain naman 'yun sa ending ng Pepito Manaloto: Kuwento Kuwento, pero hindi lang in detail. So ngayon with the pilot episode nitong Tuloy Ang Kuwento lahat ng kailangan n'yo malaman na impormasyon, maikukuwento na lahat dito.”

Mark your calendar and witness more exciting adventures by following the story of our bida milyonaryo Pepito Manaloto starting this June 11 on Sabado Star Power sa gabi.