Mel Tiangco recalls some 'Magpakailanman' stories that touched her the most

GMA’s long-running drama anthology program “Magpakailanman” is celebrating its 23rd anniversary.

In all those years, the program has told more than a thousand stories with each of them touching the heart of host Mel Tiangco.

At Monday’s “Magpakailanman” media conference, the veteran Kapuso journalist said there are a number of episodes that really stood out to her, like those of Abdul Raman and Alden Richards.

“These are the stories na tumatak sa’kin kasi lahat sila favorite ko, syempre it’s my show, pero there are some na naiwan pa rin hanggang ngayon sa aking alaala,” she said.

According to Tita Mel, Abdul’s story was so complex, she had to comfort him after their interview.

Abdul is a 'StarStruck' season seven alum, who grew up in the United Arab Emirates, where he experienced verbal and physical abuse.

“After ng interview ko sa kaniya, naiyaka ko, tumindig ako, and I said, ‘give me a hug,’ and he hugged me,” she recalled.

“And this was because I faced a young man, so young, who survived problems na hindi mo akalain na maaayos niya yung buhay niya on his own,” she added.

Meanwhile, Alden’s episode told the story of Andrew whose parents had mental problems. "And he was the one who had to [take care of them],” she said.

“Baliktad ‘yung buhay — imbis na parents taking care of children, [it's] the son taking care of both parents who are mentally ill,” she added.

For its 23rd anniversary, “Magpakailanman” is set to air a two-part special starring Mikee Quintos and Beauty Gonzalez.  

Directed by Zig Dulay, the two-part special follows the story of a woman who ends up on death row for killing her father.

Aside from the special episodes, "Magpakailanman" will also soon launch its own YouTube channel as part of its 23rd anniversary celebration, where some of the drama anthology's most notable episodes from over the years will be made available.

The anniversary special of "Magpakailanman" is set to air on November 29 and December 6 at 8:15 p.m. on GMA Network. — LA, GMA Integrated News