Magpakailanman (Forevermore), also abbreviated as MPK, is a Philippine television drama anthology series broadcast by GMA Network. Hosted by Mel Tiangco, it originally aired from December 2, 2002 to December 27, 2007, and was replaced by E.S.P. in its timeslot. The series returned on November 17, 2012 as part of the Sabado Star Power sa Gabi line up. It is the longest running drama anthology series of GMA Network.
Overview[]
Magpakailanman was originally created by GMA Entertainment TV Group as a one-season inspirational drama special intended for the celebration of World Meeting of Families in January 23–24, 2003. Actress Vilma Santos was the original choice to host the show but denied the offer, it eventually went to Frontpage anchor Mel Tiangco. Because of the overwhelming positive feedback from viewers and critics, and high ratings, the network decided to make it as a regular weekly drama anthology. It was originally shown every Monday night. The show premiered with Bakit Ako Mahihiya? (Why Should I Be Ashamed?), an episode about the life of former “Jukebox Queen”, the late Didith Reyes.
On its second season, the network decided to move the show from Monday nights to a Thursday night timeslot. The Janet Clemente Story served as the show's second season pilot. Because of its continued leadership in the ratings game, the show had finally toppled its rival Maalaala Mo Kaya" (which regarded as the longest drama anthology on Philippine television), which later prompted to change its schedule from Thursday nights to Fridays. As a result of this move, Magpakailanman's ratings began to decline, and eventually, the management decided to cancel the show.
Return and changes[]
After a four-year hiatus and due to the growing clamor to revive the program, GMA Network decided to have Magpakailanman returned to Philippine television. The returning drama anthology premiered on November 17, 2012, which again pitted against MMK, which has been airing also every Saturday nights since 2008. Tiangco returned as the show’s presenter.
GMA Entertainment TV Assistant Vice President for Drama, Redgie Acuña-Magno, states that it took two years to convince Tiangco to appear on the show again, which she eventually agreed when the network’s President, Chairman and CEO, Atty. Felipe Gozon himself, sent a word about his request to have her return to the show.
Aside from mere storytelling and narrating, Tiangco took a more participative role in the development of the show. The new season’s main objective is, as it was in its previous seasons, to make the stories inspiring and uplifting. However, the new incarnation of the show now also aims to have the featured stories provocative, exceptional, arresting, and/or sensational. The production team also applied some “investigative” elements into the show's plot. With this new formula, the program not only showed the exact events that happened, but also examined certain aspects as to why these unfortunate events occurred, and how these situations can be prevented in the future.
Episodes[]
- Main article: Magpakailanman episode list
TV Ratings[]
According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Mega Manila household television ratings, the pilot episode of the second run of Magpakailanman earned a 20.6% rating.
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