Is 'Pepito Manaloto' ending soon? Michael V. clarifies speculations
Is Pepito Manaloto ending soon? Michael V., who leads GMA Network's longest-running family sitcom, has shed some light on the matter.
In an interview on 24 Oras Weekend, the local comedian said that contrary to speculations, the show will not be bidding goodbye to its viewers anytime soon.
"Diretsahang sagot. Hindi, hindi matatapos," Michael told journalist Nelson Canlas after he brought up the viral picture his co-star John Feir posted on his Instagram account that initially sparked the rumors.
The picture showed John and Michael sharing an intimate group hug with their other Pepito Manaloto cast members such as Manilyn Reynes, Chariz Solomon, Janna Dominguez, Arthur Solinap, Mosang, and three others whose faces cannot be seen.
This was later shared by Michael on his Facebook page with the caption, "Pepito Manaloto is more than just a fictional family on TV. It’s a real family that extends to its cast, writers, staff, crew, the network and most of all, our beloved audience. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa oras at pagmamahal ninyong lahat."
Manilyn, Chariz, and Janna also reposted the photo on their respective social media accounts with their own messages. Because of the rather sentimental post, some fans assumed that this was the end of Pepito Manaloto after its decade-long run.
But Michael told Nelson that the photo was simply taken as an appreciation of their bond as castmates.
"'Yung group hug na 'yun. Actually 'yung photo na 'yun is ang nire-represent nu'n is 'yung remembrance, appreciation," he explained.
"Natuwa lang kami na after all these years, after nung pandemic, magkakasama pa rin kami," he added.
Manilyn meanwhile said that they couldn't help but get emotional while taking the picture because they did not expect that their sitcom would still be going strong among fans since its 2010 premiere.
"Naiiyak kami kasi hindi po namin maisip na hanggang ngayon, sa tinagal-tagal ng Pepito, 14 years na kami, talagang nandiyan sila simula't simula. Nakakataba ng puso," she said.
According to the report, the show is set to release a "summer special" that was filmed in Nueva Ecija soon.
Pepito Manaloto follows the life of its titular character who lived an impoverished life with his wife Elsa and their two children before things turn around when he wins the national lottery and instantly becomes rich.
The show premiered on March 28, 2010, and while it had several relaunches before it concluded on May 29, 2021, it received a prequel series that was launched in 2021.
After the prequel, Michael and the rest of the original cast returned to once again play their roles for Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kuwento.