CinemaBravo

The modern-day bayanihan spirit continues to shine as the Kapuso public service show “Si Manoy Ang Ninong Ko” launches its new season. Some of its featured celebrity guests include Sparkle artists Andrea Torres and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Bea Luigi Gomez, along with other surprises appearances.

Ready to captivate audiences with inspiring tales of resilience, unity, and the Filipino spirit of community service, the new season promises more profound narratives from various corners of the Philippines.

RELATED: Gelli de Belen, Patricia Tumulak, Sherilyn Reyes-Tan, Wilbert T. Lee host new public service program

Hosted by TV host and veteran actress Gelli De Belen, former businessman turned public servant Manoy Wilbert T. Lee, and former beauty queen Patricia Tumulak, “Si Manoy Ang Ninong Ko” stays committed to highlighting the challenges faced by Filipinos and the collective efforts that uplift communities nationwide.

During their recent media conference to welcome the new season of “Si Manoy,” where CinemaBravo was in attendance, Manoy himself and Gelli were gracious enough to talk about their experiences with the show.

Reflecting on his journey as a host, Manoy quipped, “Ako nagpapasalamat kay Gelli. Sana mag-move on na ako, makakuha ako ng ibang proyekto.”

(I’m thankful to Gelli. Hopefully, I can move on and take on other projects.)

“Sabi ko nga as a host, marami akong natutunan talaga, marami. Pero ang napakahalaga dito yung napapasaya natin, napapatawa, napapangiti natin yung mga kababayan natin. Yun yong pinakaimportante talaga para sa akin… Kahit papaano.. napagaan natin yung pasanin nila, nabawasan man lang kumbaga.”

(As a host, I’ve learned a lot, truly. But what’s most important is that we bring joy, laughter, and smiles to our fellow Filipinos. Lightening their burdens, even just a little, is what matters most to me.)

When asked about the changes viewers can expect, Gelli revealed, “Patuloy pa rin talaga actually. Gano’n pa rin naman, siguro may kaunting pagbabago sa format… Medyo nilagyan natin ng mas maraming action shots… over doon sa mga discussions.”

(The format remains mostly the same, but we’ve added more action shots compared to the discussions.)

She added, “Less talk, more visuals.”

This season, the focus will be on community stories rather than individual issues. She explained, “But of course, we are looking for stories na community talaga. Mapapansin ninyo, itong mga susunod na istorya, more on mas hindi yung individual but yung community yung issue. Yung mga problema na pwedeng gano’n din yung nangyayari sa ibang lugar. Para yung nakapanood, pwede nilang sabihing na ‘Ay! Pwede pala yung ganyang solution.’ And then, doon sa mga nakapanood, may gana rin sana silang tumulong din sa mga gano’ng situation.”

(But of course, we are looking for stories that are truly community-based. You’ll notice that the upcoming stories focus more on community issues, which may also be happening in other places. This way, viewers might realize, ‘Hey, that solution could work for us too.’ And hopefully, those who watch will also be inspired to help in similar situations.)

Gelli also mentioned a shift in how they gather expert opinions. “The changes would be, well, we’ll still all be there. You will see me more outside, talking to the experts.

“Dati kasi, pumupunta sa amin ang mga expert. Pero these experts, they are all busy. But since we need to talk to them, we need their inputs, pinupuntahan na lang namin sila para mas maganda usapan.. That’s why we have a presscon also, para people are aware na ‘Uy, pwede kayong maglapit ng stories, baka mamaya marami pa kaming matulungan’…

(Previously, experts would come to us. But these experts are all busy. Since we need to talk to them and get their inputs, we now visit them for better discussions. That’s why we have a press conference too, so people are aware that they can bring their stories to us, and maybe we can help more people…)

“We have new segment hosts. We invited different celebrities. Ie-expose din namin sa kanila kung ano’ng nangyayari sa Pilipinas.”

(We’ll expose them to what’s happening in the Philippines.)

In their release, the program mentioned that each episode of “Si Manoy Ang Ninong Ko” is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Filipino people. Manoy emphasized, “Whatever problems we are facing, we can get through them with a little help from the community and from our countrymen—who, deep down, care about others.” Gelli added, “The help that the beneficiaries of the show need goes beyond the usual food or financial aid; they need something that will help them earn a living and sustain them in the long run.”

Patricia Tumulak, who interacts personally with the subjects each week, shared, “Sometimes they just want to feel that they are seen and heard, so listening to them is already a form of help. But of course, we don’t stop there. We thoroughly study their cases and try to provide solutions for their concerns.”

In the upcoming episodes, “Si Manoy Ang Ninong Ko” will feature diverse stories from different regions, showcasing how the Filipino spirit of bayanihan continues to thrive amidst adversity.

Don’t miss the new season of “Si Manoy Ang Ninong Ko,” airing on GMA every Sunday at 7 A.M. nationwide, and 8 A.M. in Central and Eastern Visayas.