Another year of making wishes come true

Watching "Wish Ko Lang" every Saturday has become a habit and it never fails to make us cry whenever we watch it. It is because "Wish Ko Lang" is one viewing fare that never fails to touch our hearts. Now being hosted by Vicky Morales, "Wish Ko Lang" is celebrating its third year anniversary this Saturday.

"This is a very demanding job for me that's why I didn't think we would last this long," said Vicky at the press conference held Wednesday at Ilustrado Restaurant in Intramuros, Manila. "But it is music to my ears when people say we've made them cry. That means marami kaming nata-touch, lalo na ngayon with the numerous political intrigues. We feel that people might want to watch something that is apolitical, something refreshing and something inspiring. This is probably the reason why the show continues to rate high dahil na rin siguro sa mga intriga sa politika."

Vicky didn't mind replacing Bernadette Sembrano who was the original host of the show but left to join ABS-CBN. "I was very happy when they asked me to host the show. Wala sa akin kung original host man siya or not. What matters is that it's an original show. It's the very first wish-giving show in the Philippines and I am happy and proud to be part of it even if I'm not the original host," said Vicky. "The show is not really centered on me, but on the families whose stories we do on the show and the wishes that we grant."

She's very much involved with the show. She joins all the shoots, even out-of-town trips, as long as they don't interfere with her schedule as anchor of "Saksi."

Do you also get emotional with the stories that you do? "Sometimes. Not all the time actually. Sometimes I try to hide it because I really don't want to show my emotions because I fear it might be calling too much attention to myself. But sometimes it can't be helped, lalo na pag bata or kung reunion scene. Nakakaiyak talaga iyan para sa akin," revealed Vicky.

"We can all identify with reunion scenes because we all have people we love, family members who are dear to us. With the other stories, I can't identify so much, maybe because I have a different upbringing. Sometimes may ginagawa kaming story on a family na ang dami-daming anak like 12 kids. Of course, I have my own personal convictions about that. Parang feeling ko, sana nag-family planning kayo. But we do not discriminate," she related.

To make the anniversary episode truly special, "Wish Ko Lang" is giving away a fully-furnished house and lot worth P1 million. The show is also giving two kabuhayan showcases worth P150,000 each - a mini-grocery and a carenderia. And the texting home-partner gets to bring home P50,000.

This Saturday, the three families who will have the chance to win the said prizes will be presented in the episode.

Aflredo and Rosella Sanipa lived in house that looks like a box, that the couple sleep sitting down so that their children would be able to lie down.

Boy and Lina Alejandro, who have nine children, live in a house on top of a "balsa" floating on a river full of garbage.

Mary Jane and Gary Henry and their four children live in a shanty made of scrap plywood, whose ceiling leaks when it rains.

The viewers themselves will vote on who deserves to win the house and lot among the three families. To vote, just text WISHKOLANG and the letter of choice A: Kahon, B: Balsa, or C: Plywood. Example: WISHKOLANG C and send to 2364 fpr Globe, 2344 for Sun Cellular and 367 for Smart and Talk and Text. You can start voting this Saturday, 5pm until 5pm of Monday, July 25. The winners will be announced on July 30.

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Vino Bello joined the audition of "Pinoy Pop Superstar" on GMA 7 but didn't get the chance to sing on TV, even if he passed the audition. Maybe it was his lack of experience that cut short his dream of being a singer. But fate must have willed that he join the second season of "Search for the Star in a Million" where he's now part of the Champions League of 12.

"I was somehow disappointed with what happened at 'Pinoy Pop Superstar' but truth to tell I didn't let that incident stop me from pursuing my dream," said Vino in an interview. "When I heard that there's another talent search on ABS-CBN, I decided to join. Even if I had to line up for the audition, I didn't mind, basta makasali lang."

Vino is a third year Mass Communications student at the Adamson University where he had been joining singing contests. He won in a competition held at school and through the prodding of his friends decided to join the "Search for the Star in a Million," after all, he has the potential. He not only possesses a good singing voice, but is good looking as well. And whenever he sings, he gives the song a distinct rendition, different from the original version. He gives his own unique rendition of every song. This was the reason why he made it to the Champions League of 12.

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How true is it that the mansion Dr. Yong Larrazabal is constructing for his wife, singer Donna Cruz and their kids, Belle and Sean, is now worth P60 million and still rising?

According to a source, the house that is being constructed has its own cinema, a gym and jacuzzi in the master's bedroom, plus a for him and for her walk-in closet. The house also has a swimming pool. A bike lane is also being constructed in the sprawling garden. And it has a separate guesthouse, repeat, a guesthouse, and not just a guest room, mind you.

Is it true that two mountains were leveled in the place where the mansion is now being constructed? And that a private road was paved to gain access to the house from the main road? If this is true, then the house is truly expensive. But of course, Donna's husband can afford to build her such a luxurious house. He's considered the top eye doctor in Cebu and has the latest equipment in laser treatment. Even people from Manila and neighboring islands of Cebu go to Dr. Yong for treatment.