Actress Gelli de Belen gladly spoke about her delight in returning to GMA Network as part of the newest public service program, Si Manoy Ang Ninong Ko. In an interview, Gelli couldn’t contain her excitement talking about the show.
“I’m so happy to be back. It’s nice to be home,” said Gelli who was one of the hosts of GMA’s defunct morning talk show, SiS, alongside Janice de Belen and Carmina Villaroel.
“This is a first for me, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity. It’s a new adventure, a new challenge, and that’s what makes me so excited about this,” she added.
She clarified that while she has hosted before, Si Manoy Ang Ninong Ko marks her first foray into the world of public service-focused shows.
“But this is truly a genuine public service—helping to change the lives of other people. It’s a big responsibility,” continued the actress.
Joining Gelli are Agri-Party-list Representative Wilbert T. Lee, Sherilyn Reyes-Tan, and Patricia Tumulak.
Having his first TV show, the congressman was asked how was it working with Gelli, Sherilyn, and Patricia and he had nothing but praise towards the three.
“They are professional. They are very easy to work with. What’s important is having a heart for others, having a heart for what you do. Because we want to happen, through this show, is for society to have a heart,” said Wilbert.
The newest show will feature real-life stories of Filipinos, aiming to motivate its audience to strive, persevere, and hold onto hope.
“Through this show, we hope to inspire more people to lend a helping hand. Let’s not forget our fellow citizens who are struggling. Those who are well-off in life, let’s not overlook those who are beneath us,” the politician said to Manila Standard Entertainment.
Every week the show will feature two beneficiary groups, with hosts Patricia and Sherilyn going onsite to learn about the concerns of the beneficiaries firsthand.
“The help that the beneficiaries of the show need is beyond the usual food or financial aid; what they need is something that will help them earn a living and sustain them in the long run,” Gelli stated.
“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 we try to provide solutions for their concerns,” Patricia added.
On the other hand, Sherilyn emphasized, “We want to go beyond solving their immediate problems. We also want to give them hope by providing opportunities to support themselves long-term.”
Wilbert then expressed his hopes that viewers would give the show a chance to be inspired by each episode.
“The show is good. While it may not be perfect now, we hope you’ll like it. Through this show, we aim to build a society with a heart. Let’s not become insensitive to what’s happening in our environment,” the public servant stated.
Si Manoy ang Ninong Ko premiered on GMA Network on March 3.