Albert Martinez, Kelvin Miranda are father and son in ‘Wish Ko Lang’ anniversary episode

Veteran actor Albert Martinez topbills the next episode of Wish Ko Lang airing this Saturday (July 17) alongside Kelvin Miranda as part of the month-long anniversary special of the award-winning GMA Public Affairs show.

In the story, Albert plays the character of Fred who spent 25 years of his life in prison for a crime he unintentionally committed and with his son Lorenz (Kelvin) as the reason for his actions.

Now finally a free man, Fred goes back to his son. Lorenz seems to be living a perfect and happy life with his girlfriend Kristine (Crystal Paras). But his heart is full of resentment towards Fred. Lorenz believes that his father abandoned him and his late mother. Even Lorenz’s aunt Agnes (Cai Cortez) cannot make him understand the sacrifice Fred had to make for him.

Just the same, Lorenz allows Fred to live with him. Haunted by his past, Fred struggles to fit into society—and most especially into his own family. Later, Fred sees that his son’s life is far from ideal: Lorenz has problems with money and work. But Fred was shocked to discover that his son’s girlfriend is having an affair with another man named Henry (Luke Conde). Lorenz doesn’t believe his father’s claim, but when he sees it with his very own eyes, he will not be able to stop himself from committing a crime.

In a cruel twist of fate, Fred finds himself admitting the crime instead. Having already spent two decades in prison, he is resolved that his life is less important than his son’s. This time around, will Lorenz be able to recognize his father’s unconditional love for him?

Kelvin, who starred in the highly successful fantasy-romance series “The Lost Recipe” and has received praises for his acting chops in various indie films, shared how he was able to give life to his character as a son who is resentful towards his father.

“Tiningnan ko lahat ng experience ko at binabaliktad ko ang mundo ko para maramdaman at makita nang totoo ang mga nangyayari sa paligid ko during the scenes with Sir Albert,” he said.

Working with Albert is an honor for Kelvin and he appreciates how the veteran actor helped him with his character. “Gusto ko yung eksenang nag-eye contact kami. Sobrang nadadala kasi ako kay Sir Albert, palaging may laman ang mga tingin niya so mararamdaman mo talaga na totoo ang mga sinasabi niya,” said the Kapuso actor, adding that “halos lahat [ng eksena] naging paborito ko.”

For the whole month of July, Wish Ko Lang has prepared five special episodes as part of its 19th anniversary. Last week’s special episode—“Mr. Right”—saw award-winning actor Christopher de Leon taking on the role of a gay man for the first time. Rhian Ramos and Sanya Lopez are set to banner the next two stories on July 24 and 31, respectively.

The success of the award-winning public service program and drama anthology can be traced to its genuine care for the public.

“Wala naman sikreto [kung bakit patuloy pa rin namamayagpag sa telebisyon ang Wish Ko Lang]. Simple lang siya, ‘yung hard work ng mga bumubuo ng Wish Ko Lang. Kasi, genuine talaga ‘yung pagnanais ng staff na mapaganda ‘yung programa at makatulong as much as possible. Ang isa pang sikreto ng Wish Ko Lang ay ‘yung audience natin. Parang testament ‘yung show natin sa kabaitan ng mga tao. Deep inside, they want to see ‘yung kabaitan na nangyayari sa paligid nila,” said GMA News pillar and Wish Ko Lang host Vicky Morales.

“A Second Chance” is directed by Rommel Penesa, headwritten by Erwin Caezar Bravo, and written by Adam Cornelius Asin.

Don’t miss ‘Wish Ko Lang’ this Saturday at 4 pm on GMA Network. Kapuso abroad can also catch it on GMA Pinoy TV. For more updates about GMA Network, visit www.gmanetwork.com.