Image: Instagram/@direkmark
The cast of the hit 1990s TV drama series “Thank God It’s Sabado,” or “T.G.I.S.,” reunited via video call to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary yesterday, Aug. 12.
The popular program aired its first episode on Aug. 12, 1995. It starred teen idols at the time, such as Angelu de Leon, Ciara Sotto and Michael Flores.
The show’s director, Mark A. Reyes, posted a photo of their virtual get-together on his Instagram page yesterday. De Leon, Sotto, Flores, Bobby Andrews, Red Sternberg, Bernadette Allyson, Raven Villanueva and screenwriter Kit Villanueva-Langit also joined the call.
“It’s the first time we are not together physically to celebrate our yearly anniversary,” Reyes said. “And because some are in different time zones it was hard to pull this off!”
He also pointed out that they were waiting for Rica Peralejo, who portrayed Michelle Ferrer, to join the reunion. However, Peralejo was unable to take part in the call due to the timezone differences. She is currently in the United States with her family due to travel restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Pag gising ko tulog na kayo hahahaha,” she said in jest.
Image: Instagram/@direkmark
Meanwhile, De Leon, who played Peachy Real, shared old black-and-white photos of her and her costars to mark the occasion.
“Happy 25th anniversary, TGIS! Sa mga nagmahal, nagmamahal at bago lang kaming minamahal maraming salamat at ginawa niyo kaming parte ng buhay niyo,” she said.
(To those who loved, love and are have just started loving us, many thanks for making us a part of your lives.)
She then cited one of the signature gestures in the show, as she said their popular line: “Group hug, guys!!!”
Sotto, who portrayed Rain Abrera, followed suit and posted a snippet of their video call on her own page. The costars joked as they admired the children of Villanueva.
“Last night’s zoom party!!! I love you guys!” Sotto stated. “Group hug!!!”
Flores, known as Mickey Ledesma in the show, also shared photos from their online reunion while teasing that the cast is “cooking something” for their fans.
“ Cheers to more barkadahan (friendship)!” he expressed.
Years after the series’ premiere, it aired its last episode on Nov. 27, 1999. Prior to bidding goodbye, the cast also starred in a film called “T.G.I.S.: The Movie” back in 1997. /ra
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