For 16 years, viewers have followed the journey of lottery winner "Pepito Manaloto", an ordinary man who went from struggling to make ends meet to becoming a millionaire navigating life’s unexpected twists.

But according to show stars Michael V. and Manilyn Reynes, the enduring success of "Pepito Manaloto" has never really been about money.

As the hit GMA sitcom marks its 16th anniversary, the longtime co-stars reflected on the deeper message at the heart of the series: that true wealth goes far beyond financial success.

"May narinig ako na, 'Money talks, wealth whispers,'" Michael said when asked what the show has taught him about being rich.

"You don't have to flaunt it. Hindi need na makita sa'yo. Madalas sa mayayaman na kakilala ko, hindi kailangang sabihin na mayaman sila. At hindi lang sa pera ang yaman. Ang wealth minsan outside of the boundaries ng money."

That idea has been central to "Pepito Manaloto" since its debut. While the series follows a family's rags-to-riches transformation after Pepito wins the lottery, its stories consistently highlight relationships, values, and the challenge of staying grounded despite newfound wealth.

For Manilyn, who plays Pepito’s practical and loving wife Elsa, real wealth is found in the people who matter most.

"Alam mo, ang totoong yaman mo is your family, people who love you, people around you and those you love," she said.

"You may have everything in life, name it, you have it. Kunyari lang napakayaman mo, meron kang ganito kadaming kotse. Pero eto ba masaya? Eto ba fulfilled? Kasi kung hindi, wala lahat 'yan. Pero kung alam mong mahal ka, nararamdaman mo, at kung nagmamahal ka rin pabalik, 'yun ang yaman mo."

The message continues to resonate with audiences, something Michael V. believes is a key reason the show has remained successful for 16 years.

Then there's also the "dedication and passion" of all involved.

"And also yung resource siguro. Marami kasing pagkukuhanan. I-mirror mo lang ang society, huli mo na 'yan. Most of the stories namin, galing sa totoong buhay, kaya very relatable."

Apart from playing the title character, Michael also plays a key role behind the scenes, helping shape story ideas with the creative team.

"Kasama ako sa nagbabato ng topics. Pero hindi ko kaya mag-isa ito," he explained, pointing to the creatives behind the show, particularly its writers.

"Since day one ng 'Pepito Manaloto,' sila na yung kasama ko. Talagang hindi matatawaran yung galing nila at yung eye nila for things na nangyayari sa paligid para mai-translate into the show."

Despite more than a decade and a half on air, Michael V. said there are still meaningful stories left to explore. One topic he finds interesting is death, a subject he believes can open deeper conversations even if often considered difficult.

"Na-tackle na namin 'yan nang pahapyaw, pero it's really something different. I'm not looking forward to it, pero nacha-challenge ako," he said.

As "Pepito Manaloto" enters another milestone year, Michael V. also expressed gratitude to viewers who have supported the series over the years, including those who discovered it during the pandemic.

"Malaking pasasalamat sa inyong lahat," he said.

"Na-appreciate po namin lahat ng mga comments ninyo, mga suggestions ninyo, at mga mensahe ninyo sa show. Hindi lang para sa akin kundi para sa buong cast, staff, and crew."

The 16th anniversary special of "Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kuwento" airs June 6.