Wish Date Love Tales: An 11th Wish Anniversary Special

“Wish Date: Love Tales” was a memorable celebration of love and storytelling through music and drama, and it served as one of the two major events commemorating Wish 107.5’s 11th anniversary.

Wish Date took place on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the Araneta Coliseum. As with the previous installments of the concert series mounted by KDR Music House, the event combined short film with live music from artists like Kitchie Nadal, Christian Bautista, Gigi De Lana, Aquila Packing, and Dingdong Avanzado.

The short film, also billed “Love Tales,” featured Joao Constancia, Vivoree Esclito, Shaun Salvador, Lienel Navidad, Monina Lawrence, and veteran actress Susan Africa.

A first for Wish Date, one of the film’s actors — Vivoree Esclito — also sang live at the event. The multi-talented act performed “My Heart Promises,” a song originally penned for the event.

‘Love Tales,’ the short film

At the center of “Wish Date: Love Tales” were Bianca Gonzales (played by Esclito) and Lyndon Santos (Constancia). Their story began in college, where Lyndon was a transferee with little interest in studying, while Bianca shone as a scholar admired by her classmates.

When they worked together on a project, their connection became deeper. Eventually, they became an item. 

However, their relationship wasn’t without struggles. 

Bianca had a difficult past. Her parents abandoned her when she was still a child, prompting her grandmother, Lola Flora, to raise her. She grew strong and has always dreamt of escaping poverty. Lyndon, on the other hand, had a more privileged upbringing.

Differences between the two lead to their breakup. 

When they met again after several years, old feelings resurfaced. But now, they had to face new challenges and romantic rivals — and painfully learn how love is all about communication and compromise.

Life lessons

“Wish Date: Love Tales” captured raw emotions that will resonate with many who have gone through intense love, rejection, or difficult decisions between romance and dreams. 

Through the film’s characters, one can realize the utter complexity of love. But amid all these complexities, one important lesson is conveyed: Love can break you, but it can also rebuild you. 

Bianca’s decision to end the relationship was not because she hated Lyndon, but because she was afraid to burden him with her struggle. Over the years, Lyndon learned to stand by himself and was able to build a career for himself. 

When they reunited, it was more about accepting change and forgiving one another than it was about reliving the past. 

By the end of the film, their story reminded the audience that broken relationships can give big life lessons. And whether love returns or stays lost, it still shapes who we are.

Live performances

The story presented by “Wish Date: Love Tales” was made even more heart-rending by the series of performances by the guest musical artists. 

Kitchie Nadal brought nostalgia with her heartfelt rock ballads: “Bulong,” “Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin,” and her versions of “Pag-ibig” and “Ligaya.” She also delivered a violin-and-piano-driven rendition of her hit, “Same Ground,” in one of the most heartbreaking moments of the night.

Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista made his Wish Date debut, performing “The Way You Look At Me,” “Beautiful Girl,” and his latest single — an endearing take on South Border’s “Rainbow.”

Dingdong Avanzado, another esteemed OPM act who graced the Wish Date stage for the first time, performed classics, including “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal” and “Sa Aking Puso.” He also gave his own spin on Zack Tabudlo’s mega-hit, “Give Me Your Forever.”

Hailing from Baguio, rising singer Aquila Packing lent her pristine vocals to perform “Porque,” “Mahal Kita, Mahal Mo Siya, Mahal Niya Ay Iba,” and “Mahal Naman Kita.”

Returning to the Wish Date stage, Gigi De Lana showcased her powerful vocals, performing “Here I Am” and “To Love You More.” One of the highlights of the evening was her performance of “Sarhan,” an original composition that served as the film’s official theme song.

A bigger celebration

As stated, last Sunday’s “Wish Date: Love Tales” is part of Wish 107.5’s 11th anniversary special. 

Continuing the celebration, Wish 107.5 is set to hold an anniversary event on August 29  at Eton Centris. Performers include Dilaw, Kaia, Angela Ken, G22, Lola Amour, Dilaw, and a surprise guest.

The audience will be in for a superb musical treat, as these artists will perform on the Wish Bus and on Stopover Sessions.

“Wish Date: Love Tales” was held in collaboration with KDR Music House. Co-presented by Puregold, Keratin Plus, and Aqua Planet; together with major sponsors Enchanteur and Hyundai, minor sponsor Dowell; and partners Papa Kape and Sun Plaza Subic Hotel.