Returning as one of the Lucky Stars in the newest season of “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal,” veteran comedian Long Mejia has once again taken on the odds as a celebrity player—this time 10 years after his first appearance—continuing to embrace the thrill of the game with the same energy to this day.
let’s go back to where it all began for Long on the iconic game show. In 2015, he joined the fifth season of KDOND, becoming part of the roster of Lucky Stars who played for fortune. True to the saying “save the best for last,” he closed out his batch as the last player—a moment he had long been waiting for.
When the opportunity to play finally arrived, Long truly savored the moment. Moments before stepping into the intensity of the game, he fondly recalled his humble beginnings—from working as a cable man to being discovered as a comedy actor and eventually earning his big break. As anticipation built, he chose briefcase #6 and remained loyal to it throughout the game.
With one million pesos at stake, he started the first round on a rollercoaster ride before moving into the second set after rejecting the Banker’s initial offer. As he opened more cases, lower amounts were revealed, easing his path deeper into the game. Hope continued to build for Long, but his pursuit of the ₱1 million took a hit when he eliminated the briefcase holding the grand prize. On a lighter note, he also knocked out ₱1, keeping expectations alive.
He was eventually down to three remaining options before sealing the deal by accepting the ₱166,000 Banker’s offer and pressing the red button. His own case, however, contained ₱500,000, though he expressed contentment with his decision.
While Long once walked away with a six-figure deal, fate would later twist the script, as his story with the briefcases was far from over.
More than a decade later, déjà vu struck Long as he returned as a Lucky Star in the sixth season of “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal.” In the 15th episode, which aired on June 13, he once again took his shot as the chosen player.
Before the jitters kick in, Pambansang Host Luis Manzano reflected on their treasured friendship, praising Long’s hard work and dedication to his craft. When asked what he would do with the prize, Long shared his wish to support his family and help those in need.
Initially assigned briefcase number 5, Long chose to swap it for number 8, as it matched his grandchild’s birthdate. He started strong in the first three picks, but his momentum slipped when he opened the case containing ₱1,000,000.
In the next set of rounds, several higher values were revealed, though the ₱500,000 remained in play. As the game progressed, he managed to avoid the dreaded “pisonaryo” outcome by safely eliminating the ₱1.
His chances, however, slipped as he opened the remaining high-value cases. Left with only two briefcases holding ₱300 and ₱400, Long ultimately chose to stick with his own, taking home ₱300.
The Kapamilya comedian described the experience as nerve-wracking, though he did his best to keep it under wraps by leaning on his comedic flair. After all, “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal” thrives on suspense—and Long Mejia has a knack for turning even tense moments into punchlines, both then and now.
Dive into the excitement of "Kapamilya Deal or No Deal," airing Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30 PM on ALLTV2, Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), or stream anytime on iWant.
IN PHOTOS: Long Mejia serving comedy and thrill during his “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal” game
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