ABS-CBN indeed remains strong as eleven of its Kapamilya stars forged their continuous commitment and loyalty to the network by renewing their contracts during the “Kapamilya Strong 2022” event held on Wednesday, February 23, which was livestreamed across its various online platforms.
IN PHOTOS: Happenings at the Kapamilya Strong 2022
Hosted by Robi Domingo, the monumental event was attended by ABS-CBN executives Chairman Mark Lopez, CEO and President Carlo Katigbak, Chief Operating Officer for Broadcast Cory Vidanes, Head of Finance Rick Tan, and Head of TV Production and Star Magic Laurenti Dyogi, who warmly welcomed each artist and their respective managers.
The first to ink her contract was Magandang Buhay host Jolina Magdangal, who marks her 35th anniversary in showbiz this year after being discovered during her stint in the singing group 14K under the supervision and training of National Artist of the Philippines for Music in 2018 Ryan Cayabyab.
She was succeeded by Ronnie Alonte, who’s celebrating his seven years in the local entertainment scene and looking forward on the everything that’s going to unfold in his career and on finally taking on his dream role.
His real-and-real-life sweetheart Loisa Andalio also renewed her contract and wasn’t able to hold her emotions as she expressed how happy and blessed she is, as well as how thankful she is for this opportunity bestowed to her.
Viral Scandal actor Jake Cuenca was also enthusiastic to talk a bit about his stint in the much-awaited Filipino international series “Cattleya Killer,” prior to signing his contract. The said project is based on the 1996 Star Cinema hit movie “Sa Aking Mga Kamay” (In My Own Hands) topbilled by veteran actor Aga Muhlach and will be produced by ABS-CBN.
He may have taken a hiatus after his remarkable stint in Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, but Sam Milby assured us that he’s still a Kapamilya by renewing his contract with ABS-CBN. When asked by Robi what he would tell his younger self 15 years ago, he jested that he would advise himself to learn Tagalog since it was the greatest challenge he had encountered in the onset of his career.
Just a few weeks after her primetime series La Vida Lena ended, Erich Gonzales once again appeared in front of the camera in a dainty white dress to sign a new deal with the network. She looked back on her humble yet triumphant beginnings as the grand teen questor of Star Circle Quest Season 2, 18 years ago.
The Broken Marriage Vow leading man Zanjoe Marudo couldn’t help but make a hugot during his contract renewal as he remarked, “Well, sa [ABS-CBN], sa Kapamilya, mas doon ako sigurado na meron akong forever,” when he expounded how thankful he is for the past 15 years that he as been in the network.
FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano actress Shaina Magdayao also continues her 25-year journey as a Kapamilya by renewing her contract. As she opened up about her soul-searching at some point of her life, she divulged how Cory Vidanes reminded her that she could still fulfill her calling to serve other people through acting.
Also reassuring us that he’s still a Kapamilya is Gerald Anderson, who looked back on his first-ever encounter with Gary Valenciano, when he was still inside the house during his days as a Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition 1 housemate 16 years ago. He may not be able to achieve his dream of becoming like him, but he’s honored to inked a deal again with the network alongside his idol.
Prior to inviting veteran performers Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Gary Valenciano to step on the stage, COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes delivered her heartfelt gratitude and appreciate to the both of them for choosing to be Kapamilyas anew.
“Words will never be enough to express how grateful and blessed we are to have you as a Kapamilya. You are both God-sent, you have been a source of strength for all of us as we persevere to continue serving the Filipino together,” she started off.
Then she added, “Alam n’yo Gary and Regine, tunay naming naramdaman na andito tayo para sa isa’t isa dahil sa pagmamahal ninyo sa aming lahat. Thank you for the trust, for sharing the love, and for the gift of healing that you have given millions of Filipinos with your inspiring music, your excellent performances, and, of course, for being world-class talents. Thank you, thank you very much. We will always be proud of you, our Kapamilya Regine and our Kapamilya Gary. We love you both.”
ASAP New Gen Diva Lara Maigue performed the Asia’s Songbird’s all-time favorite hit “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” as a way of paying tribute to the singer-actress. Looking pretty in pink, Regine enthusiastically imparted how she stays passionate with her craft through the years and why she still chooses to be a Kapamilya almost four years after her delighting transfer to ABS-CBN in 2018.
Last, but definitely not the least, was the one and only Mr. Pure Energy, who renewed his contract with the network after only just a year. Jed Madela paid homage to him with his heartfelt rendition of his classic hit “Warrior Is A Child”. He also shared the best experience he’d ever had as a Kapamilya in the past year and went on to define what being a Kapamilya truly means.
Each of the artists also had the chance to look back on their career milestones and best works caught in reel through the audio-visual presentations prepared for them, as well as express their gratitude to be still part of their home network. Besides, they also received touching messages from their loved ones and other people dear to them.
Aside from the Kapamilya Strong 2022 contract signing event, Robi revealed that this is just the first part of the 30th anniversary celebration of Star Magic as fans should better be ready for the slew of activities lined up for this year’s fete.
The event was followed by a media conference hosted by Darla Sauler and then AI Dela Cruz and Edward Barber, wherein the 11 newly-renewed Kapamilya stars mingled and chatted with some members of the media. Direk Lauren also joined the Star Magic talents onstage as he bared the other exciting activities and collaborations avid Kapamilya fans should watch out for and responded to questions of some media friends.
As Robi teased, the grand sports fest Star Magic All-Star Games will be coming “really, really soon”, wherein we’re going to see our favorite Kapamilya artists in action as they play basketball, badminton, volleyball, and golf. Besides, the Star Magic Ball is also about to return this year!
Kyle Echarri, Lara Maigue, Jed Madela, Jelay Pilones, and CJ Navato also performed the new Star Magic theme song “Tatak Star Magic” composed by Kapamilya singer Nyoy Volante.
The Star Magic media conference capped off with Direk Lauren expressing his heartwarming message to everyone part of the Star Magic family, and then calling for a toast.
Indeed, “nanatiling strong at solid ang samahan sa Kapamilya network”!