Happiness filled the Kapamilya universe on Friday, December 4, as eight Star Magic artists and new talents signed on the dotted line and remained a Kapamilya amidst a difficult year faced by ABS-CBN.
IN PHOTOS: Star Magic artists who chose to stay on as Kapamilya
Over 25,000 fans and followers of these artists watched blissfully from their homes on the network’s digital platforms to witness their favorite idols expressing their deepest gratitude, unwavering loyalty, and immeasurable joy in continuing their talent engagement with the network.
Present during the welcoming event were top executives of ABS-CBN, namely chairman Mark Lopez, president and chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak, chief operating officer Cory Vidanes, chief finance officer Rick Tan, and the concurrent head of both Entertainment Production and Star Magic, Laurenti Dyogi. TV Patrol’s Gretchen Fullido hosted the event.
Much raved about and newest P-pop groups Bini and SHA Boys, all developed and molded under the auspices of topnotch Korean and Filipino trainers in the Star Hunt Academy, were first to sign their Star Magic contracts.
Exceptional actor and leading man JM de Guzman, who is set to appear in the upcoming drama Init Sa Magdamag, then stepped in the VIP entrance of ABS-CBN’s ELJ Communications Center to extend his exclusive ties with the network. JM said he was “overwhelmed and thankful” for this renewed opportunity and vowed to “his best” in his upcoming projects.
Noteworthy TV host and presenter Robi Domingo would come in next and sign his exclusive contract. He said he was very blessed to remain with the network. “Karangalan ang maging Kapamilya,” Robi stated.
Eye-catching hunk and stellar actor Joseph Marco, who is part of the cast of the gripping drama Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, likewise signed with Star Magic, saying how thankful he is for the opportunity. “I am looking forward to this new chapter,” he gleefully added.
A particularly ecstatic Enchong Dee, grooving with joy, then entered ABS-CBN’s halls to extend his 15-year engagement with the network. His happiness to remain a Kapamilya was so contagious, it even made the ABS-CBN executives dance with him. Enchong thanked the ABS-CBN and Star Magic bosses for the many years under their care, and said he was happy with Direk Lauren’s entry as the Kapamilya talent arm’s head. In referring to the challenges faced by the network, Enchong exclaimed, “Tuloy ang laban!”
The gorgeous breakout actress Kira Balinger came in next to renew her exclusive Star Magic contract. She also expressed her huge thanks to the ABS-CBN and Star Magic management for the chance to stay on as a Kapamilya. “I am happy and excited for the next part of this journey,” she said. A delightful surprise then awaited Kira after she signed her contract—her dashing Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin onscreen partner Grae Fernandez was also around to congratulate her and give her flowers, and even a kilig peck on the cheek, as they wore their face shields, of course!
Teen star Andrea Brillantes, who is set to warm hearts anew in the new drama Huwag Kang Mangamba, would follow and show her delight in continuing as a Star Magic talent. First she expressed how happy she was to be back in the ABS-CBN corporate building, emphasizing, “Sobrang miss ko ito.” Andrea also expressed her utmost gratitude to the ABS-CBN and Star Magic bosses for the renewed chance to work as a Kapamilya. “ABS-CBN will always be my home. I’m forever grateful to the network,” she said. To Andrea’s enjoyment, Seth Fedelin appeared on video to congratulate her, express his support and show his undying endearment to his beloved loveteam partner.
Rising star Jane de Leon then arrived to also renew her exclusive ties with Star Magic and ABS-CBN. The soon-to-fly Darna said she was overwhelmed and had mixed emotions of excitement and nervousness as she set to portray the Pinay superhero, with the 2021 TV series formally announced by the ABS-CBN COO Cory Vidanes, who is also the company’s broadcast head. “I am blessed to be a Kapamilya,” Jane noted, before she and the corporate executives unveiled a larger than life statue of Darna.
Finally, the Chinita Princess Kim Chiu expressed great joy in staying on as a Kapamilya as she appeared grinning from ear-to-ear when she came in and greeted network executives before signing her exclusive Star Magic contract, a professional relationship that began 14 years ago after being hailed as the Big Winner of Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition 1. “I’m so happy!” she screamed. “I’m so very happy and thankful.” She added that despite the “ups and downs” the network faced, she will forever be happy and honored to be a Kapamilya. She would also thank her fellow artists who chose not to leave the network.