Charles Teves
Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi is still grasping that big Kapamilya talents are no longer with ABS-CBN.
Dyogi has worked with countless artists throughout his career, and he considers them as “family,” but it hurts him to see some leaving the network, especially those he didn’t expect to do so.
“Minsan masakit na nalalaman mo na lang nang biglaan, ’yun ang masakit. Kasi parang magkakasama tayo sa saya at ginhawa tapos sa ganitong panahon lugmok tayo, siyempre inaasahan mo ’yung mga mahal mo sa buhay. Parang pamilya lang ’yan,” he recently said in an interview.
Most of the talents who transferred did it because opportunities with ABS-CBN were shrinking. The network is no longer on free TV and has lost billions since its bid for franchise renewal was rejected by a congressional panel.
One of those well-known artists is Bea Alonzo, who recently signed with GMA Network, ABS-CBN’s top rival. Her contract is rumored to be worth around P200 million.
“Thank you for putting in the hard work to be able to create this beautiful event for me as a welcome. Thank you for making me feel special today. As you all know, this is one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever had to make in my life. And if there is anything that I have learned during the pandemic, it is that life is short and that we only live once. And we have to seize every moment, we have to seize opportunities and we have to be able to embrace change. Ngayon pa lang, nagpapasalamat na po ako sa aking GMA bosses for opening new doors for me. I am beyond excited that today I can finally say I am officially a Kapuso. To new beginnings.” she said right after becoming a Kapuso.
Her appearance in Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho‘s July 4 episode garnered record-high viewership ratings. Alonzo revealed that she talked with ABS-CBN before leaving.
Former Star Magic heads Johnny “Mr.M” Manahan and Mariole Alberto have also decided to sign with GMA. Manahan previously worked on TV5’s dismal program Sunday Noontime Live.
Maja Salvador left ABS-CBN after 18 years to sign with TV5. She appears in Niña Nińo and established Crown Artist Management in March, her talent management firm.
Billy Crawford left ABS-CBN in September 2020 and said goodbye to It’s Showtime. He hosts Lunch Out Loud on TV5.
Khalil Ramos became part of the GMA Artist Center last year in October. He gained fame by joining Pilipinas Got Talent.
Viva Artists Agency acquired Julia Barretto last year from ABS-CBN. The actress was under Star Magic since she entered the show business.
Just like Alonzo, Pokwang also asked ABS-CBN permission to transfer to GMA. She assured the network that she’d remain loyal.
