THEY NEED WORK: As news of ABS-CBN disposing some of its assets to satisfy creditors unfolds, we also witness an exodus of some of the network’s major artists to greener pastures.
Part of ABS-CBN’s real estate properties are the 4.4 hectare broadcast center in Quezon City (reportedly worth 1.6 billion pesos) and the 120-hectare property in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
The latter had been planned and partly finished as a complex of Hollywood-style sound studios to suit the network’s TV and movie production requirements.
Anyway, the movement of former network stars can’t be helped, given the state of the entertainment industry at the moment.
Actors need to work. Like the beleaguered ABS-CBN, they have loans to pay and expensive homes, not to mention lifestyle, to maintain.
The franchise-less broadcast giant can’t possibly accommodate all of its contract artists, considering the limited platforms on which it operates.
Happily, ABS allows its artists, even the best of them, to go out and work elsewhere. I hear that tears are shed with every goodbye on both sides.
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JOHN LLOYD AND BEA: Those who have moved or have expressed official interest in transferring to GMA-7 are Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz, Beauty Gonzales, Pokwang. More are coming in.
Bea is reportedly doing a movie with GMA Films and possibly, a TV series, too. Heard, though, that GMA found her asking price too stiff.
John Lloyd has met up with GMA executive Annette Gozon-Valdez, yes, for a movie or two, and maybe also a teleserye.
In fairness to their former home network, John Lloyd and Bea should do well to avoid working together on common projects. Their partnership carries the stamp of ABS-CBN which formed and honed them as a team. The least they can do as a sign of respect is to preserve the loveteam as an ABS-CBN property.
Prior to the two actors’ move to GMA, Star Cinema had been laying the groundwork for a reunion film between the two of them in partnership with Viva Films.
Besides, having transferred to a new home will give them opportunities to work with actors from GMA. That will be refreshing, something new to viewers.
For instance, it will be interesting to see John Lloyd opposite Marian Rivera or Heart Evangelista, Bea with Dennis Trillo or Dingdong Dantes, or even younger stars like Alden Richards and Derrick Monasterio. The combinations can be limitless.
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BEAUTY AND POKWANG TOO: GMA is also already lining up projects for Pokwang and Beauty, who have both signed up with the Timog studio.
Network executive Lilibeth Rasonable announced that Pokwang’s first assignment with GMA is Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kuwento. It’s the prequel to the popular Michael V. comedy series that ended just recently.
By the way, GMA is now the home of three of the best female comedians in the industry. Aside from Pokwang, there are also Ai-Ai de las Alas and Eugene Domingo. Who wouldn’t want to see the three of them in one helluva of a well- written, laugh–out-loud show or movie?