Multitalented Kapuso stars Aicelle Santos and Mikee Quintos remain loyal Kapuso artists as they renewed their management contracts with GMA Artist Center last Nov. 18.
Aicelle began her long journey as a Kapuso when she captured the hearts of the Filipinos in GMA’s singing competition Pinoy Pop Superstar in 2005. Since then, she continued to prove her passion and excellence in her craft when she represented the Philippines in Cameron Mackintosh’s critically-acclaimed musical “Miss Saigon” in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Aside from these, she showcased her singing prowess in several GMA musical-variety shows including Party Pilipinas, Sunday All Stars, and currently as one of the mainstays in All-Out Sundays.
"As a person, I only take things day by day... Just being with GMA throughout the years, how they just embraced and supported me with everything that I did and still doing now, napakalaki pong utang na loob...That's why I'm very grateful and beyond blessed that I am renewing my contract with GMA. Maraming, maraming salamat po."
Mikee, on the other hand, is fairly new in her Kapuso journey but she is steadily showcasing her versatility in various projects. She got her first big break as Lira in the top-rating requel of Encantadia in 2016. After this, she headlined various programs including Onanay, The Lost Recipe and presently in Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kuwento. Apart from acting, Mikee also pursued her knack for singing as she released her debut single, “Just Enough,” under GMA Playlist.
"Ang hirap i-express in words yung nafi-feel ko right now. But I'm so grateful for everything. Thank you po. Yung Mikee na kilala ko now, yung Mikee na love ko now, the confidence... I don't think it's possible na mahanap ko 'yung Mikee na ‘yun without you, guys, because I saw it through your eyes. Because of your belief and your trust in what I can do, that's how I saw it din sa sarili ko. So, I'm grateful. I love you with all my heart."
GMA Network executives celebrated this momentous occasion with Aicelle and Mikee via Zoom, video messages, and their presence at the Marquee Tent of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.
Present during the contract signing were GMA Network Films Inc. President and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, First Vice President and Head of Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Amoroso, First Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMAAC Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun S. Ferrer, Senior Talent Managers for GMA Artist Center Vic Del Rosario and Joy Marcelo.
Jhune Aycardo, Aicelle’s co-manager from Stages, also attended the event.
Atty. Gozon-Valdes expressed her delight seeing Aicelle grow in her craft, "Si Aicelle, sa simula pa lang sa Pinoy Pop Superstar, nakita na natin ang galing niya. As the years have gone by, lalo pa siyang gumagaling. We're very happy to have such a talented person here in GMA. So Aicelle, thank you for the trust. We hope na marami pa tayo'ng gagawin together."
Rasonable is thankful to have journeyed with Aicelle in all her milestones, "Another thing we are so happy about is that through the years, we have been part of your journey in your career and even in your personal life. Dito ka na nagkaroon ng asawa, dito ka na nagkaroon ng pamilya, at ng napaka-cute na baby. That's one of the things that gratify us. We are still together in your journey in life. So, like you, we are blessed to still have you as a Kapuso. Congratulations."
Ferrer assured Aicelle of the network's faith in her talents and capabilities, "I can still remember that years ago, Aicelle told us in GMA Artist Center that she is putting her faith in us. We are very thankful for that. We in GMA Artist Center have been putting our faith also in her because she’s very talented and she’s very professional. We love working with her."
Meanwhile, Atty. Gozon-Valdes also shared how she saw Mikee's star quality since the beginning, "From the moment I saw Mikee, nakita ko na she was oozing with charm. And when she had shows in GMA, we all saw her exceptional talent. So Mikee, malayo pa ang mararating mo, marami pa tayong gagawin. I want you to know we're always here for you. Thank you for the trust."
Rasonable likewise went out of her way to congratulate Mikee as she stays a loyal Kapuso, "We are so proud of what you have achieved so far. We know that you still have a long way to go because you're so talented. Acting, singing, dancing, talagang triple threat. So, congratulations, and good luck as you journey on as a Kapuso."
Abacan remembers Mikee's earliest days in GMA, "Years ago, I met you when you were still auditioning for GMA Artist Center and now, I'm very, very happy that you're turning 6 as a leading lady of the Kapuso Network. I love you, Mikee. I'm so proud of you. Congratulations.”
Santiago-Lara promised Mikee that GMA will always support and guide her in the years to come, "We're very happy to congratulate you for continuing your journey with the Kapuso Network. This business has many highs and lows. Trust that not only your family but your Artist Center family and your GMA family are all behind you. As much as the Network has trusted you with many projects, we also want to thank you for your trust and commitment to do your best in everything that you do."
Finally, Ferrer recalled the first time Mikee walked into the GMA Artist Center office with her parents, "You were sharing you just wanted to do some drama projects with GMA. Now, you're one of our bankable leading ladies in GMA Artist Center, and you continue to be a mainstay in our different programs as well. We're proud of what you have accomplished. I'm looking forward to working more with you."