Great things are ahead for highly-talented Kapuso artists Gil Cuerva, Kate Valdez, and Kelvin Miranda as they renewed their ties with GMA Artist Center last Nov. 18.
Senior Vice President for GMA Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, First Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan, First Vice President for Business Development Department III Darling de Jesus-Bodegon, First Vice President and Head of Regional TV and Synergy Oliver B. Amoroso, 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, Daryl Zamora, and Joy Marcelo showed their full support via Zoom, video message, and their presence at the Marquee Tent of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.
Gil’s co-manager Ericson Raymundo and Kelvin’s co-manager Tyrone Escalante were also present during the event.
Filipino-Spanish actor and TV host Gil Cuerva was first introduced to the limelight when he bagged the lead role in the Pinoy remake of the popular Korean drama series 'My Love from the Star' as Matteo where he won the hearts of the Kapuso viewers with his charming looks and dashing smile. Since then, he became a household name in the romance-comedy genre and starred in several series such as ‘Dear Uge: K-drama Rama’, ‘Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko: Ang Prinsipe at ang Feeling Api’, and ‘My Guitar Princess.’ Currently, he is part of lifestyle informative show ‘Taste Buddies’ where he won ‘Best Lifestyle Show Host’ in the 34th PMPC Star Awards for Television.
"GMA feels like home. I never really considered leaving home. I'm just really grateful they have so much trust and belief in me. In return, that inspires me to do better and become better. So, I'm excited for this next chapter in my journey... I guarantee that I will always do my best in everything that I will do," said Gil.
On the other hand, Kapuso actress Kate Valdez, who is well-known for her notable roles in Onanay and Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday, thanks GMA Network for shaping her to be a better artist, "Sobrang laking pasasalamat ko po sa GMA and GMA Artist Center family dahil sa tiwala na binigay nila sa akin. Hindi ko ine-expect na kakayanin ko pala maging isang actor. Binigyan nila ako ng chance na ipakita iyon at mag-inspire pa ng mga tao. Nag-grow din ako as a person at mas nakilala ko 'yung sarili ko, kung ano ba yung kaya kong gawin. I'm so grateful and I'm so blessed na nasa GMA ako. Maraming, maraming salamat po."
In the same way, fast-rising actor and singer Kelvin Miranda is also filled with gratitude with how the Kapuso Network has helped him grow as an artist, "Walang hanggang pasasalamat kasi isa 'yung GMA sa nag-build ng kumpiyansa ko sa sarili ko. Kasi isa ako sa mga hindi naniniwala sa sarili ko. Ang GMA at mga managers ko 'yung nagpalakas ng loob ko at nagpaniwala sa akin para magpatuloy sa kung ano yung nasimulan ko. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat."
During the contract signing, Rasonable congratulated Gil for his contract renewal and she shared a humorous story of how the people from the Entertainment Group used to gather around Gil whenever he's around the office, "All the girls would flock to him. All would scream and take photos with him. One of my staff even named her son after Gil kasi talagang love na love nila si Gil. The feeling remains the same. We are so happy that you're still a Kapuso. We're proud of what you have become through these years - a better host and a better actor. More things will come for you, that I can assure you. Congratulations."
Santiago-Lara expressed her admiration for Gil's attitude towards work, "He's always trying to give his best, be it with the workshops or the shows that he does, he's willing to experiment. I think that is something that makes you shine. You're willing to learn. We're very happy to have you here with us in GMA. We trust you, and we are committed to you in the same way that you have given your trust to us. Congratulations, Gil."
Meanwhile, Rasonable is delighted that Kate remains a loyal Kapuso, "I remember several years ago when we first saw your audition. The minute we saw you, we said, 'We want this girl.' You became a part of the Artist Center, and I am glad to say, I thank God hindi kami nagkamali sa pagsabi na we want you in GMA. We're proud of what you have accomplished throughout the years. We are all sure that you will accomplish more because you are such a talented individual. Stay humble and keep being an inspiration to others."
Santiago-Lara is likewise pleased with how Kate has blossomed and matured throughout her Kapuso journey, "We are so happy to see how much she has grown not just as an actress but as a person. She shines brightly today. Her confidence has greatly improved. I'm so happy and proud of you and all that you've done. You work so hard. We appreciate you. We hope that you feel the trust and commitment that the network has towards you. You treasure this as much as we treasure you. Thank you, Kate."
On the other hand, Rasonable is in awe of the breadth and depth of Kelvin's charm as an actor. She shared an amusing anecdote of how Kelvin manages to attract audiences from different generations, "My 81-year-old mom asked me one time, 'sino ba 'yung nandoon sa Loving Ms. Bridgette na napakagwapong bata? Siya na 'yung paborito ko ngayon.' It's very gratifying to have an artist who can attract a wide audience, and that means the whole family. So, just keep on doing what you're doing and improving on your craft. You will go a long way. We are glad we are part of that journey. Congratulations.”
Abacan knew beforehand that Kelvin is a star-in-the-making, “When I met you four years ago, alam ko na that you're going to go places. Salamat sa paglago kasama ng GMA.”
Finally, Santiago-Lara is happy with how Kelvin is handling the trust that GMA and GMA Artist Center have given him, "Natutuwa ako na sinusuklian mo iyon ng iyong husay, at sipag. Open ka sa mga roles na ipinapagawa sa iyo. You always know how to look back to the people who helped you in the past. I believe malayo ang mararating mo dahil masipag ka'ng tao at mahusay ka na aktor. I'm very happy and proud to have you in GMA and in GMA Artist Center. We look forward to working with you more in the coming years. We hope that you would continue to grow as an actor and as a person and that you will stay with us for more years. Enjoy the good projects that we have lined up for you."