EDITORS DESK
Robert Requintina
For the first time in two years, the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City last Feb. 23, opened its doors to the media for its first face-to-face press conference. I had mixed emotions setting foot in the area once again. Happy because the live media conference has resumed. But I was a bit emotional due to the network shutdown. Coming home to the broadcast network once again, I walked peacefully through its halls that used to be a busy and productive place for many years. These days, several rooms, studios, and offices in the building were abandoned and silent.
ABS-CBN has a soft spot in my heart because I used to be a contributing writer for its entertainment magazine named Star Studio in 2013. For one year, I covered events for some of the network's brightest and most talented stars - Anne Curtis-Smith, Jake Cuenca, Claudine Barretto, Daniel Padilla, etc. The print version of the magazine has folded, but it continues to exist in digital format.
But there was a reason to celebrate when we got there: it was the 30th anniversary of Star Magic, the talent management of ABS-CBN. Except for Regine Velasquez and Gary Valenciano (who signed up for the network), nine stars renewed their contract for Star Magic. The network is still home for stars Zanjoe Marudo, Erich Gonzales, Jake Cuenca, Jolina Magdangal, Loisa Andalio, Ronnie Alonte, Sam Milby, Shaina Magdayao, and Gerald Anderson.
"This is the time when the network needs us the most. So I am hanging on," said Jolina, one of the hosts of the daily morning show "Magandang Buhay," during the live media conference. Fellow ABS-CBN stars also expressed gratitude as they continue to entrust their careers to Star Magic.
Joining them in the grand contract signing, which was hosted by Robi Domingo and streamed live on various Star Magic and ABS-CBN digital platforms, were ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN chief operating officer of broadcast Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN Group CFO Rick Tan, and Star Magic and ABS-CBN entertainment production head Laurenti Dyogi.
After the signing, Direk Lauren shared the exciting plans they have to celebrate the 30 glorious years of talent management and development of Star Magic. “We’d like to thank the men and women who really started Star Magic, to FMG, to Mr. M., to Ms. Mariole. Maraming salamat for laying the foundation and for building Star Magic. This time we are venturing into a new era of Star Magic in the 30 more years to come. Marami po kaming hinanda to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Star Magic."
Lauren, together with the Star Magic Team, will continue to be responsible for discovering, developing, and managing talents. They will identify opportunities for their talents, while ensuring that these opportunities are aligned with the talent’s equity.
This year, Star Magic will bring its stars all over the world once again through global events in collaboration with TFC. It will also bring back the star-studded sports events, and the iconic Star Magic Ball red carpet event together with ABS-CBN’s Creative Programs, Inc. (CPI).
Star Magic Studio will also partner with Star Cinema, Mavx Productions, and Regal Entertainment for films showcasing the talent of its stable of stars and offering more music from its formidable singers via Star Magic Records. Fans can also expect their idols in more projects with top Philippine lifestyle brands like Metro and Mega and in the more original content on YouTube, Kumu, and other digital platforms.
For three decades, Star Magic has served as home and training ground to the biggest and brightest names in Philippine entertainment. It has provided workshops in acting, dance, art, script appreciation, styling, and voice production as well as physical fitness training to develop well-rounded and world-class performers with discipline and the proper work ethic. Star Magic artists are also encouraged to use their influence for good through supporting advocacies like those of ABS-CBN Foundation.
“I’m very happy and very excited and very proud. That’s how I feel. I mean after the things that the network has been through, all of us, after all, we’ve been through, parang I just feel (happy) to be called a Kapamilya,” said Regine during the network contract signing.
(Robert R. Requintina is the Entertainment Editor of Manila Bulletin)