Coleen Garcia has left Star Magic and signed a five-year contract with Viva Artists, after seven years of being an exclusive talent of the first.
The decision, she said, didn’t happen overnight because she had to consider a few things apart from yearning for a fresh new start.
In a recent interview, Coleen shared that she wanted to do more acting projects. It’s one of the major reasons why she made the big switch.
“I really want to work more on films this time. That’s something I haven’t had the chance to do lately. Perhaps, I’m just passionate about doing movies.”
Many ask how the transition was.
“Let me just say that there’s no bad blood between me and Star Magic. I will always be thankful for what they’ve done for my career. I started with them. Surprisingly, it didn’t turn out hard. At first, my concern was that somebody might get offended or hurt. As I went to their office, I felt heavy but when I came out, I was feeling light,” she said.
“I didn’t expect them to be so understanding. It really surprised me that they accepted my reason especially now that I’m already married,” she added.
Interestingly, now that she’s no longer under Star Magic, would it be possible for her to do some projects with rival network GMA?
“I cannot decide on that. Viva has the final say for my future assignments. They know what’s best for me. I’m not sure how it works. From what I know, if you’re a Viva artist and doesn’t have an exclusive contract with any network, you can work in other studios. So yes, if given the chance, why not? But personally, I’ll be happier if my projects will still be with ABS-CBN. I was with them since Day One. I’ve always been a Kapamilya and I love being such. If I will be asked to choose, I’m happy with where I am.”
Coleen also wanted to make it clear that her husband Billy Crawford had nothing to do with her decision to change talent management. Prior to her, Billy signed up with Viva, leaving ALV Talent Circuit which became his home for a decade.
“Billy didn’t influence me to make such decision. He’s got nothing to do with it. But I would admit that he gave me advice and it helped somehow. Actually, it’s good that he’s here. He told me his nice working experiences with Viva and I believed him.”
Speaking of her desire to make more films in the coming days, does she set limitations now that she’s married?
“Not really, although I wish to veer away from the usual roles that are assigned to me. I want to try something new. My husband is very supportive of me and for that, I’m grateful,” ended Coleen.
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Pambansang Bae Alden Richards was one of the special celebrity guests who provided entertainment during the recently-concluded 2018 National Digital Arts Awards (NDAA) held at the Jose Rizal Room of the Philippine International Convention Center.
“I’m glad to be invited as one of the main guests in the event,” he says. “It’s an honor to share the stage with deserving Filipino digital artists who showcased their great works on six digital categories, namely ‘Digital Art in Print’, ‘Character Design’, ‘Animation’, ‘Digital Short Movie’, Website Usage Experience’ and ‘Drone Movie Experience.’ It was truly a night of celebrating the Filipinos’ world-class talent!”
The be-dimpled heartthrob stresses that the competition was made more prestigious by its renowned panel of judges.
“They are experts in the digital field. One of them is internationally-acclaimed short-film director Arvin Belarmino whose films ‘KYEL’ and ‘Nakaw’ (starring the late indie actor Kristoffer King) have won accolades in various award-giving bodies.”
Alden cites NDAA for its commitment to highlight the best talents in digital arts.
“They’ve been around since 2013. This year’s winners belong to the students and professional group categories. With the NDAA, the Philippines can look forward to a bright future in the realm of digital arts,” he states.