According to Jason Abalos, his decision to leave ABS-CBN and move to GMA didn’t happen overnight.
“Actually, it was a long process,” he reveals. “For one, it wasn’t easy because I’ve been a Kapamilya for 12 years. That’s a long period of time. It took three years for me to finally arrive at such decision.
“I believe that God intervened. He guided me along the way. I prayed hard for this. As I’ve said, it wasn’t an easy decision to make but I’m glad that now, I’m entering a new phase in my career as a Kapuso!”
Many are curious to know how the negotiations between his camp and GMA transpired.
“Supposedly, I was scheduled to meet with the management along with Matt (Evans) who is a fellow former Kapamilya talent. On the date of the meeting though, I had to attend to an equally important matter so I wasn’t able to show up. I thought that was the end of it. Luckily, after a week, GMA summoned me again and the rest, as they say is history.”
How did he say goodbye to his former mother studio?
“Oh, it went smoothly!” says Jason. “From my bosses in ABS-CBN and Star Magic to my handlers, I was able to bid farewell. Of course, it’s inevitable to become emotional considering the time I spent with them. I guess it’s just normal because you’re like family already.”
The appealing actor points out that he left ABS-CBN without any hurt feelings.
“I love all of my bosses there as well as fellow actors. In my last three years with them, they’ve given me good projects like the primetime drama Two Wives opposite Erich Gonzales and Kaye Abad. It was a top-rater. Same with the afternoon soap Langit at Lupa. It also became a hit.”
Many are already anticipating his maiden show as a Kapuso dubbed as The One That Got Away. In this romantic-comedy series, he is paired with Rhian Ramos.
“Yes! It will be aired in January next year. It’s one of GMA’s opening salvos for 2018. The thought of working with Rhian excites me to the hilt. It’s something refreshing. It’s like a new adventure.
“For the longest time, I’ve been paired with almost all the leading ladies in the Kapamilya lot. Now, it’s different. I’m sharing the frame with a new partner. It’s a thrilling experiment in which I feel challenged to deliver my best,” ends Jason.
★★★★★
Ending earlier speculations that she would transfer to ABS-CBN, Janine Gutierrez remains a Kapuso after renewing her contract with GMA.
“I know that rumors spread after news came out that I’m now under Tito Leo (Dominguez). Before, it was my mom (Lotlot de Leon) who handled my career along with GMA. But because she is also busy with her own career, plus she opened a restaurant, she deemed it best to entrust me to someone who can really focus on my growth as an artist and Tito Leo fits the bill,” she avers.
The beauteous star is simply happy to stay with her original home studio.
“I consider myself lucky and blessed to have signed up again with the Kapuso. For one, it’s where I started and honed my acting chops. After my last contract expired, we’ve been in talks. They took good care of me and I’m thankful to be working under them in the next years!”
What does she expect now in terms of her future acting assignments?
“I hope to be given more challenging materials like the last soap I did which was Legally Blind. I would also like to do more mature portrayals. For me, acting is a never-ending process and I’m confident that GMA will make this happen for me,” Janine states.
