After 18 years as a talent of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, Rayver Cruz is back in the network where he began through the iconic youth informative show, 5 and Up.
In an interview with Manila Standard right after his contract signing with GMA Artist Center on Sept. 6, the 29-year-old actor was positive that his ties with the network will bring “new beginnings and fresh start.”
Present in the contract signing were GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, Senior Talent Manager Vic del Rosario and his co-manager Albert Chua.
“I’m open to new challenges that I will do in GMA. It’s a new environment so I can only feel excited to start working with the people here,” he started.
How he ended up back at the Kapuso network was the big question, and Rayver was quick to explain that it took him a year before making that “difficult decision.”
“It was long process. I consulted with my friends, non-showbiz friends, with my family, of course, my manager, and we came up with the decision that it’s time to move on, and to explore new challenges and opportunities.”
Rayver further said that at this point of his life, he’s more concerned about his future as an actor and he wanted to establish a more secure career in showbiz.
While talking about how excited he is to fulfill new responsibilities as a GMA artist, the actor underscored his being grateful to his former network that made him the kind of person and artist he is today.
“I think I’ve already done almost everything that an artist could do when I was in ABS-CBN, and I’m really thankful and really grateful for all the support that my former management gave me. I mean, I am what I am today because of them, I’m very thankful. They will always be my family,” Rayver stressed.
Meanwhile, Rasonable also felt excited to work with the new Kapuso star, “We are very happy to welcome Rayver back to GMA, where he started. He will be starting to work on a soap and of course, we will continue to give him projects that will showcase his many talents.”
Now that he is back home, Rayver looks forward to portraying challenging roles that GMA is known for highlighting on screen. In fact, he will be starring in the upcoming series alongside Kris Bernal and Thea Tolentino.
“My character’s name is Gavin, and this is the first time na ang role ko eh pag-aagawan ng dalawang babae so, napaka-gwapo ng character ko,” he quipped.
Rayver also looked back on his early days at GMA and felt nostalgic seeing familiar faces. “I felt a little shy when I first saw the people here. But they welcomed me with open arms. They’re so warm. It’s a good thing that Rodjun is here, at least meron kaagad akong kakilala.”
Early on in his showbiz career, Rayver’s shows included Best Friends, followed by 5 and Up and comedy series starring Joey De Leon entitled Kiss Muna.
