Ultimate Star Jennylyn Mercado continues to be a loyal Kapuso as she renewed her exclusive contract with GMA Network, Inc. on July 26.
“GMA is like my family. I can feel their love and support. In the past 16 years that I’m with them, I have encountered numerous ups and downs, but they were still there at hindi nila ako pinabayaaan. They didn’t give up on me,” a teary-eyed Jennylyn told Manila Standard during a press conference held after her contract signing with the network.
The actress was also extremely grateful to everyone who has been supporting her for so many years. She said she couldn’t thank GMA bigwigs Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Felipe S. Yalong, and Lilybeth G. Rasonable enough for their generous support.
“They are like my parents. Iba ‘yung yakap. Parang na-miss ko ‘yung nanay at tatay ko, ganoon ‘yung pakiramdam whenever they’re with me giving their support. They haven’t changed, the warmth has been like that since I was just starting out in showbiz.”
Jennylyn, who is a living paragon of StarStruck’s success, embodies what a true homegrown Kapuso is. The multitalented and award-winning actress shows no signs of stopping as she is also known to be a charming host, in-demand commercial model and entrepreneur, and an effective influencer up to this day.
From her lovable role as a teenage superhero in Super Twins, her bida-kontrabida character as a woman with multiple personalities in Rhodora X, to her comical portrayal of Steffi in the Pinoy remake of My Love from the Star – Jennylyn has proven her versatility as an actress in the entertainment industry. At present, she plays the role of Raffy in the hit primetime series, Love You Two and is also the host of the seventh season of GMA’s original reality-based artista search, StarStruck.
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Epy Quizon ventures into filmmaking
Film direction has turned out to be the ultimate destination for actors looking to exercise their creativity, with several stars choosing to go behind the camera of late.
The latest actor to be bitten by the direction bug is Epy Quizon, who is currently working on a TVC for Lido Cocina Tsina, which the restaurant chain plans to release in September.
“We are honored to have Epy as the director of our very first TVC. He is very talented that he was able to put his own flavor to the concept. We’re giving him all the creative freedom because he’s the expert,” said Lido president Annie Wong.
According to the restaurant executive, the TVC will highlight the heritage of the restaurant which started operations in 1936.
“We were known as Panciteria Lido until we decided to really have our own identity and brand as the Lido Cocina Tsina that people know today,” added Wong who said that their restaurant is best known for their Pugon Roasted Asado.
Talking about evolution, the TVC will tell an interesting narrative which will be divided into six vignettes. Epy shared that it will highlight the Lido legacy, which continues until the present time.
“I can only share so much but the TVC tells a heartwarming story of a family man who strives hard to prosper in life,” Epy said.
In an interview with Manila Standard, the actor who is currently playing the antagonist Zandro in Hiwaga ng Kambat, shared that he’s been into directing since 2004. In fact, he’s currently doing his first feature film.
“I was doing the corporate video for Petron from 2004 until last year. Since then, I became more interested in going behind the camera and directed a few TVCs,” Epy revealed adding that he intends to be flexible in everything he does by exploring different things outside acting.