Longtime Kapamilya stars Jake Cuenca, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, Sam Milby, Francine Diaz, Donny Pangilinan, and Joshua Garcia have renewed their contracts with ABS-CBN at the “Forever Kapamilya Network Contract Signing” event.
Donny, who began his journey with ABS-CBN as a MYX VJ eight years ago, expressed his enthusiasm for continuing his career with the network and is eager to work on innovative projects. “I’m just so happy that despite everything, we’ve never lost hope. We continue to create things that people have not seen before, and I’m very glad to be part of this journey. I can’t wait for what’s to come,” said Donny, who will headline the upcoming series “How to Spot a Red Flag” alongside Belle Mariano.
Joshua and Francine referred to ABS-CBN as their second home and conveyed their gratitude for the opportunities the network has provided. Joshua shared, “Thank you for the 10 years of trust and for never leaving me. You’ve become like a second family to me, so I’m very grateful. And of course, thanks to Star Magic for their dedication in honing my craft.” He will appear next in the Philippine remake of “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” alongside Anne Curtis.
Francine added, “This is another open door for me, bringing more opportunities and blessings. Behind that door waits my second family.” She gained recognition from her role in the hit series “Kadenang Ginto” and will star in the upcoming MMFF entry “My Future You.”
Melai, host of the online Bisaya talk show “Kuan On One,” shared her happiness about being part of the ABS-CBN family since joining “Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up” in 2009. “I can’t imagine myself without ABS. I’m so happy with this family,” she remarked.
For Sam, the contract signing event felt like a “surreal moment,” marking 19 years since he first entered the Kapamilya fold as one of the original “PBB” housemates. He reflected, “To think that exactly 19 years ago, I was still in the [PBB] house. Here I am, 19 years later, still a Forever Kapamilya. It’s surreal.”
Jake, a Kapamilya actor since 2006 and a star of recent series like “The Iron Heart” and “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim,” shared advice for aspiring artists. “It’s all about determination, ambition, and a hunger for excellence. You have to love it and want it just as much as you want to breathe,” he said.
The event was attended by ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, chief operating officer Cory Vidanes, group chief financial officer Rick Tan, and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi. Also present were talent managers from Star Magic, including Alan Real, Cris Tapang, Monch Navales, Nenette Rustia, April del Rosario, and Deejaye Cuadrado Dela Paz, along with Melai’s co-manager Kate Pepito, Sam’s co-manager and Cornerstone president Erickson Raymundo, Francine’s co-manager John Ling, and Donny’s co-manager and mother Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan.
