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MANILA, Philippines – In the wake of singer Jimmy Bondoc saying he is “eagerly waiting” ABS-CBN’s “demise,” reviving concerns about the non-renewal of the network’s franchise, a slew of celebrities showed their support for the TV network.
Bondoc, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as vice president for entertainment of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said in a Facebook post:
“I AM EAGERLY AWAITING YOUR DEMISE. I know how this sounds. And I know the nasty comments which are bound to come. I don’t care…This is not schadenfraude. This is hope! This is for real change. You have COUNTLESS VICTIMS, from sexual harassment to plain and simple bullying.”
“I am so happy that your time has come,” he said.
Following these comments, social media became flooded with ABS-CBN’s 65th anniversary logo as the network’s homegrown talents posted their own tributes to the network.
Angel Locsin, who dragged Bondoc for his statement on Twitter, simply said in her post: “13 years. Salamat po #Kapamilya,” she said. She currently stars in the network’s primetime drama, The General’s Daughter.
Maalala Mo Kaya? host and former ABS-CBN President and CEO Charo Santos-Concio said “taas noo ko kayong ipinagmamalaki (I will always be proud of you)”
Actor JM de Guzman, who has been open about his struggles with substance abuse, said “this ‘network’ saved my life.” He is set to star in the network’s upcoming teleserye, Project Kapalaran.
Richard Gomez, known for starring in the ABS-CBN show Palibhasa Lalake in the 80s and 90s, said that the network was to him and to others “a field of dreams, one of the happiest playgrounds in the world of show business.”
Other industry veterans including Regine Velasquez (who returned to the network after years with rival GMA), her husband Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, and Aga Muhlach, shared their own posts on Instagram.
Anne Curtis, who currently hosts the network’s noontime show It’s Showtime, also posted on Instagram, looking back at her 15 years as an ABS-CBN talent.
“Thank you for an amazing 15 years of trust and allowing me to hone my talent in acting and hosting. I will forever be filled with gratitude,” she said, sharing photos of her past projects.
Other actors who have been with ABS-CBN since they were young kids shared their gratitude for having grown up with the network. These include former child stars John Prats and Nikki Valdez.
It’s Showtime host Vhong Navarro also posted, saying it was because of the network that he was able to make his dreams come true and provide a good and comfortable life to his family.
Like Vhong, many other stars – including Coco Martin, Kim Chiu, and Sunshine Cruz – thanked the network for giving them opportunities to change their lives and provide for their families.
Happy 65 ABS-CBN!
— Sunshine Cruz (@sunshinecruz718) May 23, 2019
Thank you for all the opportunities, for the projects you’ve given me when I needed work to be able to support my 3 children. I will be #forevergrateful pic.twitter.com/g7ftVs5MMD
Aside from the stars, ABS-CBN journalists and staff also took to social media to express their support for the media company.
Duterte has threatened to block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, accusing the network of “swindling” and biased reporting. Their franchise expires in 2020. – Rappler.com
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