Kris Aquino confirms leaving ABS-CBN, reveals story behind departure

MANILA, Philippines — Kris Aquino has finally broken her silence. After weeks of speculation, the  TV host-actress has finally confirmed she's leaving ABS-CBN.

Kris has posted a series of Instagram posts on Monday, revealing her plans and explaining why she has come up with the decision.

Kris, in her first post, thanked the TV network for being her home for 20 years. She hosted her own shows in the network since 1996, starting with "Today with Kris Aquino." She also became one of the original hosts of several entertainment shows on ABS-CBN, including "The Buzz," which earned her the moniker "Queen of all Media." Aside from the usual talk show, she also became a host to several game shows, such as "Pilipinas Game KNB," "Kapamilya Deal Or No Deal" and "Wheel of Fortune."

After expressing her gratitude, Kris went on to explain her recent hiatus in showbiz and made it clear that she knew the possibility of not having a guaranteed return slot when she took a break from her career.

"Our agreement was we'd talk when I got back. That is the risk of taking time for yourself—when you come back there's no guarantee that a space will be held for you," she wrote.

"We spoke in July but there was no definite show (and) no assured time frame of my return on air. I perfectly understood—as much as I wanted to believe I was a pillar of the network, everybody is dispensable. And I say that with no bitterness - just HONESTY,” she continued.

 

Part 1: I want to tell you our truth & I pray you'll understand... 20 years ago, I went back to ABS CBN after a year w/ GMA (Star Talk & a Viva produced afternoon talk show). It started w/ Today w/ Kris Aquino & ended w/ Kris Tv. We had a memorable, excellent run. ABS saw me through my worst & my best. I had the chance to be part of career defining shows like TWKA, The Buzz, Game KNB, Deal or No Deal, PGT etc & had iconic movies like Feng Shui & Sukob. We were set to renew our contract February 2016, it was a generous, less demanding agreement but at that time there was a threat to my life we needed to take seriously, I had to regain my health, and I needed time for my family & me. We didn't sign then, I went to Hawaii, came back to campaign, then left again. Our agreement was we'd talk when I got back. That is the risk of taking time for yourself- when you come back there's no guarantee that a space will be held for you. We spoke in July but there was no definite show & no assured time frame of my return on air. I perfectly understood- as much as I wanted to believe I was a pillar of the network, everybody is dispensable. And I say that with no bitterness- just HONESTY. So to all of you saying please don't leave- it wasn't a choice that was just mine to make. I take my share of the responsibility. And I say that w/ so much gratitude in my heart. 

A photo posted by  Kris Aquino (@kriscaquino) on

Sep 11, 2016 at 9:27am PDT

In the second Instagram post, Kris did not confirm whether she is moving to GMA, ABS-CBN's rival network, but mentioned that her manager Boy Abunda talked to APT's Tony Tuviera. APT, a subsidiary of TAPE Inc., is the producer of Eat Bulaga.

 

Part 2: Where am I now? Boy Abunda reached out to Mr. T- Tony Tuviera on my behalf. I had an excellent experience coproducing My Little Bossings w/ MZET, OctoArts, & APT. Our plan was initially just a digital initiative- I know you miss my #foodtrips & my #cooking #recipes #roadtrips & #travel... But maybe my guardian angel in heaven (could it have been you, Mom?) was working overtime & what was an attempt at something new & experimental, evolved into a vision & a presentation that felt perfect for who I am now & for our TV collaboration. Mr. T actually remembered coming to our home in Times Street in 1986 to meet my Mom to produce a show for me when I was 15 years old. 30 years after- dumating na ang TAMANG PANAHON. 

A photo posted by  Kris Aquino (@kriscaquino) on

Sep 11, 2016 at 9:30am PDT

Kris finished her series of posts by sharing that she, with her sons will go on another vacation. Meanwhile, despite it all, Kris said there's no bad blood between her and her former network.

"This is the 1st & last I shall say about this chapter of my life. You deserved the true story & I gave you my truth, so that we may all move forward... So here's a shoutout of THANK YOU to the Kapamilya Network ABS-CBN for all that was, and here's a shoutout of THANK YOU to my new APT family for all that will be. And most of all my THANK YOU to all of you for allowing me to just be me."

 

Part 3: My sons & I leave today for a little over a week- advanced making up on my part because I have an exceptionally full work calendar until Christmas. They had so much of me for 4 months- so we'll be adjusting... When we come back, the unit I'm renting from Tito Manolo & Tita Maritess Lopez in Rockwell will be ready (I believe that is proof enough that there is no bad blood between the owners of my former network & me.) This is the 1st & last I shall say about this chapter of my life. You deserved the true story & I gave you my truth, so that we may all move forward... So here's a shoutout of THANK YOU to the Kapamilya Network ABS-CBN for all that was, and here's a shoutout of THANK YOU to my new APT family for all that will be. And most of all my THANK YOU to all of you for allowing me to just be me. 

A photo posted by  Kris Aquino (@kriscaquino) on

Sep 11, 2016 at 9:35am PDT

— Alixandra Caole Vila