Sharon Cuneta on TV5 transfer, family, politics and 'Kasama Mo Kapatid' show

Sharon Cuneta is excited with her new daily talk show on TV5 titled ‘Sharon: Kasama Mo Kapatid’ that will premiere on May 7 in an afternoon block.

The Megastar met the press at TV5’s Delta Theater the other day for the presscon of Sharon: Kasama Mo Kapatid where Sharon became emotional in answering questions from the press like the issue involving her transfer to TV5 from ABS-CBN and the rift with her aunt Helen Gamboa.

She admitted feeling sad that she had to say goodbye to ABS-CBN which was her home for 23 years but she never burned her bridges. She still maintains contact with her former bosses, Mr. Gabby Lopez and Ms. Charo Santos.

But she wants a change of pace and do something that could be her legacy in showbiz. The Megastar admits her transfer to TV5 last year has given her renewed energy to start a new chapter in her life. Beyond the glitz and glam of the industry, Sharon believes the real meaning of life could be found in the celebration of real-life stories from everyday people.

“I was able to survive the highs and lows of my life because of the unmatched support I got from the public through the years. With my big move to TV5 comes the opportune time to give back to the people whom I owe all my successes,” said Sharon. “The show is all about them. This will be my legacy.”

When the press made mention of Ms. Susan Roces, the widow of Fernando Poe Jr, who said that Sharon is a close friend, Sharon couldn’t help but shed tears. “When I learned that Tito Ronnie died, the first thing that Tita Susan told me when I talked to her on the phone was, ‘Shawie, wala na ang klatput’ (term of endearment of Sharon and FPJ to each other). When FPJ was still alive, sa kanya ako nagsusumbong. They were like family to me na ipaglalaban mo. Tapos siyempre, when he ran for president, I wanted to campaign for him but I couldn’t do it then,” she related.

Her rift with her Tita Helen, said Sharon, is very difficult for her as well because this is the first time that her family had been dragged into a controversy because of politics.

“It was hurting because maybe at certain times when it comes to issues, senators could not agree. Hindi puwede mag-agree si Uncle Tito (Sotto) kay Kiko pero asawa ko iyon. Ang hirap nang sitwasyon. Tapos yung ibang nagko-comment, hindi nila naiisip na kung si Sharon ka nga naman, mahirap din naman ang maiipit ka sa gitna. Feeling ko, iniisip nila, balimbing ako. Meron talagang nako-compromise when it comes to politics. Kami ni Jinggoy, solid kami. If it’s Jinggoy himself, kahit na noong election for the Senate presidency, he told me he cannot vote for Kiko because he is supporting Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile. If JPE runs, he cannot vote for Kiko and we are clear on that.”

She still keeps in touch with her cousins like Ciara Sotto, the youngest daughter of her Tita Helen. “Hindi ako nagmamalaki kay Tita Helen. Na-hurt lang ako kasi may lumabas pa roon sa interview na inuna nila yung mga tumulong sa kanila. Di ba gumawa naman ako ng commercial for Uncle Tito and she treats me like her daughter? Nalimot ninyo? Mga maliliit na bagay na hindi dapat lumaki. I am very sorry pero sometimes there are things you have to stand up for, lalo na kung asawa mo ang involved. Tatay ng mga anak ko iyon. I did not bring it up para magkaroon ng issue. Ang liit nang sinabi ko tapos ganoon ang reaction. Nagulat lang talaga ako,” said Sharon.

She has no intention of entering politics though. “Pero kung minsan naiisip ko, pumasok na lang kaya ako sa politics. At least, kung may nangyari, masasabi ko sa sarili ko na, ‘ikaw kasi pumasok ka pa riyan.’ Pero wala akong plano, hindi ako seryosong pumasok sa politics. Hindi ko rin sinasabing lahat ng tao sa politics ay corrupt. Ang sinasabi ko lamang ay marami sila pero hindi kasama si Kiko doon kaya nga up to now abonado pa rin kami. Pero ibig kong sabihin, if I would be effective in that area, why not? Pero kung I feel that through my show I’d be able to touch millions, mas gusto ko ang position ko as a TV host because I would be touching more lives in the process,” explains Sharon.

When it came to the issue of her transferring to TV5, she said, “I told Derek (Ramsey) nga, bakit ang dami naman lumilipat? Di ba nakakagulat kasi when I transferred I did not expect the fallout. Kailan naman ako naging balimbing? Ako nga ang may values na ganoon? I value loyalty. Ang dami naman nagsilipat, ang dami naman reaction ng iba. Di kaya dahil kaming dalawa ni Derek ay may konting importansiya? Ayoko man yung isipin, hindi naman imposible, di ba?”

But how would Sharon react if in case ABS-CBN puts up a show to rival her program on TV5? “Kung ganoon, it’s a network decision and there’s nothing that you can do about that anymore kasi TV5 artist na ako. Kasama iyon sa network wars nila. Basta ang wish ko lang, huwag lang sana show ng anak ko ang itatapat sa akin. Huwag naman sana anak ko. Pero kung sino man ang itapat sa akin, wala akong issue. Trabaho ito, wala akong issue.”

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American singers Taylor Dayne and Edwin McCain will have a Back 2 back Ultimate concert at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu on May 30 and at the SM MOA Arena in Manila in June 1.

We can expect Taylor Dayne to render his hit songs like “Tell It To My Heart,” “Prove Your Love,” “I’ll Always Love You,” “With Every Beat Of My Heart,” “I’ll Be Your Shelter,” “Don’t Rush Me,” “Heart Of Stone,” “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love,” and “Love Will Lead You Back” while Edwin McCain will do his own hits like “I’ll Be,” “Write Me A Song,” “Beautiful Life,” “Walk With You,” and “I Could Not Ask For More.”

Dayne first made a name in the late ‘80s via two dance songs that made it to the Billboard Charts. She proved her versatility by logging in a ballad on top of the chart via the unforgettable “I’ll Always Love You.”

Taylor Dayne was able to release several albums and some of her songs were included in the hit original soundtrack albums of movies like “The Lizzie McGuire Movie,” “Fried Green Tomatoes” and “The Shadow.” She’s also an actress and appeared in Broadway in Elton John’s “Aida” and in movies like “Jesus The Driver,” “Love Affair” and “Stag.” She is said to currently be working on remastering her Greatest Hits album.

On the other hand, Edwin McCain is known through his song titled “I’ll Be” that has two versions, one with a full band and an acoustic interpretation. Also famous is his romantic song “I Could Not Ask For More” which has become a karaoke staple to many.

The Back 2 Back Ultimate Concert of Taylor Dayne and Edwin McCain is produced by Blue Dream. R&B Prince Jay-R is a special guest at the concert.

Those who buy VIP, Gold, Silver, Balcony tickets to the show between April 13 and 30 will get an outright 20% discount. For ticket inquiries, you may call Ayala (5162035 or 2315342 local 324), SM City Cebu (2310058 local 111) or the Waterfront (2326888 local 8724).