'Malaking kawalan': Kapamilyas react to ABS-CBN shutdown anniversary, loyalty amid stars' GMA transfer
MANILA, Philippines — The stars of the upcoming iWant mini-series "My Sunset Girl" shared their thoughts on their embattled network, ABS-CBN, a year after the shutdown and why they chose to remain with it amid uncertainties.
At last Tuesday's presscon on the show that will premiere today, ABS-CBN reporter MJ Felipe opened up on the topics.
"Habang nagi-introduce kanina, ang sarap-sarap lang pakinggan you're celebrating another new project na hindi pucho-pucho project. Every time I do those interviews with Direk Andoy (Ranay) and all the cast, natutuwa ako na parang, kasi ang gusto kong puntuhin, this Saturday, we are celebrating the anniversary of the shutdown," he began.
The members of the House committee on legislative franchises rejected ABS-CBN's bid for a 25-year franchise last July 10, 2020.
The network has since been airing its shows in multi-platforms, including Facebook and YouTube. It also signed blocktiming deals with TV5 and A2Z channels on free TV.
"It's been a year since we were shutdown and sa loob ng isang taon na 'yun, hindi tumigil ang ABS in producing quality programs for the Filipino audience worldwide. Having said that, gusto ko malaman, what are your thoughts a year after the shutdown?" asked the long-time ABS-CBN entertainment reporter.
The young stars of "My Sunset Girl" said how they were saddened with their network's closure.
Jameson Blake recalled how he thought that they didn't know how to act right away. He's happy though that ABS still "managed to get on our feet and get going." This made him proud of his network.
For Charlie Dizon, it was more saddening since she was only just starting to reap the rewards of her long-awaited dream to join her favorite network.
The 25-year-old was on her way to making a name for herself as one of its big stars after being launched as a talent of Star Magic Batch 2018 with Donny Pangilinan and Tony Labrusca.
"First time ko nakita na ganoon ka-weak 'yung nangyari sa ABS. Sobrang nalungkot nga po ako noon pero eventually, tulad ng sinabi ni Jameson, unti-unti tayong nakabangon. Nakakagawa pa rin tayo ng projects kahit wala tayong office ngayon. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin po. Kumbaga tina-try pa rin gawing normal pa rin ang mga trabaho. 'Yun po 'yung sobrang kinaka-proud ko sa ABS-CBN. Pinanindigan nila lahat ng trabahador nila. I mean hindi lahat, lahat ng makakaya nilang gawin para sa lahat, ginagawa po nila," Charlie said.
For Joem Bascon, he did not doubt that ABS-CBN will continue with its operations. He explained that the network had always stood for its tagline of "In The Service of the Filipino."
Mylene Dizon felt strongly for the network that gave her a break as an actress and helped her hone her craft.
In fact, when she knew of the House decision, she went to join in the rally held in front of ABS-CBN. She came straight from her taping in the GMA-7 show "Sahaya."
"S'yempre hanggang ngayon, malaking kawalan pa rin dahil a big chunk of our company is still not operating 'di ba? We're still not able to relay all the news na dapat ihayag natin. That I'm still naiinis about it. I'm still going to fight with ABS-CBN para maibalik 'yun," she said.
She is happy that they remained working despite the circumstances. She feels for all its workers, including the production crew that she's been working for over two decades in the industry."I'm still very, very pissed about what happened a year ago. Siguro 'yung galit ko noon hanggang ngayon, pareho pa rin ng level," Mylene said.
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