Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber, Francine Diaz, Donny Pangilinan, Arjo Atayde, and Gary Valenciano Remain Strong as Kapamilyas

The trust and love for ABS-CBN remain strong for Kapamilya stars Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber, Francine Diaz, Donny Pangilinan, Arjo Atayde, and Gary Valenciano, who renewed their contact with the network that they all call home.

ABS-CBN executives warmly welcomed each of the six stars who still chose to be with ABS-CBN at the “Kapamilya Strong” special contract signing event and media conference on Friday (February 26).

First to sign a new contract was Maymay whose eyes were sparkling with joy.

“Mahalaga sa akin ang pagiging Kapamilya dahil dito ako nagsimula. Para sila ang naging tulay ng mga pangarap ko. Dito ko nahanap ang purpose ko,” Maymay, who was last seen in the digital romcom movie “Princess DayaReese,” shared. Maymay will continue to be part of “ASAP Natin ‘To” and “iWant ASAP.”

Meanwhile, Maymay’s loveteam partner, Edward, is ready to take more risks this 2021. According to the host of the MYX online show “Kwentong Barber” on Kumu, “kailangan kong sumugal ng konti ngayong taon. To jump, to take risks. I’ll take a chance. I’ll train, not try.”

As for Francine Diaz, she is now busy preparing for her comeback in the much-awaited biggest inspirational teleserye, “Huwag Kang Mangamba” with the Gold Squad.

“Inaaral ko ang mga eksena, lalo na po ‘yung scenes na kasama ako. Pero kinakabahan din po ako kasi kailangan marami kaming mabigay na message at lessons sa mga Kapamilya natin,” Francine explained.

One of the stars who also marked a career milestone with ABS-CBN was Donny Pangilinan who will be seen next on the upcoming iWantTFC series, “He’s Into Her,” opposite Belle Mariano.

“I'm glad to be here in my roots. Thank you so much ABS-CBN for giving me wings to fly as well,” Donny added.

2020’s Asian Academy Creative Awards Best Actor Arjo Atayde also inked a new contract with ABS-CBN and teased that he is already working on a new project for the Kapamilya network.

Although Arjo was tightlipped about the project, he said that he’s excited to work again. He also became emotional while expressing his gratitude to the network.

“It [ABS-CBN] feels like home. For a lot of reasons they take care of us. They give us the projects we deserve, as long as we work hard for it. I just love being a Kapamilya and I will stay here no matter what,” Arjo said who also received a special video message from girlfriend Maine Mendoza and his co-star in "The General's Daughter," the Diamond Star, Maricel Soriano.

One of the pillars of OPM, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, was also filled with gratitude as he remains a Kapamilya. According to Gary V, who will still be seen every Sunday on “ASAP Natin ‘To,” he and his co-artists will continue to spread happiness and inspiration.

“What do I hope for this 2021? Just for us to continue to inspire and encourage so many people out there through our music, stories, dance. Everything,” he said.

Like Arjo, the rest of the stars also received special video messages. Maymay’s mother in Japan greeted her, while Edward got a message from a charity organization in Thailand called Friends of Thai Daughters. Meanwhile, Belle Mariano greeted Donny, and finally, Gary V’s granddaughter, Leia, gave a short, but adorable greeting.

Meanwhile, before the “Kapamilya Strong” event started, it already became a hot topic on Twitter, with multiple trending topics, including #KapamilyaStrong, #MayWardSolidKapamilya, and #DonnySolidKapamilya, among others.

Among the ABS-CBN executives present were chairman Mark Lopez, president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO of broadcast Cory Vidanes, head of entertainment production and head of Star Magic Laurenti Dyogi, managing director of ABS-CBN Film Productions Olivia Lamasan, and head of finance, Rick Tan.

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