'Everyone can be friends': Kapamilya, Kapuso stars react as GMA inks deal to air Star Cinema films
ABS-CBN and GMA stars expressed their excitement over the rival networks' recently signed deal granting GMA the rights to air Star Cinema films on its local channels.
Star Cinema is the film production arm of ABS-CBN, which has produced hits like Alone/Together, Isa Pa With Feelings, It Takes a Man and a Woman, and Ang Cute ng Ina Mo!, among others.
The deal provides GMA not only with the means to broaden its media library but also with opportunities for more tie-ups with the network in the future, GMA president and COO Gilberto Duavit said during the virtual contract signing. It comes two years after Congress junked the petition of ABS-CBN to renew its franchise, prompting the network to go off-air on May 4, 2020.
Award-winning actor John Arcilla emphasized his love for GAMBAS (a combined acronym for the two networks) on an Instagram post, hoping that the partnership will "bring the 'fan-thinkings' into a new level. That everyone can be friends for the better and for everyone’s advantage. That there is no point of hating each other since the people we’re trying to fight for can actually agree and befriend each other."
"Hope this will liberate the minds of fanatics about the culture of 'HATE' that it is more enriching to LOVE and SUPPORT the people we love and the SHOWBUSINESS in general," the actor added.
Comedienne and host Eugene Domingo posted an Instagram Story with a colorful GIF that says “NICE WORK.” Her movie Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank is expected to air in GMA together with the other blockbuster Star Cinema films.
Kim Atienza, meanwhile, reposted GMA's Instagram post of the virtual contract signing and captioned it with "The force field is broken." He also described the partnership as "the beginning of many beautiful things to come."
Joey Abacan, GMA First VP for Program Management, also announced the merger on his Instagram feed. "Impossible things do happen through prayers - our goal stemmed from our love for our Kapuso viewers to have a wider array of local movies for free," the TV exec said.
"Thanks to both parties for making this happen #harmony," he added.
His post gained a flood of heart, clap, and "wow" reactions from Kapuso stars, including Sofia Pablo, Bianca Umali, and Jeric Gonzales.
Star Cinema Advertising and Promotions Director Mico Del Rosario likewise announced the new partnership on his Instagram page and received an overflow of positive comments from celebrities Kakai Bautista, Jessa Zaragosa, Kerwin King, Ruru Madrid, Abi Kassem and Bianca De Vera.
Theatre artist turned mainstream actor Pepe Herrera shared hissupport through a re-gram of ABS-CBN News's Instagram post.
In an interview with PEP.ph, Tanging Ina star Ai-Ai delas Alas said that she is also delighted upon hearing the deal. "Masaya ako sa partnership ng GMA-7 at ng ABS-CBN dahil mapapanood na sa Kapuso channel ang mga pelikula ng Star Cinema. Masaya rin ako dahil may chance na ang mga Kapuso na mapanood ang mga pelikula ko noon," she said.
She also hopes that the union will put an end to the so-called “network wars.”