• Jimmy Bondoc’s attack on ABS-CBN had artists set aside the network war to show their support for the Kapamilya network
• Artist from both networks expressed their support for ABS-CBN by posting their messages on social media

Jimmy Bondoc’s Facebook post on his excitement on the possible closure of the “biggest network” (which he later revealed to be ABS-CBN) has stirred up a lot of emotions from people throughout the industry.

Many expressed their disappointment in Bondoc, especially his careless disregard of the loss of thousands of jobs that such a shutdown would bring about.

If there is a positive side to Bondoc’s actions, it is that the well-known personalities from entertainment and from news and current affairs have broken down the network divide to express their messages of support and of gratitude to ABS-CBN. Kapamilya and Kapuso overlooked their differences to show solidarity and give their support to ABS-CBN.

Rey Agapay who has been working at the GMA network for 20 years has shown his support to the other network.

View this post on Instagram

as a broascasting student i was an intern for @gmapublicaffairs and have now been working for #gmaentertainment for close to 20 years now. #kapuso through and through. but that doesn’t mean i cannot recognize the #goodwork of my colleagues and friends in @abscbn we share the spirit of #excellence in our field, in shining the #light on the #truth, in defending and celebrating the filipino people’s right to freedom of speech, the #press, and of #expression Kung para sa #bayan, huwag tayong watak-watak at utak-talangka

A post shared by Rey Agapay (@reyagapay) on May 24, 2019 at 5:07am PDT

Derek Ramsay, who is a former ABS-CBN artist, offered “complete respect” to the network even though he is now under contract at GMA Network.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx1Ikeen64t/?fbclid=IwAR0qHn2KuFhE910rmTkZJG1ubpR93fSQWy8IzlvmoR03XPwlBKp8lTfWY8I

Sunshine Cruz said she would always grateful for how the network helped her rebuild her career.

GMA News reporter Raffy Tima greeted ABS-CBN on their 65th anniversary. In his message, he said that though they see ABS-CBN as a competitor, when they are out in the field, they are one.

Marvin Agustin will always be grateful to ABS-CBN for changing his life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx1WMoen10Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&fbclid=IwAR2iP2zh4AoMQBQ4mds8fVW2CmWBaBLxqAQ37N0WR7cBsCXPjj9dfI8i660

Sa loob ng 65 na taon ay hindi natinag ang inyong suporta at pagmamahal! Maraming salamat, Kapamilya! pic.twitter.com/CzuCXtjcpB

— ABS-CBN Corporation (@ABSCBN) May 24, 2019

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I am proud and honored to be part of a company with a mission to SERVE. Thank you to our dear Kapamilyas for allowing us to be part of your lives for the past 65 years!!! ❤️ To my family in ABS-CBN, taas noo ko kayong ipinagmamalaki. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and serve with you!!! ❤️ #ForeverAKapamilya #Happy65thABSCBN #ForeverGrateful ❤️

A post shared by Charo Santos (@charosantos) on May 24, 2019 at 12:09am PDT

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx14JhlBKBh/?utm_source=ig_embed

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx1e05CFWYC/?utm_source=ig_embed

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Ako rin po ay isa ring kapamilya at lubos na nagpapasalamat sa pamunuan ng Abs Cbn at ng lahat ng mga kapamilyang tumatangkilik sa aming mga palabas sapagkat mayroon akong trabaho at nagagamit ko ang kakayahan na ibinigay sa aking ng poong maykapal. #grateful #kapamilya #nagpapasalamat

A post shared by Ogie Alcasid (@ogiealcasid) on May 23, 2019 at 4:05pm PDT

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What a journey it’s been. To inspire many is a feat…but to inspire countless is a victory. Thank you for making me part of the family. Happy anniversary #ABSCBN

A post shared by Gary Valenciano (@garyvalenciano) on May 24, 2019 at 2:28am PDT

• Jimmy Bondoc reacts against celebs defending Jim Paredes and his scandal
• ‘Never mind hypocrisy,’ says Bondoc in response to Jaime Fabregas’ defense that Paredes is not a bad person despite his lewd video
• Fabregas remarked that the people who published Paredes’ video were the evil ones

Musician turned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) official Jimmy Bondoc responded to celebrities defending Jim Paredes and his lewd video that circulated on April Fool’s Day.

The PAGCOR vice president for corporate social responsibility wrote on his Facebook account: “As I said… sooner or later, they will make this guy the hero. Bayani bigla. Never mind infidelity to a wife, I guess. Never mind hypocrisy.”

He also attached a picture of Jaime Fabregas in his post, with the veteran actor’s statement defending Paredes who was a known vocal critic of the Duterte administration.

According to Fabregas, who is a mainstay of ABS-CBN’s hit prime-time series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, “The publishing of the video of Jim Paredes is plain evil. It is almost like the last gasps of this ailing regime. If Jim was having cyber sex in the privacy of his room wherever he was, that’s none of our business. He was not hurting anyone. He was not forcing himself on anyone. He is not evil. The people who published it, are.”

The actor and known music scorer added, “Everybody has sex. It’s the nature of things. What this video wants to effect is that Jim, who is a staunch critic of this administration, is what? A bad person? Because he has sex? That would be the epitome of stupidity.”

Bondoc’s sentiments then turned to campaign to fellow supporters of the president not to vote for any senatorial candidates belonging to the “Yellow” faction, or simply those in opposition of Duterte’s policies.

“The video was real. It was private, and not meant for public consumption. I do not know how it became public,” Paredes confessed after initially denying that the controversial video was fake.

The former member of the APO Hiking Society admitted his wrongdoing and made an apology to the public.

Among the celebrities and personalities that defended the veteran singer were Gary Valenciano, Leah Navarro, and writer-artist Carlos Celdran.

• Hundreds of stars were included in the 2018 Kapamilya Christmas station ID
• But there are still some who were not spotted in the music video.

The internet went crazy when ABS-CBN‘s 2018 Christmas station ID “Family is Love” on Sunday, November 18, during ASAP Natin To.

There has been hundreds of stars seen in the video, which included, Vice Ganda, Coco Martin, Sarah Geronimo, Gary Valenciano, Piolo Pascual, and Regine Velasquez. Loveteams KathNiel, LizQuen, JaDine, JoshLia, and MayWard were also present in the video.

But as it seemed like every Kapamilya star has participated in the Station ID, there are still notable stars who were not sighted in the video.

Janno Gibbs

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnqoO4iHvKT/

Janno openly expressed his disappointment on Instagram. In his now-deleted post, he told everyone not to look for him at the Station ID because he was not even given the chance to participate.

“Throwback to Sept. 12 this year when I signed with @starmusic.ph. Naalala ko lang. Sila yata di ako naalala e.”

He also replied to one comment saying that maybe it’s because he’s not signed on a network contract, but as far as he knows, as long as you’re a recording artist, you’ll be included on the station ID.

When another netizen suggested for him to return to GMA-7, however, he told that the Kapuso network isn’t giving him any projects.

Sharon Cuneta

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The best family moments are made in the kitchen, don't you think? Favorite ko talaga mag-bonding with my kids over a hot bowl of Tinola made with Magnolia Chicken 3-Way in Ginger. Mas madali na gawin, heartwarming sa sarap pa rin! @MagnoliaCSPH #3WaystoWOW

A post shared by ActorSingerPresenter (@reallysharoncuneta) on Nov 15, 2018 at 1:04am PST

The Megastar was also not included in the Station ID. She is currently filming for her movie with Kathryn Bernardo and Richard Gomez, directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina.

Julia Montes

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmqeEW4hnUA/

Julia, who is filming for Doctors to the Barrio alongside Kean Cipriano, was also not sighted in the music video.

Angelica Panganiban

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqMSEohhd1z/

The Exes Baggage star was also absent.

Alessandra De Rossi

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqbN9VDHKNy/

Alessandra was also not in the station ID. Her movie ‘Through Night and Day‘ is currently showing in cinemas.

Kisses Delavin

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Where the rain falls, the sun also shines. Uwu

A post shared by K I S S E S (@kissesdelavin) on Nov 4, 2018 at 8:32am PST

DonKiss fans fans have noticed the absence of the loveteam’s other half Kisses.

Judy Ann Santos

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpewjBYHz8i/

Like the artists listed above, Judy Ann did not participate in this year’s ABS-CBN Station ID.

• Regine Velazquez acknowledged that ABS-CBN is the number one television station in the country.
• She clarified that the reason for her transfer was not about money, but abut the opportunities. 

Regine Velasquez has dubbed ABS-CBN Network as the “number one station” in the country.

In her media conference at the Dolphy Theater, she clarified the real reason why she signed with the Kapamilya network. She said that it’s not because of how much was offered to her, but because of the opportunities to work with talented artists.

“No… you know, at my age and at the stage of my career, we all know, you know, alam nilang lahat ng mga reporters dito na mga kaibigan ko na, hindi naman ako ilusyunadang tao. Alam ko naman kung ano yung lugar ko sa industry.

“Sobra akong touched na touched sa welcome na ibinigay sa akin ng ABS-CBN kasi hindi ko akalain na ganun ako kaimportante, hindi po ako mailusyunadong tao.

“But the reason why I’m here is because hindi ko alam kung hanggang kailan ko pa kayang kumanta, and I want to work with their talented singers.”

She then proceeded to acknowledge ABS-CBN as the number one station.

“Yun talaga yun, na bago man lang matapos yung career ko, masabi kong nakatrabaho ko din ang number one station.”

Regine also revealed that she’s looking forward to working with the network’s biggest singers such as Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Piolo Pascual, Morissette Amon, and Sarah Geronimo.

• 10 celebrities that is currently battling or have battled against cancer.
• Celebrities share their hardships and lessons upon getting diagnosed with cancer.

Life during and after cancer is difficult. Although survival rates are continuously rising, there is still no certainty of life and the fear of dying is still there.

Here are celebrities who braved or currently braving the battle against cancer.

1. Melissa de Leon

It was late 2006 when the singer-actress, a sister of Christopher and Pinky de Leon, Lara Melissa de Leon-Joseph learned about her stage 2 breast cancer.

She became a strong advocate of breast cancer awareness and has formed Pink Project with four of her children. It then became The Asian Hospital’s official cancer support group.

2. Maritoni Fernandez

Actress Maritoni Fernandez is cancer free for 17 years now! When she was in the states in 2001, Maritoni was diagnosed with Stage 2A Breast Cancer on the right breast.

In an Instagram post last January, the actress rejoiced as she remains cancer free according to a recent mammography. She wrote, “It’s an all clear for my yearly 3D mammography ‘tomosynthesis’. Thank you Lord! 17 years cancer free! With me here are my rad tech Marie and my super close friend Dra. Perez (head of breast clinic at St. Luke’s Global). Thank you for making sure I’m always healthy and my boobies are too!”

3. Bibeth Orteza Siguion-Reyna

Activist-scriptwriter Bibeth Orteza Siguion-Reyna has battled stage 3 breast cancer that was detected last 2004 and was announced cancer-free by her son Rafa Siguion Reyna.

“Mag-e-eleven to twelve years na siyang magaling. Wala nang nararamdaman. In remission. Nakatulong sa kanya iyong kanyang trabaho. Matiyaga kasi siya sa pagsusulat at even noong nagkasakit siya hindi siya nag-stop.”

4. Kara Magsanoc Alikpala

Broadcast journalist Kara Magsanoc Alikpal was diagnosed with breast cancer in the year 1997. Two years after the discovery, she started the I Can Serve Foundation along with three of her friends. It advocates early breast cancer detection through breast self-examination.

She said that the experience was somewhat a blessing because it inspired her to “push for women to be more proactive about their health.”

5. Jaymee Joaquin

Jaymee Joaquin was diagnosed with stage 2A of breast cancer and left the entertainment industry five years ago.

She is now cancer-free and making a comeback as a commercial model in Los Angeles. She then gave words of advice for all the dreamers out there. “To the dreamers out there, never give up. Keep dreaming. Keep thriving. Keep believing. Madly chase what sets your soul on fire. And hold on to that spark of hope that God is working one ranting that desire in your heart.” she wrote in one Instagram post.

6. Isay Alvarez

It was November 2012 when Miss Saigon cast member Isay Alvarez was diagnosed with Leukemia while vacationing in Albay.

The discovery didn’t stop Isay from working hard for the musical ‘Katy’.

7. Joey Albert

Singer Joey Albert has experienced quite a bumpy ride. She has survived cervical cancer in 1995 but was diagnosed with colon cancer eight years later. She had a successful surgery in July of the same year and finished her chemotherapy on the year after.

In January 2015, tests confirmed that her cancer has recurred. She had another successful surgery in March 2015.

8. Janice Jurado 

After admitting to be a former drug addict and alcoholic, actress Janice Jurado was revealed to have battling breast cancer.

The as one of the sexy stars who made a name for themselves in Pinoy movies in the 80’s, the actress had suffered from financial difficulties a few years ago. “Dumanas ma’m kasi ako ng hindi kumain ng tatlong araw. Kaya ngayon, konting kita, masaya na ako. Parang naa-appreciate ko dahil naranasan ko ang wala.” she stated.

9. Will Dasovich

Known with a cheerful and outgoing personality, the online community was shaken when he announced last 2017 he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.

Six months after countless visits to the doctors, he finished his last cycle of chemotherapy on January 2018. The month after, he was confirmed to be cancer free. In a video he uploaded on his Youtube account, he posted encouraging and inspirational lessons he learned throughout his battle with cancer. “Life is full of ups and downs and part of living is finding a way to surpass as many obstacles thrown at your course. But if you will find a path with no obstacles, it probably won’t lead you anywhere. We all have challenges ahead of us but it’s all about how you respond to these challenges that will define you.

Don’t let these challenges bring you down. Let it be the thing that lifts you up,”

10. Gary Valenciano

In a recent interview for Rated K, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano announced that a recent surgery revealed that he had cancer. He said that he had to go an emergency open heart surgery after the anterior descending artery was found to be blocked due to diabetes.

However, all is good as he reassured his fans with an optimistic tweet.

I always knew I was a star.
And now, the rest of the world seems to agree with me. -Freddie Mercury

Stars were just like ordinary people before they became famous. Some of them already had a share in the limelight even before making a name. Some were already stars in the making, and some were struggling for their star to shine bright.

Let’s see how some of the Filipino celebrities look like before they became famous. Did most of them already have star quality before they shone bright in the Philippine entertainment industry, or did they only shine after years of hard work?

Take a look at some of the most famous stars in the past and today and look back at how they started.

Here are some Pinoy celebrities before they became famous stars:

Dolphy

Before Dolphy became the “King of Comedy”, he was a theater performer and an extra in may films.

Fernando Poe Jr.

“Da King” started out as a stuntman before he took lead roles.

Christopher De Leon

Christopher started his acting career in 1974.

Vilma Santos

Vilma has always been pretty since she was a child actress.

Sharon Cuneta

Tito Sotto, Sharon’s uncle-in-law produced her first album which included the immortal “Mr. DJ” song.

Regine Velasquez

“Asia’s Songbird” was once a regular in singing competitions, amateur and professional.

Gary Valenciano

Before Gary became “Mr. Pure Energy”, he started out as a commercial model for a softdrink.

Vic Sotto

Vic was a singer known as “Marvic Sotto” even before he joined VST and company.

Lea Salonga

Lea has been singing since she was a child and even recorded albums before she was in Miss Saigon.

Whether you admit it or not, Pinoys love interacting with celebrities particularly on the social networking site Twitter. The site which enabled users to express their thoughts in 140 characters became instrumental in connecting actors, hosts, models, singers, dancers  and band members to their fans as well as their haters.

Early this year, we put up a list  of Pinoy celebrity millionaires on Twitter. As the year ends, we’re updating our list. Find out who went up, down, and stayed on the list.

50. Iza Calzado with 1.34 M followers

49. Sam Concepcion with 1.37 M followers

48. Teddy Corpuz with 1.39 M followers

47. Miles Ocampo with 1.39 M followers

46. Ramon Bautista with 1.4M followers

45. Jericho Rosales with 1.43 M followers

44. Ryan Bang with 1.45 M followers

43. Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla with 1.46 M followers

42. John Prats with 1.49 M followers

41. Jed Madela with 1.52 M followers

40. Camille Prats with 1.52 M followers

39. Manny Pacquiao with 1.52 M followers

38. Maja Salvador with 1.65 M followers

37. Maxene Magalona with 1.67 M followers

36. Sarah Geronimo with 1.7 M followers

35. Jasmine Curtis- Smith with 1.72 M followers

34. Liz Uy with 1.74 M followers

33. Jugs Jugueta 1.76 M followers

32.Robi Domingo 1.77 M followers

31. Coleen Garcia with 1.8 M followers

30. Rachelle Ann Go with 1.84 M followers

29. Karylle Tatlonghari with 1.99 M followers

28. Jodi Sta Maria with 2.07 M followers

27. Pokwang with 2.12 M followers

26. Christian Bautista with 2.14 M followers

25. Jhong Hilario with 2.15 M followers

24. Solenn Heussaff with 2.22 M followers

23. Gary Valenciano with 2.26 M followers

22. Xian Lim with 2.35 M followers

21. Ruffa Gutierrez with 2.36 M followers

20. Georgina Wilson with 2.42 M followers

19. Enrique Gil with 2.57 M followers

18. Lea Salonga with 2.64 M followers

17. Vhong Navarro with 3 M followers

16. Kim Atienza with 3.08 M followers

15. Nikki Gil with 3.18 M followers

14. Daniel Padilla with 3.22 M followers

13. Iya Villania with 3.28 M followers

12. Julia Montes with 3.35 M followers

11. Sam Milby with 3.39 M followers

10. Bianca Gonzalez with 3.67 M followers

9. Cristine Reyes with 3.69 M followers

8. Luis Manzano with 3.71 M followers

7. Yeng Constantino with 3.79 M followers

6. Kathryn Bernardo with 3.91 M followers

5. KC Concepcion with 3.96 M followers

4. Angelica Panganiban with 4.29 M followers

3. Vice Ganda with 4.61 M followers

2. Angel Locsin with 5.4 M followers

1. Anne Curtis with 7.59 M followers

The Newbie Millionaires on Twitter

Several celebrities reached the 1 million-mark for the number of followers for the first time in 2014. They are as follows: Lovi Poe with 1.09 M followers; Elmo Magalona with 1.08 M followers; Khalil Ramos with 1.05 M followers; Mo Twister with 1.04 M followers; Denise Laurel 1.03 M; Heart Evangelista with 1.03 M followers; Papa Jack with 1.02 M followers; Julie Ann San Jose with 1.02 M followers; Paulo Avelino with 1.02 M followers; Jamich with 1.01 M followers; and Melissa Ricks with 1 M followers.

Meanwhile, some celebrities maintained their millionaire status on the social networking site including Tim Yap with 1.23 M followers; Zsa-zsa padilla with 1.22 M followers; Rhian Ramos with 1.19 M followers; Matteo Guidicelli with 1.18 M followers; Kean Cipriano with 1.18 M followers; Carmina Villaroel Legaspi with 1.16 M; Derek Ramsay with 1.16 M followers; Sam Pinto with 1.13 M; and Kris Aquino with 1.03 M followers.