For the first half of 2019, several celebrities have already switched networks in search of better opportunities. While some have become exclusive talents of their new network, some have chosen to become freelancers in order to have more freedom to move from network to network.
Here is a list of celebrities who chose to leave their home networks in pursuit of better opportunities.
1. Kiray Celis
Johanna Ismael Celis or better known as Kiray is a Filipina actress and comedian. She was first discovered when she joined a contest called MuntÃng Miss U of Magandang Tanghali Bayan (MTB) on ABS-CBN at the age of 4. After staying as Kapamilya for 19 years, Kiray transferred to GMA Network and signed a contract with GMA Artist Center on December 20, 2018. She is part of the primetime series Love You Two.
2. Zonia Mejia
Zonia was a housemate of Pinoy Big Brother 737 in 2015. She was then launched as part of the 2018 Star Magic Circle. She became part of the youth-oriented series Luv U which aired in 2012. She opted to transfer to GMA Network and visited the office of GMA Artist Center last May 30, 2019. She is part of the Kapuso primetime series Sahaya.
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3. Aiko Melendez
Aiko, an actress and former politician, started her career as one of the ‘Regal Babies’ of Regal Films. She did several shows on GMA Network but most often appeared on ABS-CBN. Aiko returned to ABS-CBN in 2011 and starred in Apoy Sa Dagat, Inday Bote, Bagani, and Wildflower. She returned to GMA Network this May 2019 to play a role in afternoon series Prima Donnas.
4. Paul Salas
Paul Andre Solinap Salas or better known as Paul Salas started his career in 2004 through GMA Network’s talent search StarStruck Kids. In 2008, he transferred to ABS-CBN and cast to play Uragon in a live-action fantasy series Kung Fu Kids and various television series. After almost nine years of staying ABS-CBN, he returned to GMA Network in March 2018 and signed a contract with GMA Artist Center on May 17, 2018. After starring in the fantasy series Kara Mia, he is now part of the upcoming Descendants of the Sun.
5. Clint Bondad
Clint is a former ASAP cast member and was known as the ex-boyfriend of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. He inked a management contract with GMA Artist Center on May 7, 2019 and starred in primetime series Love You Two. He first appeared in an episode of Dear Uge in November 2018.
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6. Raymond Bagatsing
Ramón “Raymond” San Diego Bagatsing III is a Filipino model and actor who started his career in ABS-CBN in 1980s until January 2014. He became part of GMA Network’s initial drama offering and Primetime TV Series Carmela. After Carmela, Raymond moved to TV5 to do Baker King in 2015. I December 2018, he returned as a Kapuso and starred in TODA One I Love. He gained more prominence after leading the film Quezon’s Game.
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7. Empress Schuck
Empress Karen Carreon Schuck or simply Empress is currently a freelance actress. She was discovered by ABS-CBN in the 2000s. In 2005, she was seen on GMA Network when she played the role of Young Cassopeia in Etheria while doing other projects in ABS-CBN. In 2015, Empress decided to transfer to GMA-7 as a freelance actress but occasionally appears on ABS-CBN. She had her guest role in the 2018 Kapuso series My Special Tatay. This January, Empress got a regular role in the GMA-7 series Hiram na Anak after 4 years.
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8. Derek Ramsay
Derek Arthur Baggao Ramsay Jr. or Derek Ramsay is a Filipino model. He became a certified Kapuso after signing an exclusive contract with GMA Network last April 3, 2019. It was last year when he bid goodbye to his home network TV5, six years after leaving ABS-CBN. He is currently n the Kapuso primetime series The Better Woman.
9. Jon Lucas
Aljhon Andres “Jon” Lucas was part of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic Circle 2013. He was also a former Hashtags member. In June 2019, he transferred to GMA Network and was cast in the upcoming series Descendants of the Sun.
10. McCoy Fundales
McCoy is a Filipino musician, writer, and actor. He was the former lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the popular Pinoy rock band Orange and Lemons. He was a participant of ABS-CBN reality show, Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition Season 2. He inked a contract with AltG Records last May 24 to set his music comeback. He is currently the lead vocalist of the band Kenyo and writer for GMA Network sitcom Pepito Manaloto after his network transfer presumably in 2010.
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11. Anjo Damiles
Joseph Roland Beltran Damiles, better known as Anjo Damiles is the latest Kapamilya star to officially join GMA Network’s talent arm. He signed a co-management contract with GMA Artist Center this July 15 after five years with Star Magic. He will soon star in Madastra, an upcoming Kapuso series.
