Actor-comedian John “Sweet” Lapus had the opportunity to become a Star Magic artist and at the same time, a Kapuso actor, but other Star Magic artists may not have that kind of leeway.
Lapus explained that though he was able to do such kind of setup, this time around, it is no longer possible. The comedian confirmed that Star Magic have managed his movies, endorsements, and live performances when he was still a Kapuso.
However, during his stint in the network, he had to change handlers for exclusivity, making GMA Network talent manager, Ricky Gallardo deal with his Kapuso projects.
Di na pwede sa GMA now. After 2 years sa GMA nag ibang manager ako (exclusive for them). Pero @starmagicphils pa din movies, endorsement at lives shows ko at that time. https://t.co/9sBEv5Z8GS
— John Lapus (@KorekKaJohn) May 30, 2021
This response from the comedian stemmed from an inquiry of a Netizen about the possibility of Star Magic talents who, upon transferring to other networks, could remain in the talent arm of ABS-CBN.
Lapus, back in 2006, became a GMA Network artist and at the same time, was under Star Magic.
Dear Former Star Magic A-listers,
Hindi ba pwedeng under @starmagicphils pa rin kayo kahit nasa ibang network na kayo tulad ng setup ni @KorekKaJohn noon sa Kapuso network? 🥺
— Kapamilya Outsider (@kpmlyaoutsidr) May 30, 2021
However, it may be possible given the fact that GMA Network’s CEO, Felipe Gozon, is open to the idea of having Kapamilya talents, without being exclusive, on the Kapuso Network.
Though there were no proposals at the table coming from the Kapamilya Network yet, Gozon welcomes the thought that a collaboration between the two networks may be possible since the Kapuso Network is not “closing its doors” to ABS-CBN artists.
“Being open for ABS artists has nothing to do with being open to a block time arrangement with ABS-CBN.
“But the situation right now is that there is no talk, there is no proposal, there is nothing to consider, but we are not closing the door.
“Every proposal that will come our way will be seriously evaluated.”
Lapus spent almost two decades with ABS-CBN before switching networks. In 2006, he signed a contract with GMA Network, becoming a host of S-Files and Showbiz Central. During his stay in the Kapuso Network, he had done numerous projects with them, such as, “Ako Si Kim SamSoon”, “Luna Mystika”, “Adik Sayo”, and “Full House”.
In 2013, he returned to the Kapamilya Network as a cast in the show, “Kahit Konting Pagtingin”. He stayed with ABS-CBN until its shutdown in 2020 and was among the retrenched employees after its closure.
Now, he is on TV5 and playing a role in the series, “Paano ang Pangako”.
