Nikki Valdez is proud of ABS-CBN for not giving up despite its unfortunate shutdown.
The actress has been vocal about her support and loyalty for ABS-CBN, her home network of 24 years. Nikki is an artist of Star Magic, the talent management arm of ABS-CBN.
It was last year when Congress denied ABS-CBN’s application for franchise renewal. Nikki imparted that the network is still suffering from the aftereffects of its shutdown.
“Sabi ko nga, so much can happen in just a year. Kung last year sobrang sakit, sobrang lungkot… Actually, hanggang ngayon naman.
“Kapag nakakapanood ako ng mga videos, nakakarinig ako when they recall [what happened], yung iba nga nagka-countdown pa, it’s still painful,” Nikki said in an interview of Cinema News on July 24.
Despite this, ABS-CBN still managed to stand tall and is now “moving forward”. The network is now strengthening its digital platforms and is undergoing block time arrangements.
Nikki said, “Nakaka-proud to be part of ABS-CBN. They are standing tall and still doing everything para mas lumawak pa ang range ng ABS.”
Nikki shared that Laurenti Dyogi, the head of ABS-CBN entertainment production and Star Magic, also has the same perspective amidst ABS-CBN’s situation.
Nikki narrated: “Nung isang araw kasi kasama ko si Direk Lauren sa Teleradyo, nag-guest kami kay Tita Winnie.
“He said nga, ‘You know, something that broke us last year, hindi dun nagtatapos ang buhay ng ABS-CBN.’
“Nakakatuwa… Yung trials just made everyone stronger and [the lack of franchise] pushed us more na wala palang limits ang future.
“Marami ang puwedeng gawin, hindi lang sa free TV.”
The actress is also thankful for having a flow of projects in the network even though it was denied franchise renewal.
“Kare-renew ko lang kasi ng contract ko dito, with Star Magic, with my management of 24 years.
“I guess one major reason also why I stayed, why I’m still here, and I don’t have any plans of transferring is because last year, kahit walang-wala ang ABS-CBN, di na-grant ang franchise, di naman ako nawalan ng work.
“My relationship with ABS has always been like that. We take care of each other. They’re always there for me” Nikki stated.
She also noted that ABS-CBN still remained strong today because of its supporters.
“Wala akong ibang sasabihin kundi malaking pasasalamat. Kasi totoo naman, kung wala sila, kahit anong gawin ng ABS, walang mangyayari.
“We owe it all to our supporters, to all there to watch our shows, to watch our content and support us. Walang hanggang pasasalamat” Nikki said.
Even after ABS-CBN’s shutdown happened, Nikki was able to work for two Kapamilya shows.
She starred in the primetime series A Soldier’s Heart which was broadcasted from January 20 to September 18, 2020.
She was also included as one of the principal cast members of the ABS-CBN’s afternoon series Bagong Umaga. It aired from October 26, 2020, to April 30, 2021.
Aside from these shows, Nikki also appeared in a Maalaala Mo Kaya episode titled Mikropono, which aired this year.
