On July 8, Kapamilya artists Ralph Malibunas and Gail Banawis voiced their thoughts on ABS-CBN’s survival amid the pandemic and shutdown.
During the media conference for Star Magic Studios’ first produced movie, Connected, Malibunas cited how the Kapamilya network was still able to mount Pinoy Big Brother despite the challenges.
“Para sa akin, grateful pa rin po ako kahit nag-shutdown po, nagkaroon nga ng pandemic, pero sobrang nabilib po ako sa PBB, sa ABS-CBN, siyempre, kila Direk Lauren, sa bumubuo po ng ng Pinoy Big Brother, na nagawan po nila ng paraan na makabuo ng pandemic season.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako kasi kahit alam kong shutdown, magaling po sila, marami po silang platform. Sobrang digital na tayo, napaka-galing, nagawan nila ng paraan na maipalabas sa A2Z, may block time din po sa Tv5, magaling po talaga ‘yung ABS kaya the best.”
Banawis had an optimistic view of the pandemic and shutdown, noting that their batch wouldn’t be starring in their movie if it was not for the pandemic.
“I have to say siguro– yes, it was difficult for us, but I think God’s timing lang talaga. Yes, the pandemic was a horrible time for all of us, but feeling ko rin naman, if it was not for the pandemic, we wouldn’t be here today. So ‘yun nga everything happens for a reason lang po.”
As for their pairing, Malibunas said he felt contented in his love team with Malibunas.
“For me yes, ang gaan po talaga ka-trabaho ni Gail, and siya pa ‘yung talagang tinutulungan niya ako bawat eksena talaga, so chine-cheer up po niya ako, so maganda po ‘yun sa akin.”
Banawis responded, saying it was a pleasure to be paired with Malibunas.
“Even doon sa bahay ni Kuya, I always saw something in him. And, I always believed in him from the start, so parang to work with him, and to see him grow from the start– it’s a pleasure to /as well to be his love team partner.”
Ralph Malibunas and Gail Banawis star in the first movie produced by Star Magic Studios Connected. The main cast also include young Kapamilya stars Andi Abaya, Kobie Brown, Chico Alicaya, Amanda Zamora, and Richard Juan.
The film, directed by Theodore Boborol, premieres on July 22 via KTX, iWantTFC, TFC IPTV Video on Demand, and Sky Cable pay-per-view.
