After much anticipation, Ultimate Star Jennylyn Mercado officially renewed her contract with GMA Network on January 21 during the grand celebration dubbed “New Jen Kapuso Day.”
Present during the event were GMA Network President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, and Aguila Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Katrina Aguila.
Also in attendance were Executive Vice President for GMA Pictures and Senior Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon, First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia, Assistant Vice President, Division Head of Studio and Remote Operations, PED, Engineering Jeffrey Q. Evangelista, and Assistant Vice President, Litigation and Special Projects, Legal Affairs Atty. Jose Vener C. Ibarra.
Joining them were Entertainment Group’s Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Vice President for Comedy, Infotainment, Game, and Reality Productions Janine Piad-Nacar, Vice President for Musical, Variety, Specials & Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, and Consultant Darling De Jesus-Bodegon together with Entertainment Group Program Managers in celebrating this milestone.
Jennylyn expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Network for its unwavering support throughout her career. “I am here, I am back, I am home. Kapuso pa rin tayo, at taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng tumulong sa akin, at of course, sa GMA, sa patuloy na pagmamahal at sa patuloy na pag-support at pagtanggap pa rin po sa akin,” she shared.
During the signing, Duavit shared in an interview how Jennylyn became an OG Kapuso. “Jen coincides with the start. The manifestation of a dream we both shared. Ang GMA noon ay nagnanais na makapagpasikat ng artista. Si Jen naman, I’m presuming, dreamt of being an actress, where Jennylyn was the Ultimate Survivor na female. So, on that basis talagang yan ang OG, definitely homegrown all throughout.” he remarked.
Yalong, in turn, assured that the Network remains Jennylyn’s home. “I know how GMA values homegrown talent. From the beginning, she was discovered by the StarStruck team, and from there, she has grown so fast. Jennylyn, your forever home, GMA, will always be here for you,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rasonable reflected on Jennylyn’s growth over the years. “Na-witness namin, nakasama ka namin, at dito ka na nakabuo ng pamilya sa isang Kapuso rin. We’re just happy that you are still with us and that you continue to grow in your career and in your family life,” she shared.
From her beginnings as the First Ultimate Female Survivor of Starstruck in 2003 to her iconic shows such as “Super Twins,” “Rhodora X,” and “Encantadia,” Jennylyn has undoubtedly made a mark in the Philippine entertainment industry. She also headlined several films, including the MMFF entries “Walang Forever” and “English Only Please,” which garnered her two Best Actress awards.
This year, she is set to return to the big screen via the romantic comedy Everything About My Wife alongside Dennis Trillo and Sam Milby under GMA Pictures, Creazion Studios, and Glimmer Philippines.
Jennylyn will also banner GMA’s upcoming explosive primetime action-drama, together with husband, Dennis.
Beyond her on-screen endeavors, Jennylyn and Dennis launched Brightburn Entertainment, which co-produced GMA Pictures’ MMFF award-winning film Green Bones in 2024. They also started StarTruck, a relief initiative mobilized during typhoons.
The Kapuso Ultimate Star is sure to shine even brighter as she continues her journey with GMA Network. Congratulations, Kapuso!
