Before becoming stars in ABS-CBN, these celebrities were already making names in the rival network GMA 7. For many of them, their transfer to the Kapamilya network became their stepping stone to ultimate stardom.
While some faced criticisms for the big move they made, all of them claimed they made the right choice.
We’ve listed some of former Kapuso celebrities who eventually became Kapamilya stars:
1. Anne Curtis
The former star of Kapuso shows “Beh Bote Nga”, “Anna Karenina” and “TGIS” has become one of the most prized talents of ABS-CBN network since her transfer in 2003. The Filipino-Australian beauty topbilled several popular teleseryes including “Kampanerang Kuba”, “Dyosa” and “Dyesebel”. Curtis also made countless memorable films with Star Cinema including “No Other Woman” where she earned a FAMAS award for Best Actress.
Aside from making a name in acting, Curtis’ hosting skill was honed in the network when she became one of the hosts of the noontime show “It’s Showtime”.
Moreover, “Annebisyosa” surprisingly conquered the music scene thanks to the support of ABS-CBN.
2. Angel Locsin
Locsin’s sudden move to the Kapamilya network in 2007 became very controversial as her critics accused her of being ungrateful to her former network. Catapulted to stardom by Kapuso network, Locsin became GMA 7’s most valued star for several years.
Nevertheless, Locsin’s career beamed brighter in Kapamilya network as she starred in hit teleseryes such as “Lobo”, “Imortal”, “The Legal Wife”. The actress also earned an acting award for the Star Cinema film “One More Try” in 2012.
Locsin is also set to star as the Pinoy heroine Darna in an upcoming project with highly acclaimed director Erik Matti. The movie is said to be the biggest in Philippine history.
3. Toni Gonzaga
Prior to being recognised as the “Ultimate Multimedia Star” Gonzaga started out as a co-host for the popular GMA-7 noontime show “Eat Bulaga”. After being Kapuso for seven years, Gonzaga moved to the Kapamilya network in 2005.
Her transfer to the network established her as one of most sought after hosts of ABS-CBN. Indeed, Gonzaga was chosen to host “Pinoy Big Brother”, “The Buzz”, and “The Voice Philippines.”
Aside from hosting, the Kapamilya network allowed Gonzaga to showcase her talent in singing and acting.
4. Iza Calzado
Calzado’s late father Director Lito Calzado was actually the one who encouraged the beautiful actress to explore new things in her life and career. This is why the GMA talent decided to move to Kapamilya network after 10 years of being a Kapuso star.
Right after her move to ABS-CBN, Calzado was tasked to host the Philippine version of “The Biggest Loser.” She also appeared in primetime teleseryes such as “Kahit Puso’y Masugatan” and “Hawak Kamay”. Calzado starred in Star Cinema movies “Maria Leonora Teresa” and “Starting Over Again”.
5. Karylle
After her much-talked about break-up with former boyfriend Dingdong Dantes, Karylle also ended her contract with GMA 7 after seven years in the network.
From hosting SOP for 7 years, Karylle became one of the hosts of its rival show ASAP. Eventually, like Anne Curtis, Karylle became a mainstay at the noontime show “It’s Showtime”.
6. Cristine Reyes
Aside from being Ara Mina’s younger sister, the sexy actress rose to popularity after finishing as a runner-up in the first edition of Starstruck. In her 5-year- stay in GMA 7, Reyes was given supporting roles in Kapuso shows “Super Twins”, “Captain Barbell”, and “Hanggang Kailan”.
Eventually, Reyes moved to the Kapamilya network in 2008 and landed the starring roles in TV projects “Kristine”, “Eva Fonda”, and “Reputasyon”. Reyes also starred in Star Cinema films “No Other Woman”, “Bromance” and “The Reunion”.
7. Liza Soberano
Among the celebrities in this list, Soberano probably had the shortest stay in GMA 7: just one week! Soberano decided to prematurely terminate her contract with GMA 7 even with the promise of several projects and movie appearance.
According to the “Forevermore” star, she didn’t feel at home when she was in GMA 7 since she has always aspired to be a star of ABS-CBN.
8. Elmo Magalona
Elmo Magalona is the newest addition to ABS-CBN family from GMA Network. He signed a contract with Star Magic and ABS-CBN on November last year and he will be seen soon on ABS-CBN upcoming teleserye titled “Born For You” with newest loveteam Janella Salvador.
9. Paulo Avelino
The Starstruck alumnus, who left GMA 7 in 2011, is already on his fourth year as a Kapamilya.
While being a Kapuso, Avelino starred in TV shows such as “All My Life”, “Luna Mystica”, “Alakdana”, and “Ilumina”. In ABS-CBN, Avelino was recognised for his outstanding performance as the villain in the phenomenal serye “Walang Hanggan”.
He also appeared in Kapamilya teleseryes such as “Kahit Konting Pagtingin”, “Honesto”, and “Sana Bukas Pa ang Kahapon”.
10. Jona
The “Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 1” Grand Winner Jona surprised the press people when she appeared during the press launch of “We Will Survive” in April 2016. Since then she appeared in numerous Kapamilya programs and became a regular performer in “ASAP” alongside with her new group Birit Queens Angeline Quinto, Klarisse de Guzman and Morissette Amon touring around the world.
Jona, from Jonalyn Viray, shot to fame as Kapuso singer; for years, she was known as one-third of the female singing group La Diva with Maricris Garcia and Aicelle Santos.
11. Jake Cuenca
Cuenca has been a Kapamilya talent for almost a decade now, but the hunk actually started in GMA 7’s teen oriented show “Click” in 2004. He also played supporting roles in Kapuso shows “Majika”, and “Encantadia”.
When he transferred to the Kapamilya network, Cuenca proved he could play the role of a leading man or a villain in teleseryes such as “Palos”, “Maria Mercedes”, “Rubi”, “Tayong Dalawa” and “Ikaw Lamang”.
12. JC de Vera
In his 2014 interview, De Vera revealed that his move to ABS-CBN gave him bigger opportunities. We couldn’t agree more as the Kapamilya newcomer already starred in two drama series namely “Moon of Desire” and “The Legal Wife”.
Currently, his Star Cinema film “Halik sa Hangin” is being screened all over the Philippines. De Vera actually starred in Kapuso network’s teen oriented show “Click” in 2003. After six years in the network, De Vera transferred to TV 5 prior to becoming a Kapamilya.
13. Isabelle Daza
Daza was also a co-host in Kapuso’s noontime show “Eat Bulaga” from 2011 to 2014. She also hosted “Taste Buddies”, a lifestyle magazine program, in GMA 7.
Now a Kapamilya, Daza is set to appear in ABS-CBN’s upcoming fantasy series “Nathaniel”.
14. Richard Gutierrez
Another Kapuso to Kapatid to Kapamilya transferee, Gutierrez will be appearing in ABS-CBN’s upcoming primetime series topbilled by Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla titled “La Luna Sangre”.
The former Kapuso Primetime King stayed in GMA Network for 12 years and TV 5 for some projects before he went on hiatus. Aside from the teleserye, Gutierrez will also be back in the big screen together with former love team Angel Locsin and first team-up with Angelica Panganiban in Star Cinema’s “Wife, Husband, Wife”.
15. Ellen Adarna
In 2010, Adarna, who rose to fame due to social media, became part of GMA 7’s pool of artists. In her stay in the Kapuso network, Adarna appeared in several shows like “Indio”, “Captain Barbell” and the popular gag show “Bubble Gang”.
Set to appear in the Philippine version of “Pasion de Amor”, Adarna said she reached a different level of popularity when she moved to ABS-CBN.
16. Maxene Magalona
The former “Ang TV” star actually stayed in the Kapuso network for 7 years. With her intention to grow as an artist and explore new roles, Magalona transferred to the Kapamilya network last year.
She has already appeared in “Dream Dad”, “It’s Showtime”, and “Maalaala Mo Kaya”.
