Aksyon TV reported that controversial actor John Lloyd Cruz, who is on
leave of absence from ABS-CBN and whose work contract with the Kapamilya network expires next year, has been sighted several times in GMA Network.
In an official statement, ABS-CBN head of Corporate Communications Kane Errol Choa confirmed that John Lloyd is on indefinite leave and will continue employment with the Kapamilya Network when he returns.
The buzz is he is with frequent companion Ellen Adarna and they are vacationing in Switzerland. This buzz confirms pending their admission that they are in some kind of romantic relationship, whether exclusively dating or living together.
Although artists can be contract stars and freelancers, Atom Araullo’s switch to GMA confirms the transfer of recent of Kapamilya drama series actors Carmina Villaroel, Al Tantay, Jason Abalos, Matt Evans and Edgar Allan Guzman.
Now ABS-CBN can no longer claim the switching channel is a one way street with the move of actors associated with GMA such as Sarah Lahbati, Richard Gutierrez, Aljur Abrenica and Bela Padilla (originally with Star Magic as Krista Valle). Andie Eigenmann, whose mother, Cannes Best Actress Jaclyn Jose, is with GMA Network, has announced her intention to quit show business. Can she be strategizing the big move?
John Lloyd still appears in Home Sweetie Home, his weekly family-oriented sitcom with Toni Gonzales and Ellen. “Indefinite leave” means indeterminate time and he and/or Ellen will be unavailable for videotapings of Home Sweetie Home unless production can come up with believable (or even unbelievable) scenarios that will allow them to be absent from the narrative.
Although he arrived late in the last Star Magic Ball, John Lloyd maintains a strong relationship with father figure Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan. Even if he visited executives of GMA Network, as alleged, most likely that’s to explore possibilities and alarm ABS-CBN come contract negotiation time that he in looking at other possibilities.
John Lloyd is a restless soul. Who knows if talks with a new employer will pacify it? But perhaps ABS-CBN will not let that happen.
ATOM ARAULLO UNDER THE SEA. GMA Network scores an impressive mileage for Philippine environment by adding prize-winning journalist Atom Araullo to its roster of high-performing documentarians.
“I hope to learn from them and I will share my knowledge with them,” Atom stated about the expected synergy. GMA Network is the country’s uncontested leader in documentary content.
Kicked off by the screening of his feature in Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, the documentary showed never-before seen photos and footage of Atom, including his father from whom he apparently got his chinky eyes. Everywhere he went, he could relate to people of all ages.
“‘Di ko alam. Gusto mo gawa tayo?” Atom replies nonchalantly when asked about his official work title at GMA Network. Then somebody from the audience tried to help, “Documentarian.”
This confirms that Atom did not shift channels for a higher position and salary, but to be able to focus on his competency, doing documentaries, and stay away by choice from early morning show hosting, which is a big hassle for him as he is not an early riser; and sideline as a drama series actor or do his own television show.
He wants to be able to work with Jessica, Howie Severino, Mackie Pulido and do projects of his own outside the network with creatives he met while doing Mike de Leon’s full-length feature Citizen Jake.
Atom held his impressive first solo press conference in a stylized blazer over smart shirt, jeans and leather shoes to launch his first documentary with the Kapuso Network, Philippine Seas, to broadcast on November 5, 3:30 p.m. on GMA 7.
He also does not know the length of his work contract. He quips, “Baka two months.” And adds, “Si Noel (Ferrer) kasi,” putting the lack of hard information about his new employment to the well-known business manager, who he revealed facilitated his return to the network where he used to belong.
Asked what he thinks of the confirmation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu, he said, “Now he has to start to deliver. He has to balance the use of natural resources for commercial purpose and serving the people.”
These answers show Atom’s straightforwardness and fairness, the measures of a good journalist. He does not improvise to give a preconceived answer, but thinks through it on the spot. This makes it an honest answer.
We asked, upon Atom’s announcement of his departure from ABS-CBN, where he was going. Now it is clearer: Initially, under the sea He immediately began filming for his new documentary Philippine Seas, a special that hopes to uncover the wonders and threats surrounding the Philippines’ marine gems.
To do this, Atom went on a rigorous 10-day expedition across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao where he experienced many firsts in his career as a documentary-maker.
If other invitees took selfies with Atom, I shook his hand in recognition of his great work in entertainment. He has a normal grip that he made personal with a warm smile. He will make a great politician but the way he talked during the presscon that’s not listed among his long-term plans.
Lead will do a full-length review of Philippine Seas after its much-awaited broadcast on November 5, 3:30 p.m. on GMA 7.
GINA LOPEZ RECEIVES SEACOLOGY PRIZE. In appreciation of her tireless environmental advocacy in the face of powerful opposition, Regina Paz “Gina” Lopez was awarded the 2017 Seacology Prize with the $10,000 prize held on October 5, at the David Brower Center in Berkeley.
Gina, the much-admired former acting secretary of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Now in its 27th year, the Seacology Prize is awarded to an individual who has shown exceptional achievement in preserving island environments and culture. Ceremony reception started at 6 p.m., followed by the awarding of the Prize and a presentation about Seacology’s current projects.
AGA RETURNS TO THE MOVIES. Manay Ethel Ramos, Aga Muhlach’s kind business manager for the longest time, sent an SMS that she should have visited Bambbi Fuentes’ salon had she known she would be flashed on the screen during her talent’s guesting in Magandang Buhay to promote Seven Sundays, his return feature set to open nationwide today.
But avid fans desiring for an Aga-Lea Salonga film will have to wait longer as said project is not scheduled in her calendar this year. The frequent visits to Leon Gallery of Atasha Muhlach, accompanied by her parents Aga and Charlene Gonzales with twin brother Andres, have resulted in encouraging her to pursue art. In her Dad’s questing in Magandang Buhay, Atasha’s artworks were displayed.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS AS COMMERCIALS. Fourteen local solo and group artists like Raymund Marasigan & Sandwich, Ebe Dancel & Autotelic, Noel Cabangon, and Abra & Abranotes sing contemporized versions of classic Christmas songs in Coke Studio Philippines. Nothing more than hipped up commercials, it’s splattered with Coke TVCs and logos in a studio setting over TV 5 during the Season!
LEAD OUT! Rain will perform in the Rain or Shine concert for the benefit of the Marawi invasion victims at Araneta Coliseum on November 3!... The world’s top ballet company, Bolshoi, will do Swan Lake at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in February 2018 despite two local productions this year!... Jessy Mendiola, Luis Manzano’s girlfriend, now calls his mother, Star of All Seasons Vilma Santos, as Monskie!... Joey de Leon’s off-the-cuff comment on depression and his admission that he was wrong have put the issue to the fore, clarifying and spreading the truth about it!... Jinggoy Estrada lighted seven candles to the Sto. Niño of Cebu to petition the release of best friend Bong Revilla Jr. from the slammer!... Fake news did not give rise to fake starlets!... The plot of Super Ma’am gives fresh content to national television!... How I like watching Juan Direction replays over Aksyon TV!... The fastest way to lose money still is to produce a film when you lack the competency to do so!