The transfer of Comedy King Dolphy and the reported exodus of other talents from their respective home networks to join the newly dressed TV5 has been a hot topic particularly among those working inside the entertainment circuit.

One person who is familiar when it comes to relocating from one station to another is comedian-host Bayani Agbayani. The funnyman started his career with the Kapuso network, working his way up from being a production staff to a regular mainstay of a noontime show. Bayani eventually transferred to ABS-CBN where he stayed for several years before returning recently to GMA-7's fold.

Bayani is not the type who burns bridges with anyone. He is proud to say that his departure from the Lopez-owned network was done smoothly and amicably.

"Ever since 'yan ang panuntunan ko sa buhay. Lahat ng network nakatulong sa akin, so bakit mo dapat siraan ang network na hindi ka na mabigyan ng trabaho? Talagang ganun, maaaring sa isang nagtitinda ng gulay hindi mabili ang petchay, yong repolyo naman ang ititinda niya. Dapat kaya mong tanggapin yon at kaya mong maging flexible at kaya mong maghanap ng trabaho sa ibang network," Bayani rationalized to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during an interview at the press conference of First Time held at Studio 6 of the GMA Network Studios in Quezon City.

NETWORK ISSUES. In light of the recent controversy surrounding network-talents exclusivity, Bayani happily announced that his two-year contract with GMA-7 will not affect his working relationship with TV5.

"Talagang inayos namin ng manager [Noel Ferrer] ko at ng GMA. Nakiusap kami na 'yong mga previous commitments ko itutuloy ko pa rin and pumayag naman sila."

Bayani would rather not speculate on the business side of things, particularly on the rumor that the more established stations are now trying to safeguard their talents by restricting them from crossing over occasionally to the Novaliches-based network.

Being able to work independently with various companies is an exciting prospect, according to Bayani. From a talent's point of view, it is simply all about earning a decent living to   provide for one's family, at least.

"Mas maganda kung maraming network kasi mas maraming artista na magkakaroon ng trabaho. Siyempre, kanya-kanyang diskarte 'yan and kung magaling kang dumiskarte mas marami kang magiging trabaho."