Kiray Celis is now officially a Kapuso.
The former ABS-CBN actress signed an exclusive contract with GMA-7 and a managerial contract with its talent arm, GMA Artist Center, on December 20, 2018.
Present during her contract signing were Simoun Ferrer, AVP for talent imaging and marketing, and Tracy Garcia, senior talent manager.
In an interview with GMANetwork.com, Kiray revealed the reason why she decided to transfer to GMA-7, after being with ABS-CBN for almost 20 years.
She said, "Sabi ko sa sarili ko, hindi na ako naggo-grow as an artist. I need something more."
Kiray admitted that she came up with the career move after realizing that she was not getting regular shows with her former network.
The 23-year-old actress recalled, "Nagge-guest lang ako kapag may pelikula akong pino-promote, and then I realized, 'Paano pala kapag wala akong pelikula, so wala akong guesting?'
"So doon na nag-start na parang I need to step back and sa pag-step back ko na yun, iba na yung tatahakin kong papuntang lugar, kung saan ako dapat pumunta. And I decided na pumunta rito sa GMA.
"And sobrang nagulat naman ako kasi sobrang grabe yung welcome nila and naramdaman ko agad yung love and yung respeto sa talento ko, yung respeto nila sa akin sa pagiging artista."
On behalf of GMA Artist Center, Simoun Ferrer said they are glad to have Kiray in their roster of talents.
"We're very happy that Kiray is now with GMA Artist Center. Isa siyang napaka-talented na actress so madami siyang puwedeng gawin.
"We all know na she's very good with comedy but our plan is to really expose her in the different genres in GMA kasi madami nga siyang puwedeng gawin pa. Gusto namin ipakita yung versatility ni Kiray."
Prior to her contract signing with GMA, Kiray was already present at the story conference of the upcoming Kapuso series, Luv U 2.
The TV show will have Jennylyn Mercado and Gabby Concepcion as leads.