24 stars who got major TV breaks after switching networks

LIZA SOBERANO

Just recently, a video went viral showing a very young Liza Soberano on Eat Bulaga! Apparently, the actress started her career on the GMA-7 noontime show in 2011.

However, a week after she signed a contract, she asked to be released so she could sign up with Star Magic.

Three years later, Liza got her first lead role on TV via the primetime series Forevermore along with perennial onscreen partner Enrique Gil.

SARAH GERONIMO

In 2003, Sarah Geronimo won the VIVA singing search Star For A Night which aired in IBC-13. After her win, Sarah joined GMA-7's variety show SOP.

A year later, VIVA transferred their talents (including Sarah) to ABS-CBN. Soon after, she was given an acting break through the afternoon show Sarah The Teen Princess.

Eventually, Sarah became known as the Popstar Princess and starred in various teleseryes, including the TV adaptation of Bituing Walang Ningning.

ANNE CURTIS

Anne Curtis started her career in GMA-7 after being discovered by VIVA. She was included in the youth-oriented show TGIS and paired with Chubi del Rosario.

In 2004, along with other VIVA talents, Anne transferred to ABS-CBN and got a major role in the teleserye Hiram which also starred Heart Evangelista and Geoff Eigenmann.

Anne would later on star in her first title role in 2005, the adaptation of Vilma Santos movie Kampanerang Kuba.

Anne would continue starring in teleseryes and movies, and is currently one of the hosts of the noontime show It's Showtime.

PIOLO PASCUAL

Piolo Pascual started his career as one of the mainstays in the variety show That's Entertainment, which aired in GMA Network.

In 1998, Piolo transferred to ABS-CBN and got a major role in the miniseries Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako. He was also included in the latter part of Esperanza (1997-1999) and Marinella (1999-2001).

Piolo was eventually paired with Judy Ann Santos in Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka (2001) and got his first solo teleserye in 2004: the afternoon show Mangarap Ka. This paved the way for him to be known as the Ultimate Heartthrob in show business.

DENNIS TRILLO

Dennis Trillo, originally a Kapamilya star, was introduced via the TV shows Pangako Sa 'Yo (2001) and K2BU (2001).

In 2002, Dennis transferred to GMA-7 and a year later, he starred in the drama series Twin Hearts as third wheel to Dingdong Dantes and Tanya Garcia. Dennis also figured in a love triangle with Richard Gutierrez and Angel Locsin in Mulawin.

In 2005, he found his niche as a Kapuso leading man when he was cast as Efren in the remake of Darna which also starred Angel. Since then, he played major roles in GMA teleseryes.

This 2017, the 35-year-old actor is looking forward to reprising his role as Gabriel in Mulawin vs. Ravena.

ARCI MUNOZ

Arci Munoz was one of the finalists of GMA-7's StarStruck: The Nationwide Invasion in 2005. After her stint in the competition, she played kontrabida roles in Kapuso teleseryes Princess Charming (2007) and Maging Akin Ka Lamang (2008).

In 2010, Arci transferred to TV5 to do another kontrabida role in My Driver, Sweet Lover.

A year later, TV5 promoted Arci to leading lady status via the teleserye Mga Nagbabagang Bulaklak. She also took a lead role in the afternoon show Felina: Prinsesa ng mga Pusa (2012).

In 2015, the 28-year-old actress transferred to ABS-CBN and got the leading lady role in the remake of Pasion De Amor. She also starred in the primetime series Magpahanggang Wakas in 2016.

CRISTINE REYES

Cristine was the second finalist to be eliminated in the first edition of StarStruck, but she was given major villain roles in GMA teleseryes from 2004-2007. This included the role of Kim Chan in MariMar.

In 2008, Cristine transferred to ABS-CBN and played the third wheel to the characters of Jericho Rosales and Carmen Soo in Kahit Isang Saglit.

Cristine immediately got her first title role in the TV adaptation of Eva Fonda, aired from 2008-2009.

Cristine eventually starred in lead roles in movies and Kapamilya TV shows. Her last teleserye was the top-rating afternoon drama Tubig at Langis (2016).

JERICHO ROSALES

Jericho Rosales was hailed as the grand winner of Eat Bulaga's "Mr. Pogi" competition in 1996, which aired in GMA.

However, the following year, Jericho did projects with ABS-CBN, and formed a love team with Angelika dela Cruz in the shows Oka Tokat (1997) and Esperanza (1997).

Jericho was then groomed to be a leading man and got his big break in Pangako Sa 'Yo in 2000, where his team-up with Kristine Hermosa emerged as one of the most successful love teams in the country.

The 37-year-old actor just finished doing the primetime show Magpahanggang Wakas in 2016.

JAKE CUENCA

Jake Cuenca was introduced via the GMA youth-oriented show Click in 2003 as a new cast member. The Kapuso network gave him a major role in the 2004 drama series Hanggang Kailan as Lorna Tolentino's son.

One of Jake's most remarkable appearances in a GMA show was in the 2005 epic telefantasya Encantadia, wherein he played Kahlil. He was also included in the series Majika in 2006.

In 2007, Jake transferred to ABS-CBN and was included in the cast of Sana Maulit Muli, which aired a year later.

In 2009, Jake got a lead role in the Kapamilya series Tayong Dalawa with Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson. Along with Tayong Dalawa, Jake also topbilled the afternoon show Precious Hearts Romances: Bud Brothers.

Soon, the 29-year-old actor will reunite with Kim and Gerald for the teleserye Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin.

BARBIE FORTEZA

Barbie Forteza actually started her career in ABS-CBN and was supposed to play the kontrabida in Annaliza. However, the project was shelved.

In 2009, GMA tapped Barbie to play the younger version of Rhian Ramos in the remake of Stairway to Heaven. Barbie's partner was Joshua Dionisio, another Kapamilya actor.

Her love team with Joshua became a hit that they were given their first own teleserye titled First Time in 2010.

The teen actress became known for her dramatic prowess and starred in the long-running afternoon drama The Half Sisters.

Currently, Barbie stars in the primetime series Meant To Be.

ALEX GONZAGA

Alex Gonzaga, who was using her real name Cathy Gonzaga back then, was one of the newbies introduced in ABS-CBN's weekly series Let's Go in 2006.

Alex retained her name in Let's Go and was given supporting roles in Pangarap na Bituin (2007) and My Girl (2008).

In 2010, she did projects in TV5 and was eventually signed as a contract artist. She was dubbed as TV5's Dramaserye Princess in the teleserye Babaeng Hampaslupa in 2011.

Afterwards, Alex got lead roles in TV5's shows PS I Love You (2011) and Enchanted Garden (2012).

In 2013, the younger sister of Toni Gonzaga decided to return to ABS-CBN and focused on hosting. She also accepted lead roles in soap operas Pure Love (2014) and Inday Bote (2015).

YASSI PRESSMAN

Yassi started her career in GMA-7 as a supporting character in the youth-oriented series Tween Hearts (2010).

After her stint in the show, Yassi became known for being a kontrabida in several Kapuso TV shows. She also starred in several TV5 shows.

In 2016, Yassi joined Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7. She got her biggest role on TV when she was included in the cast of FPJ's Ang Probinsyano as Alyanna, the love interest of Cardo (played by Coco Martin).

IVAN DORSCHNER

When Ivan Dorschner joined the reality search Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash of 2010, he emerged as the Fifth Big Placer.

He was then included in the Kapamilya teen-oriented shows Shoutout! and Good Vibes.

Ivan took a break from show business and when he returned in 2016, he signed up with GMA Network for a major role in the ongoing primetime series Meant To Be.

KRISTOFFER MARTIN

Kristoffer Martin started his career by joining ABS-CBN's singing competition Little Big Superstar, where he used the name Kristofer Dangculos.

While he did not win the competition, Kristoffer was given projects such as Kung Fu Kids (2008), Ligaw na Bulaklak (2008) and Parekoy (2009).

Since his career did not flourish in the Kapamilya network, Kristoffer decided to try his luck in GMA. He was cast as the young Dingdong Dantes in Endless Love (2010) alongside Kathryn Bernardo.

Kathryn returned to ABS-CBN, but Kristoffer stayed in GMA and formed a successful team-up with Joyce Ching via the series Tween Hearts (2010).

He jumped to leading man status when he was paired with Kim Rodriguez in the afternoon series Kakambal ni Eliana in 2013. He also became Julie Anne San Jose's love interest in the primetime show Kahit Nasaan Ka Man in the same year.

The 22-year-old actor just recently finished his afternoon series Hahamakin Ang Lahat, where he was paired again with Joyce.

JOSEPH MARCO

Joseph Marco started out as a model and tried acting for the first time via GMA's teleserye La Vendetta in 2007. He then took a temporary break from doing TV projects.

In 2010, he returned to television and got a major role in ABS-CBN's late afternoon soap Sabel where he was paired with Jessy Mendiola.

After a string of supporting roles, Joseph was promoted to leading man status via the early primetime shows Pure Love (2014) and Pasion De Amor (2015).

Currently, the 28-year-old actor-singer is one of Maja Salvador's leading men in the early primetime series Wildflower.

ELLA CRUZ

Ella Cruz started as a child star in GMA, where she played the young Angel Locsin in Majika (2006). Because of the strong reception to her portrayal, she was given major roles in the shows Now and Forever: Duyan (2006) and Super Twins (2007).

In 2007, Ella transferred to ABS-CBN to take the lead role in their adaptation of Annaliza, however, the project was shelved. She would then did projects for both ABS-CBN and GMA.

In 2012, Ella earned good feedback for her portrayal as young Cristine Reyes in the series Dahil sa Pag-ibig.

For this reason, she was immediately given a solo teleserye, the mermaid-themed series Aryana.

Currently, Ella is a freelance actress and was last seen in an episode of GMA-7's Karelasyon.

MARLO MORTEL

After being discovered by the late German "Kuya Germs" Moreno, Marlo (who was then using the name Marlowe Pamintuan) was included in GMA's youth-oriented show Tween Hearts (2010). He was cast as Uno, the romantic interest of Leslie, played by Lexi Fernandez.

In 2012, he transferred to ABS-CBN and used the screen name Marlo Mortel when he joined the daytime series Be Careful With My Heart. He became the love team partner of Janella Salvador. This paved the way for them to star in their own Maalaala Mo Kaya episode in 2014.

In 2015, Marlo played leading man again to Janella when the latter was tapped to play the lead character in Oh My G!

Currently, Marlo is concentrating on hosting. In fact, he is known as the Boyfie ng Bayan in Umagang Kay Ganda. He is also set to host the upcoming educational TV show Knowledge On The Go.

ANGELIKA DELA CRUZ

Angelika began her showbiz career in ABS-CBN when she was included in Book 2 of Mara Clara in 1996. She got a major role in Esperanza in 1997 as Judy Ann Santos's sister.

Before Esperanza ended in 1999, her character was killed. This is after Angelika decided to transfer to GMA to join the drama series Di Ba't Ikaw.

She was then groomed as GMA's teleserye princess and got lead roles in Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin (2001) and Habang Kapiling Ka (2002).

Angelika then returned to ABS-CBN when she got her first kontrabida character in Bituing Walang Ningning in 2006.

In 2008, the actress returned to GMA and accepted a mix of villain and mother roles.

TANYA GARCIA

Tanya Garcia started her career in Star Magic in 1997 and was included in the cast of Gimik and Esperanza. However, in the latter part of Esperanza, her character was killed.

Apparently, she signed up as a VIVA talent and became the replacement of Antoinette Taus in Anna Karenina in 2000, after the latter left the show.

Tanya also replaced Antoinette as Dingdong Dantes's love team partner. Tanya and Dingdong starred in two successful TV shows: Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga (2001) and Twin Hearts (2003).

Tanya toko a break from showbiz and when she returned, she became a character actress in GMA teleseryes.

In 2015, Tanya returned to ABS-CBN and was included in the daytime series Ningning. Currently, she is on a break again after giving birth.

LOUISE DELOS REYES

Louise Delos Reyes, who first used the name Mary Grace Perrido, started her career in TV5's youth-oriented series Lipgloss in 2008.

In 2010, a year after the series ended, Louise joined the Kapuso teen-oriented show Tween Hearts as Derrick Monasterio's love team.

However, in 2011, she had to leave the show to star in Alakdana, her first lead role in a teleserye. She was paired with Alden Richards as they topbilled the shows One True Love (2012) and Mundo Mo'y Akin (2013).

Louise's latest teleserye was the afternoon show Magkaibang Mundo in 2016, where she was paired with Juancho Trivino.

MEG IMPERIAL

A VIVA talent, Meg Imperial was first exposed to television via the 2011 TV incarnation of the youth-oriented movie Bagets on TV5. She then got kontrabida roles in the network's drama shows The Sisters and Glamorosa, both aired in 2011.

In 2013, Meg transferred to ABS-CBN and got a plum kontrabida role in Galema: Anak ni Zuma.

In 2014, replacing Galema was Meg's first lead teleserye Moon of Desire, where she was paired with JC de Vera.

This 2017, Meg is now part of GMA-7's upcoming sexy comedy D' Originals.

ISABEL OLI

Isabel Oli started her career using the screen name Olivia Daytia, and was included in the 2003 series It Might Be You.

After one project, she transferred to GMA and used the name Isabel Oli when she became the leading lady of Richard Gutierrez in the 2005 series Sugo.

Isabel then got plum roles in the shows Atlantika (2006), Mga Mata Ni Anghelita (2007), and eventually became kontrabida in Maging Akin Ka Lamang (2008) and Full House (2009).

In 2014, Isabel returned to ABS-CBN and did the shows Annaliza and Bridges of Love (2015).

Currently, Isabel is taking a break from showbiz after giving birth.

MARTIN ESCUDERO

Martin Escudero started his career in ABS-CBN with the screen name Marc Butler, and was included in the 2005 youth-oriented reality show Qpids.

He used the name Martin Escudero when he transferred to GMA and did the TAPE produced series Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat as Marian Rivera's younger brother.

In 2006, he became known as Mart Escudero when he joined StarStruck: The Next Level and won the Ultimate Love Team title along with Kris Bernal.

However, his team-up with Kris did not flourish as he was immediately paired with Jennica Garcia in the shows Impostora (2007), Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig (2007), and Ako Si Kim Sam Soon (2008) among others.

In 2011, he used the Martin Escudero screen name again and was promoted to leading man status as Alex Gonzaga's partner in TV5's Babaeng Hampaslupa. Martin also topbilled his solo weekly series titled Positive.

LUIS ALANDY

Luis was originally a talent of GMA-7 but decided to transfer to ABS-CBN. He was cast as David in the Jericho Rosales-Kristine Hermosa starrer Pangako Sa 'Yo (2000).

Luis also served as the third wheel to Claudine Barretto and Carlos Agassi in Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan (2001).

In 2007, Luis transferred to GMA to play the villain in Impostora. He continued doing kontrabida roles until he was given a leading man role in Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita in 2010.

He also played leading man in My Lover, My Wife (2011) and Broken Vow (2012).

Currently, Luis is back with ABS-CBN as part of the afternoon series The Greatest Love.