Remember when Kris Bernal almost transferred to ABS-CBN?
This happened in late 2016.
At the time, reports came out stating Kris' plans of exploring a career outside GMA-7 and GMA Artist Center.
When PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) had the chance to interview Kris about this on November 3, 2016, the Kapuso actress admitted that she is indeed considering other options.
Even then, her heart remains with GMA-7.
She told PEP.ph, “Basta my heart is with GMA and malaki ang utang ng loob ko sa kanila. I'm just considering options.”
Her network contract with GMA-7 had already expired, but not her contract with GMA Artist Center.
STAYING WITH GMA-7 IN 2017
On December 31, 2016, GMA-7 revealed the titles of their offerings for 2017.
It was announced that Kris would headline the remake of Impostora, a 2007 drama series that originally starred Iza Calzado and Sunshine Dizon.
In an interview with PEP.ph in January 2017, Kris admitted that she had talks with ABS-CBN and other managers before renewing her contract with GMA-7.
She said, “Hindi ako magsisinungaling, kasi totoo naman iyon.
“Siyempre, in my ten years in the industry parang… I’m already 27, so nasa point na I can decide on my own.
“Naisip ko, what if subukan ko iyong ibang kaya kong gawin para ma-maximize iyong capabilities ko?”
But Kris decided to stay with GMA-7.
Kris revealed the reason she decided to stay as a Kapuso in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph in February 2020.
"I stayed with GMA it's because parang utang na loob ko sa kanila iyong binibigyan ako ng trabaho.
"Iyong magrereklamo ka pa, ako na nga iyong bida, magiging choosy pa ako.
"E, makakuha ka lang ng lead role, ang laking bagay na, ang dami-daming gustong magbida.”
In her contract with GMA-7, Kris was able to do the shows Impostora (2017-2018), Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko (2018-2019), and Hanggang sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko (2019).
A FREELANCE ACTRESS IN 2020
Four years after Kris’ aborted transfer to ABS-CBN, she is now a freelance actress.
Kris revealed this in a vlog entry in September 2020 after she did a guest appearance on TV5’s Chika, BESH!
According to Kris, her contracts with GMA-7 and GMA Artist Center had expired during the pandemic.
At press time, GMA-7 has not offered a renewal of Kris' contract, but continues to give her guest appearances in drama anthologies.
She said in her vlog, “In all honesty, no offer yet.
“I think, everything is still uncertain during these times and I totally understand that, kung hindi pa po ako…kung wala pa pong final decision, naiintindihan ko po.
“Mas marami pang malalaki o mahahalagang bagay kaysa dito sa issue ko, di ba? Hahaha!
“Pero I’m still doing guestings with GMA. Yes, kinukuha pa rin nila ako. Trabaho is trabaho, tatanggapin ko po iyan."
Despite being a freelance actress, Kris still asked permission from GMA-7 when she appeared on TV5’s talk show.
She also stated that she's looking for a new manager.
Kris said, “Hindi pa po ako nakakapag-decide or talagang pinag-aaralan kong mabuti kung sino ang puwedeng maghandle sa akin.
“Siyempre, dapat comfortable ako and alam mo iyon… ayon. So iyon, iyon iyong status ko.
“So, right now I’m freelance and I have no manager yet. I’m looking for a manager. Charing!”
KRIS EXPERIENCED DEPRESSION
In a September 22 interview with DZRH, Kris admitted she got depressed when she found out that her GMA-7 contract expired.
“Dumaan din talaga ako sa depression. Nagkaroon ako ng anxiety, lalo na noong malaman ko na wala na akong contract.
“Siyempre, hindi ko na ipinakita sa social media iyon, ano.
“May mga insecurities din ako. Saka, ayon nga, nasa point ako na parang, 'Sino ang may gusto sa akin? May sumusuporta pa ba sa akin?'
“May questions din ako na, 'Hindi kaya ayaw na ako ng network ko?' May ganun.
“'Hindi kaya hindi na nila ako bibigyan ng show kaya wala na akong contract?' May mga ganun na akong questions in mind.”
However, if she were given the choice, Kris would choose to stay with GMA-7.
“Kung may choice ako to stay, talagang I will stay with my network. Ang tanong, gusto pa ba nila ako?”
On Sunday, September 27, Kris is set to appear in GMA-7’s variety show All-Out Sundays.
Ano ba ang latest sa showbiz? Find out kung anong level ang showbiz IQ mo by subscribing to PEP.ph Viber Chatbot here. Join our community para laging updated!