Charo Santos-Concio shared her thoughts on how ABS-CBN can overcome the challenges that it is currently facing.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) caught up with Charo during the Kudos Night honoring the stars, directors, and producers whose works are featured in the book Sine. Film. Pelikula: The 100+ Greatest Movies of Philippine Cinema.
Among the films featured is Itim, the 1976 classic masterpiece directed by the late Mike de Leon and starring Charo Santos.
The event took place at Cinema 3 of Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City, on August 10, 2026, and the live forum was moderated by the book author herself, Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon.
Before the forum, there was a brief Q and A with the press, where this exclusive interview happened.
Read: Charo Santos recalls Mike de Leon's fiery temper in Kisapmata
CHARO SANTOS-CONCIO ON ABS-CBN'S CHALLENGES
Charo has been nominated to return to the ABS-CBN Board of Directors.
The veteran actress previously served as ABS-CBN’s President and CEO from 2013 to 2015.
How can the network overcome the challenges it is currently facing?
Her answer briefly touched on the importance of content.
"Madami talagang [challenges] because the landscape is changing. So we all should embrace, you know, the changes.
"You know, people are now going for a lot of streaming, a lot of social media.
"Everything's available fast," she said with a smile.
"So we all have to adapt to the changes. Hindi tayo puwedeng nakabaon sa nakaraan.
"We have to evolve and continue producing good content. I think if you have the best stories to offer your audiences, people will come."
Anna Pingol, former managing editor of YES! magazine, commented that Charo not only adapted to the current times but kept pace with them
"In-embrace ko talaga," said the 70-year-old star.
"It's an immersive experience because I want them to understand the language of social media, of the digital platforms.
"And I really want to continue to engage my audience. The audiences are looking for authenticity. You just have to be your real self. Hindi ka dapat maarte sa social media. Yung totoong pagkatao mo ang lumalabas, e.
"So, I'm in this chapter of my life where I'm having fun," the Kapamilya executive said with a laugh.
Read: Grace Poe recalls FPJ's ingenuity in the making of Panday movies
CHARING VS CHARO
She was then asked: What we see on TikTok is very different from what people perceive about you compared to when you were ABS-CBN's President and now.
Who is the real Ma'am Charo among those two?
She replied: "Siguro mas guarded ako noon because I was playing a role, a corporate role. Siyempre, it's not about you. You represent an organization. You represent a company. Therefore, you have to play the part.
"But now, I'm Charing!" she said with a smile.
"I'm Charo. This is my person. Yes, I have a playful side. I have a light side. And I really am enjoying it."
What is her reaction when she found out that Itim was one of the 100+ Greatest Movies of Philippine Cinema included in the book?
"I feel very proud. These are the masterpieces of Mike de Leon. I'm so lucky to have been mentored by the late Mike de Leon.
"He shaped me into the actress that I am today."
What did you learn from the veteran filmmaker?
"I learned restraint, the quiet kind of acting, and I learned to trust the camera."
Is there any movie that she's working on right now?
"I finished one, but I'm not at liberty to reveal it yet. There's another film coming up, a horror movie with Julia Barretto, Christopher de Leon, and Tony Labrusca. Under CreaZion Studios."
Does this mean that she will focus more on acting?
"Life goes on. Yeah, I will continue to do acting, you know, both on film and television. I'll continue to do my speaking engagements and continue to do things."
The tittle-tattle claims that she has plans to enter politics, particularly to run for senator. Is this true?
"Naku, wala po. Iyan talaga wala. Zero visibility!" she exclaimed.
Is this her final answer?
"Truthfully, I've been offered before. But in all honesty, I don't see myself as a fit in politics.
"But, you know, you'll never know where destiny will bring you. But if you ask me now, like right now, if I'm going to enter, no."
SINE is now available in National Bookstore, Fully Booked, as well as Lazada and Shopee.