A lot of people were surprised by Kristine Hermosa's TV comeback via the ABS-CBN prime-time series Bagani.
Even ABS-CBN executive Laurenti M. Dyogi, the Kapamilya Network's head of TV Production, was astonished by her decision.
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) after the press conference of Star Hunt earlier today, April 13, Dyogi revealed how the role of Malaya was pitched to the comebacking actress.
He said, "Well, noong ginawa naman talaga yung kwentong yun, merong character na ganon.
"Tapos noong kina-cast na, iniisip namin sino yung bagay, sino yung hindi pa nakikita at matagal na.
"So when the Bagani team pitched it to Kristine, we're surprised na nagustuhan niya."
Kristine has always been vocal about saying that she prefers not to work on soap operas, which is why the executives of Bagani were surprised when she accepted the project.
Dyogi continued, "Kasi ang tagal na ring ayaw na talagang mag-soap ni Kristine, so we're surprised that she wanted it, she liked it."
In the series, Kristine plays Malaya, a fairy-like character who has a connection with Ganda, played by Liza Soberano.
Prior to her appearance, Bagani's drama unit Star Creatives launched an online teaser saying, "Ganda sa Ganda."
Of this, Dyogi said, "It's actually a pleasant surprise for us, so we're happy, ang gaganda, we have Liza and Kristine, two of the most beautiful faces in showbiz, you'll see them in one screen, so it's a feat for the Bagani team."
After Bagani, will Kristine continue doing projects with the Kapamilya Network?
Dyogi answered, "Hindi kami nakapagplano ng ganoon kalayo kasi pamilyado si Kristine, so we don't know also her plans but we will always be open to working with Kristine.
"Si Kristine naman yata kasi, hindi naman na kailangang magtrabaho talaga so ang gusto niya lang, kung maganda yung project at naibigan niya yung role, I suppose she's willing to do it."
Kristine started her career via ABS-CBN's kiddie gag show Ang TV, which became the training ground for Star Magic's homegrown talents.
She then became part of popular TV shows such as Gimik and Flames.
In 1998, she played a major role in the 1998 mini-series Kung Kailangan Mo Ako as the love interest of Marvin Agustin.
However, it was in year 2000 when she got her biggest break—the lead role in Pangako Sa 'Yo, which became a phenomenal success.
Her EchoTin love team with Jericho Rosales was tapped for several movies and teleseryes.
In 2010, while doing the prime-time series Noah, Kristine decided to leave the series to prepare for her wedding with husband Oyo Sotto.
After six years, Kristine returned to television in 2016 via the GMA-7 blocktimer sitcom Hay, Bahay!, where she worked with Oyo and Vic Sotto.