Empress Schuck is happy with her status as freelancer.
After doing her last regular drama series in 2018 for the ABS-CBN teleserye Asintado, Empress is back with GMA-7 via the upcoming daytime series, Hiram na Anak.
Prior to Hiram na Anak, Empress was also seen in a special role in the Kapuso afternoon series, My Special Tatay, in September 2018.
In December 2018, Empress appeared in an episode of the Kapamilya drama anthology show, Ipaglaban Mo.
In 2017, Empress responded to netizens questioning her intermittent appearances in ABS-CBN and GMA-7 shows. There were those saying that she has no loyalty to a TV network.
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other reporters during the February 18 press conference for Hiram na Anak, Empress admitted that she still receives these comments on her social media account.
"Before I gave birth noong nagtransfer na ako dito, freelance na ako.
"Ang dami talaga nagtatanong bakit paiba-iba ako."
Empress believes that both networks are more willing to hire freelance actors just like her.
She said, "Siguro, sobrang open na ang mga networks sa ganyan ngayon, na hindi naman kailangan ng kontrata.
"Ang contract ko is per program na lang and with my manager.
"Mas okay na rin yung ganon, kasi yung iba, nate-tengga na hindi sila makapagwork, di ba? Kawawa naman, di ba?
"Siguro medyo nako-confuse yung mga tao at wala naman pong masama doon, at wala naman pong hindi maganda sa paningin, di ba?"
Empress is also happy to be reunited with Lauren Young, her former batchmate in ABS-CBN's talent arm, Star Magic.
She remarked about their reunion, "Masaya kasi parang kami, 'Uy, andito pa rin tayo!'"
In Hiram na Anak, Empress portrays Wena, a saleslady who falls for the character of Paolo Contis.
She will also play an important role in the lives of Miren (Yasmien Kurdi) and Adrian (Dion Ignacio).
Hiram na Anak will air its pilot episode on February 25, 2019, before Eat Bulaga!
This project marks the comeback of daytime drama shows in GMA-7.
The previous drama series that occupied the said timeslot was Sunshine Cruz and Bea Binene's Kapag Nahati Ang Puso, which ended in November 2018. The slot is currently filled in by Kapuso Movie Festival.