Like EDSA people power, the Fall of the Berlin Wall, or George Floyd protests, people’s solidarity often shines through at the toughest of times. It goes the same for the showbiz industry in the Philippines.
Although part of opposing media giants, GMA Network and ABS-CBN, showbiz personalities banded together when another media institution became a target for suppression and oppression.
We will always remember these Kapuso personalities. Because in time of need, they set aside their differences, sympathized with their fellow artists no matter the TV station, and came together to show support of ABS-CBN during its franchise renewal battle and shutdown.
Maine Mendoza
https://twitter.com/mainedcm/status/1257646048798887937
Gabbi Garcia
https://twitter.com/gabbi/status/1281977791026610176
Dingdong Dantes
Magkaiba man ng bakod, we are one in the media industry. We have one love for the many talents and crafts under this Network, the products and output of which, directly or indirectly, benefit the lives of millions of Filipinos.
— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) February 11, 2020
Janine Gutierrez
— JANINE (@janinegutierrez) May 5, 2020
Jasmine Curtis-Smith
Masakit ang mga nangyayari. Maraming nasasaktan, nalulungkot at natatakot. Unawain natin ang nararamdaman ng bawat isa. Let us not be rude or hurtful in these times. If we have nothing nice or comforting to say, let us not cultivate more hate. Let us still be civilised. Yakap.
— Jasmine (@jascurtissmith) July 10, 2020
Kris Bernal
In an interview with LionhearTV, Kris Bernal said that competing networks bring out the best in each celebrity. She adds that it benefits the audience they aim to serve.
Atom Araullo
In competition, we bring out the best in each other which hopefully benefits the audience we aim to serve. In defending press freedom as one, we are the proverbial rising tide that lifts all boats. Our hearts go out to our colleagues in these challenging times. Laban lang!
— Atom Araullo (@atomaraullo) February 12, 2020
Sorrow today, courage and defiance tomorrow. #DefendPressFreedom
— Atom Araullo (@atomaraullo) May 5, 2020
Eugene Domingo
View this post on Instagram
Jennylyn Mercado
— jennylyn mercado (@MercadoJen) July 13, 2020
But I am a Filipino and that alone is enough.
To be neutral or silent in times of injustice is injustice.
If being “bashed” is a small price to pay for practicing my right to freedom of speech. Then I am fine with it. pic.twitter.com/CKeTsnUbr1— jennylyn mercado (@MercadoJen) July 13, 2020
Aiko Melendez
In a since-deleted Instagram post, she mentioned that ABS-CBN contributed to her success and that they are under one industry.
Julie Ann San Jose
https://twitter.com/MyJaps/status/1257648579985813505
Kara David
— Kara David (@karadavid) May 5, 2020
Lovi Poe
https://twitter.com/LoviPoe/status/1257648790229544960
https://twitter.com/LoviPoe/status/1257650144343781377
Bea Binene
https://twitter.com/beabinene/status/1281490856395120640
Glaiza De Castro
Hindi na ito labanan ng istasyon, laban to ng mga Pilipino. Lahat tayo apektado. Dasal, kapit, akap.
— Glaiza de Castro (@glaizaredux) July 6, 2020
Chynna Ortaleza
My heart will only allow light to come in.. Nothing bad ever comes from closed doors. I know something better will come from this. @ABSCBNNews ❤️ We stay strong together. https://t.co/PHJqaBZPuN
— Chynna Ortaleza (@ChynsOrtaleza) July 10, 2020
Please do not forget how this feels. Please. To everyone who can vote. Never take for granted your power to shape the future of the Filipino people.
— Chynna Ortaleza (@ChynsOrtaleza) July 10, 2020
Paolo Valenciano
I’m Kapuso but I support @ABSCBN pic.twitter.com/i2An1I9gof
— Paolo Valenciano (@paolovalenciano) February 10, 2020
Eliza Pineda
I’m not affiliated with ABS anymore. But when this many people are opposing it, isn’t it time to reconsider? Gusto pa ba nilang mag rally ang mga tao? Millions will suffer? Personal agendas and prejudice should not be a part of running a government. #notoabscnbshutdown
— Eliza Pineda (@maelizapineda) February 12, 2020
JP Soriano
I strongly stand with my fellow journalists at ABS-CBN whom I respectfully admired. #DefendPressFreedom https://t.co/bIgfCHZ1SL
— JP Soriano (@jpsoriano) February 11, 2020
Ruru Madrid
https://twitter.com/Rurumadrid8/status/1281522789103489024
David Lichauco
I am a proud Kapuso but I know that both networks have the same mission—to serve the filipinos. The fight is far from over, & we all know this is more than just about the franchise. For now, let me send out hugs and prayers to the displaced employees of ABSCBN. We stand with you.
— David Licauco (@davidlicauco) July 10, 2020
Earlier this 2020, Congress denied the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN. It caused the media giant to shut down as ordered by the National Telecommunications Commission.
As a result, ABS-CBN employees lost their jobs, and the company had to retrench most of their assets and talents. Furthermore, it affected businesses near the network, forcing them to close down amidst the pandemic.
Then, the Kapamilya network returned to free TV through A2Z channel 11 while shifting to digital platforms.
