Actor-dancer Mark Herras has expressed his gratitude to GMA Network for shaping his career, despite not being renewed under Sparkle, the network’s talent management arm.
Speaking to Boy Abunda on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’, Herras said he remains thankful for the opportunities he had with the Kapuso network.
Herras, who rose to fame after winning ‘StarStruck’ in 2003 alongside Jennylyn Mercado, recalled how their love team became one of the most popular pairings in the industry.
“Nagpasalamat na ako sa narating ko. Lagi kong sinasabi ‘yan. I’m very thankful sa GMA sa narating ko na karera. Di ba, alam mo ‘yung sobrang taas namin nila Jen before, pinagkakaguluhan ng tao. Then, eventually, dumarating ‘yung time na may mga bago, mga bata,” Herras said.
Although he admitted feeling sad when his contract was not renewed, he emphasized that he holds no grudges.
“It’s more on parang nalungkot lang… Pero tampo, hindi, kasi Tito Boy, hindi ako matampuhing tao eh,” Herras explained.
“Ang dami kong kailangan intindihin sa buhay ko kaysa magtampo pa sa network, kesa awayin ko pa si ganito,” he added.
Herras also addressed the controversy surrounding his recent performance at a gay bar. He clarified that the job was purely work and stressed that there was nothing inappropriate about the event.
“Wala akong makitang masama sa ginawa ko dahil trabaho lang ito,” he said.
He noted that he informed his wife, Nicole Donesa, beforehand, and she supported his decision.
“Pumasok ako sa venue nung malapit na po akong sumalang. Nasa kotse lang ako all the time. Then, pumunta ako sa backstage nung malapit na akong mag-perform, then I danced like two spots. After that, I said ‘thank you’ and umuwi na po ako,” Herras explained.
Despite the backlash, Herras revealed that the incident led to an influx of job offers.
“Dahil sa nag-trending, I’m very busy now, Tito Boy. Puro outside work nga lang. Puro out-of-town shows, fiesta, basketball,” he said, laughing.
Herras ended the interview with a message of appreciation for both his supporters and detractors.
“Sa lahat po ng mga mamamayan ng buong Pilipinas, ng buong mundo, thank you for everything. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for bashing me. At sana, eventually maintindihan n’yo ‘yung ginagawa ko. It’s for my family, it’s not for you guys. It’s not for me, it’s for my family,” he said.
Herras first gained widespread fame as the Ultimate Male Survivor of ‘StarStruck’ in 2003. Managed by Lolit Solis, he became a household name, showcasing his talent in various TV shows and films. However, his career has slowed down in recent years. His last significant appearance was in a guest role on the 2024 teleserye ‘Abot-Kamay na Pangarap’, while he was no longer part of the main cast of the 2023 series ‘The Missing Husband’.
