Aljur Abrenica hopes to stay in GMA 7, not talent center

ALJUR says the controversies taught him to be true to himself, to balance life. Leo M. Sabangan II

There are no ifs, ands or buts about it: Aljur Abrenica wants to remain a Kapuso, and only wishes to leave GMA Artist Center.

In July, Abrenica filed for the rescission of his contract with the network in a Quezon City court. In a recent exclusive interview with the Inquirer, Abrenica clarified that he filed the case only because he wanted to be heard.

He explained that his move was not an impulsive act. “Before filing the case, I had been discussing my problems with Artist Center for three months. It was a last resort; I merely hoped to meet with my bosses face to face in court.”

He will continue to reach out to network execs, led by Atty. Felipe Gozon, the actor said.

Should he get an audience with the top brass, Abrenica said, “I will tell them what I went through … that I had no problem with the network; my problem was with Artist Center (the network’s talent management arm).”

He said the controversy led to valuable realizations. “I’ve learned to be true to myself. I’ve learned to balance my life. Everyone should have a clear purpose.”

ALJUR Abrenica says he gets to spend more time with family. LEO M. SABANGAN II

He enumerated his priorities, in this order: “Family, career, time for myself.”

(He recently traveled to Japan for a two-week vacation with brother Vim Abrenica.)

Love was conspicuously missing from the list.

“I’ve been through that… I am not saying that I am closing the door on love. Should it come my way, at least now I will know how to handle it,” he said. “Life is the best teacher. When we stumble and get hurt, that’s an opportunity to learn.”

He may not be visible onscreen, but, he insisted, he’s been busy with the “truly important things” in life.

“I have been spending time with my family,” he said. “I also found time to visit old friends in Pampanga.”

He regarded the vacation as a chance to “build a stronger foundation, for when I get back to work.”

Upon his return from a Japan holiday, he will plunge back to work—with mall shows in the regions, a pop album, a yet-

untitled action film directed by Arturo San Agustin and a fashion show.

“I am not just an actor in this movie,” he said, “I’m also involved in production. I am learning about the filmmaking process, working behind the camera.”

For the fashion show, entitled “Night of Stars: A Celebration of Philippine Barong and Filipiniana Dresses,” Abrenica will don creations by top designers.

GMA 7 head Felipe L. Gozon is on top of the list of bosses that the actor would like to sit down with.

As luck would have it, ex-girlfriend Kylie Padilla has also been invited to join the fashion gala, set at the Philippine International Convention Center on Saturday, Sept. 20.

Abrenica said he has no qualms about sharing the catwalk with his former flame. “I’m excited to see Kylie at the event. We’re okay. There’s no problem between us.”

He has moved on from the vicious intrigues that arose from their break-up, he said.

“That’s all in the past,” he insisted. “We should look forward to the future.”

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