Jodi Sta. Maria on end of rivalry between ABS-CBN, GMA: ‘No one thought this moment will be possible’
Jodi Sta. Maria. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
Not only did “Unbreak My Heart” break barriers between erstwhile rivals ABS-CBN and GMA; it also was also a historical feat between the two media giants that had used to be neck-and-neck in the ratings game.
The significance of the occasion was not lost on Jodi Sta. Maria, who said that the two company’s collaboration on the project serves as a golden opportunity for the entertainment industry to regroup. The actress is one of the lead stars of “Unbreak My Heart,” together with fellow Kapamilya star Joshua Garcia, and Kapuso celebrities Richard Yap and Gabbi Garcia
Sta. Maria spoke about this during a press conference prior to the red carpet launch of the series, saying this was considered a “legacy project” between both networks.
“Many years ago po kasi, no one thought, not even in their wildest dreams, that this moment right here [would] be possible. Before kasi ABS-CBN and GMA were rivals: competitors for ratings, for audience shares. But now, nagbago ‘yun (it has changed),” she said during the event that was well attended by some of the most prominent celebrities and executives from the two companies.
“We are no longer rivals but we are here today as collaborators and partners with goals and that is to provide more opportunities for the people in the industry that we have grown to love and to give our audience, to provide them with quality entertainment,” she continued.
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WATCH: Jodi Sta. Maria expressed her excitement about “Unbreak My Heart” being a collaborative project of ABS-CBN and GMA, as she stressed that it’s meant to provide opportunities to many people. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/4dGrRQqzzW
— Hannah Mallorca (@HMallorcaINQ) May 25, 2023
The “Unbreak My Heart” star then said that she’s “very grateful” to be part of a project that ends the rivalry between the networks, saying it gives more opportunities to those who are part of the entertainment industry.
“I feel grateful, honored, and blessed to be part of this project and I would like to thank everyone who made this beautiful impossibility possible. I just feel very grateful to be part of it,” she said. “I think it’s the end of rivalry, really. I mean now we can share artists and talents and everyone is just given the opportunity to work.”
The actress also noted that the viewers will also benefit from ABS-CBN and GMA’s collaboration as well.
“It’s really more job opportunities for this industry that we have grown to love. Bukod din po sa aming mga artista at mga tao na parte ng industriya, siyempre din ang pinakamagbe-benefit sa napakagandang partnership na ‘to ay ang ating manonood,” she added.
(It’s really more job opportunities for this industry that we have grown to love. Aside from the actors and people who are part of the industry, the ones who would benefit from this beautiful partnership are the viewers.)
In March 2023, ABS-CBN’s head of TV production Laurenti Dyogi also noted that the Kapamilya outfit is currently operating as a “content creator,” thus making GMA as the “number one station.”
Aside from the four lead stars, “Unbreak My Heart” also stars Sunshine Cruz, Laurice Guillen, Eula Valdez, and Jeremiah Lisbo.
The Emmanuel Q. Palo and Dolly Dulu-helmed series will premiere on May 29 on GMA, GMA Pinoy TV, TFC, iHeart Movies, and Pinoy Hits. EDV
