Dominic Ochoa: Sense of ‘bayanihan’ stronger after nonrenewal of ABS-CBN franchise

Dominic Ochoa

After the nonrenewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise two years ago, not a few Kapamilya talents found jobs or projects in other networks. And this sense of “bayanihan” prevailing in show biz at the moment, Dominic Ochoa said, can only benefit the people in it. “I’m very thankful because what’s happening right now is good. We know the situation, and I’m grateful there’s bayanihan happening among networks… they have opened their doors to artists from other networks. Maluwang ba,” he said at a virtual conference for “Abot Kamay na Pangarap.”

Dominic, who has been with ABS-CBN for 24 years, did at least two guest appearances in GMA 7 shows back in the 1990s. But he has never starred in a full Kapuso show until now.

Opening doors

“They’re opening doors for artists like me and my colleagues. And it’s the same with other stations. It’s important that we’re helping each other out. It’s not just the artists who benefit, but also the production people … those who work behind the cameras,” he said.

“Ang ganda. I’m excited to work with GMA 7 and with new actors. It’s something I look forward to… working with directors and people that we used to only see on television,” he added. Dominic, who was last seen in the Kapamilya soap “Huwag Kang Mangamba,” said GMA 7’s offer came at the right time.

“I had just finished doing a show and asked my bosses there if I was free to do shows in other networks. If there was something lined up for me there, I was willing to wait. But they gave the approval to do this (‘Abot Kamay’),” he related. It wasn’t hard for me to make this decision.”

Some of the production people behind the show Dominic has already worked with; some of them he met for the first time. But he couldn’t have asked for a better welcome. “They received me so warmly… It was easy to bond with them,” he said.

While he’s still getting used to his new work environment, Dominic’s costars, like Richard Yap, made him feel at home. “I felt relaxed… People think that Richard is reserved because he has this look of a businessman, but he’s very kalog and accommodating,” Dominic said of Richard with whom he shot his very first scene.

“I had a blast, and everyone made me feel welcome during my first taping days,” he said. “And I look forward to spending more time with them.” INQ