Marian Rivera still a Kapuso; signs 3-yr contract with GMA-7

MANILA, Philippines - Marian Rivera ended speculations about her status in GMA-7 after signing another three-year contract with the network on Saturday, August 10.

Among those present during the contract signing held at the Manila Golf and Country Club at Forbes Park in Makati City were GMA President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., GMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President of All Access to Artists Rams David, and GMA Entertainment TV's Officer-in-Charge Lilybeth G. Rasonable.

The Kapuso actress signed a three-year contract with the network.

“Walang rason na umalis ako sa GMA dahil isa lang naman ang gusto ko: ang maramdaman ang pagmamahal nila at binigay nila sa akin 'yon,” Marian said of her contract renewal with GMA 7.

She further said, “Napakasarap ng pakiramdam na muli akong pumirma sa GMA dahil alam naman nating napakalaki ng utang na loob ko sa GMA dahil kung hindi naman dahil sa GMA wala namang Marian Rivera ngayon.”

“Talagang mahal naming siya. Hindi bilang artista; bilang tao rin. Mabait si Marian,” Gozon said in an interview with GMA 7’s news program “24 Hours.”

Marian, a Kapuso talent for over seven years now, shot to fame when became the lead star of the local adaptation of the Mexican soap opera Marimar in 2007. She has since starred in numerous primetime shows for the network, including, most recently, “Amaya” and “Temptation of Wife.”

Her status as a Kapuso was questioned prior to her contract signing with GMA 7 when it was reported she was negotiation with other networks.

“Until August pa ako sa GMA. Mahal ko ang GMA. At kung ano binibigay ng GMA, masaya ako,” Marian said last month. “Bilang respeto sa GMA, hanggang August pa ako sa GMA at mahal ko ang GMA.”