Maxene Magalona: Enough of this network rivalry

Maxene Magalona has decided to join ABS CBN after a decade as an exclusive talent of rival GMA. She tells tabloid! why she moved, and what she will be doing next.

Q. You surprised many when you guested on ‘It’s Showtime’ sometime ago. Have you finally made the move?

A. At that time, no. I was just exploring my options. I am a freelancer now, but will be doing a project with ABS CBN soon. I will be part of a new show with Zanjoe Marudo, Beauty Gonzales, Gloria Diaz and Tirso Cruz III. I don’t have the full details yet, but they will see a different Maxene for sure, so they should watch out for it.

Q. How does it feel? And how was it like leaving GMA, where you were a contract artist for more than 10 years?

A. I am thankful to GMA. They have given me some of the most productive and memorable period of my showbiz career, but it is time to move on. I want to explore what more I can do as an artist. There comes a point in an artist’s life when a change of scene helps; working with a different set of creative artists can help you grow. That’s my goal. Grow some more as an artist.

Q. You’ve made the rounds of some shows in ABS CBN. How different is it?

A. The welcome has been heartwarming. The people are nice. I guess it will be different, as their system or work style will, of course, be different. But it will all be good, just as it has been with GMA. I did not burn any bridges. My bosses there understood my decision and they are supportive. I think we have had enough of this network rivalry. Artists just want to work, and they should be free to work anywhere they are wanted.

Q. Tell us about this new charity you are supporting.

A. I will be cutting my hair for a good cause. I have always had long hair. For this new charity, I will be part of the 8” Cut for Cancer Challenge, where people are encouraged to cut at least eight inches of their hair, which will then be used to make a wig. All wigs will be handed over to Kyth Ateneo, an organisation that helps kids with cancer by giving psychosocial assistance when they’re undergoing chemotherapy.

Cancer awareness is an advocacy close to my heart. As everyone knows, my dad [rap icon Francis Magalona] passed away because of leukaemia five years ago. So, I encourage people to join the cause. It’s a way of re-inventing our looks, which we love doing; and the other good bit about is [that] we will be able to help people.