Daniel Padilla teases projects with Ely Buendia, Maricel Soriano

MANILA, Philippines — Actor-singer Daniel Padilla signed a new contract with ABS-CBN, just over a week after his ex-girlfriend of over a decade Kathryn Bernardo renewed her commitment to the network.

While the KathNiel breakup has been dominating headlines since November last year, Daniel Padilla's contract renewal assures fans he is prepared for fresh restart in his career.

At the contract signing, Daniel expressed his gratitude to studio executives, his mentors in the industry, brand partners, work colleagues, family, friends, and fans.

"Gusto ko pong magpasalamat sa aking bosses sa tiwala po na binibigay ninyo at totoong pagmamahal po na binibigay ninyo. Maraming, maraming salamat," Daniel said.

ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak was among those present at the contract signing, and he recounted a message he received from Daniel back in 2020 when the company lost its franchise.

"Deej, ibabalik ko sa'yo ang message mo sa akin. Masipag kang tao, isang artistang magaling, at isang anak na nagmamahal sa kanyang pamilya," said the executive. "Gawin mo lahat to be the best version of you and then Diyos na ang bahala. I'm sure you will achieve bigger and better successes and you will become what God has destined you to be."

Another executive, Cory Vidanes, also thanked Daniel for his loyal 15 years with the network, "Supremo but grounded, supremo but generous, supremo but compassionate."

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Other ABS-CBN executives present at the contract signing were Mark Lopez, Lauren Dyogi, Rick Tan Jr, and Capt. Luz Bagalacsa. Daniel's mother and fellow actor Karla Estrada was also in attendance.

Among the first things lined up for Daniel are new music projects, including one with Ely Buenda.

"I'll make music first. Gawa muna ako music. I'll have something with Ely Buendia. May mga gagawin. Secret pa. Secret muna," Daniel teased.

The actor also confirmed the continuation of other film projects, including Jerrold Tarog's "The Guest" opposite John Arcilla, and Dan Villegas' "Nang Mapagod si Kamatayan" with Zanjoe Marudo.

The latter movie is a comedy adaptation of National Artist Ricky Lee's short