Photo credit: @chinitaprincess Instagram

Since the passing of ABS-CBN executive Deo Endrinal on February 3, many of the Kapamilya network’s biggest stars have been sharing their fondest memories and heartfelt tributes of their former boss amd mentor. Last February 8, it was Kim Chiu’s turn to share why she feels the most grateful for his presence in her life and career.

In her Instagram post, Kim wrote about how Deo first supported her career and gave her her first real break in acting even when she didn’t even believe in herself yet.

“’The master weaver of impossible to possible.’🕊️

“I don’t know where to start sa dami ng gusto kong sabihin at ipaalam sa lahat on how you played a huge role in my life. I once dreamt of being seen on TV and helping my family. That was my only wish when I started showbiz, but a 16-year-old dreamer would never have what I am experiencing right now if no one believed in me. A teenager with no talent, just hope, and big dreams in my pocket. Right after PBB at the victory party in 2006, he approached me and asked, ‘Ano kayang mong gawin?’ Sabi ko, ‘Wala po, nahihiya po ako.’ Then he told me mag workshop ka lang may project akong bagay sa’yo. Then he gave me #LoveSpell while doing it.”

Fresh from her stint as the first Big Winner of Pinoy Big Brother’s Teen Edition, Kim said it was Deo who was also always there for her to remind her of why she needed to work hard and be focused on building her career.

“I cried hard because I wanted to go home to Cebu out of frustration. After all, I don’t know how to act, plus my prosthetics pa. He gave me the role of a girl and a boy simultaneously. When he knew about me having a hard time, He went on set and talked to me, closed door, and asked me ‘why I was doing this. For whom am I doing all this? What do I want and why?’ Then I quickly answered, ‘Gusto ko e ahon ang mga kapatid ko sa hirap, makapagtapos sila ng pag aaral, yung hindi na po kami nanghihingi at nakikitira.’ Then he immediately told me, ‘Yan ang lagi mong iisipin pag napapagod at nahihirapan ka. Wag kang susuko basta basta Kim.’ After that, nakatatak na sa utak ko lagi yung sinabi niya,” she wrote.

Before ending her post, Kim revealed that it was the late Dreamscape Entertainment head who helped make her into the stronger and more confident artist she is today.

“For my every win and every loss, Sir Deo has always been there for me. He didn’t leave my side. He is always there, and he is always the first person to believe in me when no one does. He always fights for me; He gave me light and hope whenever I felt down. He always gives me advice and tells me in my face the hurtful truth when no one can even say it. He saw me at my worst; I almost gave up showbiz, packed my bags, and was about to leave the country for good. Yet, he has always been there to help me stand up again. Tumapang ako because of him. Thank you, Sir Deo. I am not where I am now if not because of you. You will always have a special place in my heart. I am forever grateful for all your help, for all your greatness and generosity. You will always be remembered. I love you so much. 🕊️”

This year, Kim is set to star in Dreamscape Entertainment’s upcoming new project, the Philippine adaptation of the South Korean series What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.