PHOTO: Instagram/bianca_anne_vergara17

Stars flocked to the recently concluded GMA Gala 2024. And while the event went as smoothly as possible, fans and the general public couldn’t help but question an actress’s absence from the glamorous event. The actress in question: GMA Network‘s homegrown talent Jennylyn Mercado.

It’s not a secret that Jennylyn, Cosmopolitan Philippines’ May 2024 cover star, is one of the most recognized A-listers from the network. As the event came to an end, it was just her husband and the network’s “Drama King” Dennis Trillo in attendance.

Buzz about why Jennylyn wasn’t at the gala stirred speculations about the actress’ career and future with the said network. Moreover, this also follows rumors that Jennylyn is leaving GMA Network, which contributed to theories on why Jennylyn “skipped” the gala.

On July 22, 2024, Jennylyn’s hairstylist, Bianca Anne Vergara, posted on Instagram, alluding to Jennylyn’s GMA Gala non-appearance. Bianca noted that their team was actually prepared to attend the event, however, Jennylyn needed to a very urgent matter concerning her firstborn, Alex Jazz.

Bianca began her post with a short jest, “Eto dapat yun oh kasado na eh! baka pwede i rewind ang GMA Ball.” Then she continued to narrate that Jennylyn’s son had a major flu that the actress just could not ignore.

“She was supposed to attend GMA Ball. In fact, ready na kaming lahat, but sadly nagka-emergency si Jazz (anak na panganay) nag-ka-trangkaso,” Bianca explained.

Calling Jennylyn the “Ultimate Star,” Bianca defends that it’s not Jennylyn’s intention to miss the gala this year. It’s just that being a parent has always been Jennylyn’s priority. “So as a parents mas naging priority lang nila ang mga anak nila kaya di naka-attend ang Ultimate Star natin at sana po maintindihan na lang natin yung nangyari bawi na lang kami next year,” the hairstylist concluded.

After Bianca’s post, Jennylyn posted some snaps of her pre-Gala shoot. She captioned it with, “Let the jewelry do the talking.” To note, Nice Print Photo also uploaded a video content showing Jennyly’s pre-gala shoot. At least we got to see those gorgeous shots of the celebrity!

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Dennis Trillo reacts to Jennylyn Mercado’s absence

Well, Dennis who attended the Gala without his wife, had a quick interview with GMA News. Of course, one of the topics was Jennylyn’s absence. GMA News reported about the interview hours after Bianca publicly posted the situation that transpired before the event.

“Nagkaroon kami ng emergency sa bahay kaya hindi siya nakasama,” Dennis said. “Mga bagay lang na hindi maiwan ng ina,” Dennis told Nelson Canlas of GMA News.

Jennylyn Mercado’s rumored network transfer

Just days before the GMA Gala, Jennylyn confirmed that she has yet to sign a contract with the network. she talked with the members of the press during the launch of one of her brand endorsements on July 18, 2024.

Right then and there as well, she refuted claims that she would be transferring networks after another network allegedly offered her a contract deal. As of writing, Jennylyn somehow stands as a freelancer (since there’s no contract yet) but she vows involvement in events still as a Kapuso.

One of Jennylyn Mercado’s looks pre-GMA Gala 2024 Instagram/bianca_anne_vergara17

“Palagi naman akong Kapuso. Ang daming nag-aantay nung sagot…ako naman, 20 years na po akong Kapuso, and I’m very thankful na hanggang ngayon po ay Kapuso pa rin,” she expounded.

She admitted that her contract is still under negotiation, but she is hopeful it will all be settled soon. “Meron pa ring nego-nego. Pero mabilis na lang po yan. We’re just waiting for the contract, pero happy pa rin akong Kapuso. Kung gusto pa rin nila ako,” Jennylyn declared.

At the moment, her husband, Dennis will be starring in one of the grandest productions of GMA Network this year, Pulang Araw. Jennylyn has been taking her time off to focus on her endorsements and most importantly, her kids.

The couple just recently created their own production company, too. In a press conference, they clarified that GMA Network appears to be supportive of their venture. “Oo naman sobrang suportado kami ng aming network. Soon ia-announce namin ang aming first project and excited kami doon,” she said.