Regine Tolentino

Dance diva Regine Tolentino has admitted that she did not renew her contract with GMA-7’s early morning show "Unang Hirit" for professional reasons.
 
“Six years na akong hindi bumabalik sa entertainment TV. In-advise sa akin ng Artist Center---si Ma’m Ida Henares---na tanggapin ang project na ito,” she explained in the media huddle for "Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita?" a new afternoon soap on the Kapuso network to premiere Jan. 25.

But why is she still seen on "Unang Hirit?" It's all but part of her agreement with management, said Regine.

“Lahat ng dance segment, once or twice a week gagawin ko pa rin 'yon.”

Her limited exposure on "Unang Hirit" is due partly to the three times a week taping schedule for "Ina."

Regine denied that she didn't renew her contract with GMA-7 because they allegedly did not give her a talent fee hike.
 
"No, never akong nag-ask. I’m perfectly happy with [what I get in] 'Unang Hirit.' Sobra kaming magbarkada doon. Actually, never, never did I ask for an increase,” she explained.

Regine feels her non-renewal of contract for "Unang Hirit" will serve her well in the long run as it will ultimately allow her to diversify.

“It’s campaign season and I also have a summer dance workshops. Pang-fifth year ko na ito na  nagtuturo ako to so many kids. Sabi ko, tama rin, dahil may soap ako and then nagtuturo ako ng dance lessons and then campaign season. Kasi pag news and public affairs, bawal ang mag-endorse. Nagpaalam din ako na gagawin ko iyong show (Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita?)."

Asked about her "Unang Hirit" co-host Eagle Riggs who, like her, didn’t renew his contract, the dance diva said, “Si Eagle naman, bago na 'yong gagawin niya this year. I think he’s back into writing. I heard may offer naman siya doon (ABS-CBN). Doon naman kasi siya galing katulad ko rin.”