Television host Mariel Rodriguez. File Photo

MANILA, Philippines – Television host Mariel Rodriguez admitted that she has actually thought about switching networks.

In an interview with Push.com.ph last September 8, Rodriguez revealed that she is currently undergoing negotiations with ABS-CBN’s rival network, TV5.

“There was an offer. I was offered by Kuya Willie (Revillame). I think everything is under negotiation,” she said.
However, she clarified, “There is no definite answer right now [if I’ll take it or not].”

When asked whether her mother station is aware about her plan to jump ship, Rodriguez replied that the management has been properly informed.

“They know about my situation. Sabi ko nga very grateful ako sa dalawa—sa ABS-CBN at Kuya Willie—dahil naging household name naman ako dahil sa ‘Wowowee’ nang dahil sa ABS-CBN.”

When asked about the management’s reaction, on the other hand, she related, “I think ‘okay lang’ is not the right [way to describe their position], pero naiintindihan nila.”

“Alam naman nila where I am coming from. I was very honest when I talked to them kasi hindi naman parang 'Ayoko na sa inyo!' Nothing like that. It’s just really business, work lang.”

According to Rodriguez, her primary consideration in making this move is to secure her future.

She stressed, “It’s really time to think of the future, kailangan ng security. Hindi katulad nung dalaga pa ako. So ngayon more on kailangan makapagipon para sa future.”

Also, Rodriguez expressed concern on the fact that she has been working with ABS-CBN for quite some time now without a contract at hand.

“Isa ‘yan sa mga rason kung bakit nagkakaroon ng negotiation. Kasi may mga projects na sa kasamaang palad hindi natutuloy, hindi na matutuloy pero napag-usapan. Pero siyempre, because I love ABS-CBN, hindi naman ako humihingi ng kontrata. Dati per show, pero ngayon wala akong kontrata sa lahat [including Happy Yipee Yehey!].”

To date, Rodriguez is still undecided whether to take on the shift or not, especially now that ABS-CBN did its part to convince her to stay through a counter offer.

“Meron din naman [counter offer ang ABS-CBN], mabait naman sila. Kaya nga nung nag-meeting I kept telling them na, ‘Thank you, mahal ninyo ako at mahal na mahal ko din kayo,’” she said.