Heart Evangelista renews contract with GMA-7; Aiko Melendez joins 'Apoy sa Dagat'

HEART Evangelisa on Tuesday signed a fresh two-year contract with her mother network GMA-7 recently.

During the contract signing, Heart said she's very thankful with how the station handled her career and happy that she's constantly given projects, which challenges her skills as an actress.

"It's a blessing to be here. Hindi ka nawawalan ng trabaho. They appreciate your hard work. I can say that I'm content with what I have here," she said.

Aside from drama and teleserye projects lined up for her, Heart said she's also keen in trying her hand in hosting.

Heart is now headlining GMA's Afternoon Prime series "Forever," a regular in Sunday concert show "Party Pilipinas" and co-host of sportsman and television personality Chris Tiu in "iBilib."

Present during the contract signing were her mother/manager Cecile Ongpauco, network executives and GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon.

Gozon he was glad that Heart decided to stay loyal with GMA-7.

"Si Heart ay isa sa ating mga pinakamamagaling na artista. Ang Heart sa tagalog ay puso. So she really belongs here," he ended.

Aiko joins ABS-CBN series

Meanwhile, seasoned actress Aiko Melendez will soon be part of the ABS-CBN primetime series "Apoy Sa Dagat."

Top billed by Diether Ocampo, Angelica Panganiban and Piolo Pascual, Aiko will portray the character of Odessa, the mother of twins Rebecca and Serena played by Angelica.

Her role was initially played by singer/tv host Nikki Gil.

In the story, Odessa will return to the lives of the Del Sol family after 20 years of hiding.

Unlike before, she is now stronger and powerful woman who is determined to reclaim what were taken from her as the legal wife of Alberto del Sol, initially played by Patrick Garcia.

"Apoy Sa Dagat" airs daily after "Ina, Kapatid Anak" on ABS-CBN. (Sunnex)