As 2026 began, ABS-CBN marked a long-awaited milestone with its return to free TV Channel 2 through ALLTV. On Sunday, January 4, ASAP aired its grand homecoming and first live episode of the year.
The special episode opened with an all-star live performance of “Forever Kapamilya” led by OPM legends Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Ogie Alcasid, Erik Santos, Yeng Constantino, and KZ Tandingan, together with more ASAP mainstays . Adding weight to the celebration, ABS-CBN executives including President and Chief Executive Officer Carlo L. Katigbak, Chief Operating Officer Cory V. Vidanes, and Star Magic and TV Production Head Laurenti Dyogi were also present, underscoring the significance of the network’s return to free television.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Kapamilya stars shared their genuine reactions of gratitude and excitement upon learning that ABS-CBN would once again be seen on free TV Channel 2 through ALLTV.
For What Lies Beneath actor Jameson Blake, the news carried a deep emotional weight, especially after years of uncertainty faced by artists and the industry. He recalled how the announcement instantly filled him with joy, saying, “I was really happy. I was really ecstatic internally kasi I know this is something we’ve all been waiting for para sa mga Kapamilya natin. So, I was really happy to see this change and movement sa ABS-CBN.”
For Jameson, the return to free TV also meant wider reach and renewed purpose, as he reflected on how ABS-CBN shows could once again reach more homes.
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“Siyempre lahat ng mga shows natin will be seen and will be able to entertain more, mas maraming Kapamilya, and they’ll be able to watch us. It’s just a blessing for us to have the platform for our shows and keep on entertaining.”
Having experienced the challenges that followed the network’s loss of franchise, Jameson also spoke about resilience and growth, noting how difficult seasons eventually opened new doors.
“What I’ve learned, I would say that it becomes a challenge every time. It may seem easy at first, especially for us artists, akala namin parang it would be hard for us to get jobs and to get projects for everybody – I’ll speak for general. Pero sometimes this [happens]. It’s another open door for all of us.”
Looking back at the past few years, he added, “Siguro these past years it was really hard pero I’m really happy na ABS-CBN still managed to stay on track and find other opportunities to keep expanding. This kind of news is really big for us.”
OPM icon Ogie Alcasid echoed the collective optimism felt across the Kapamilya community, describing the moment as a fresh start. With decades of experience in the industry and as a longtime ASAP pillar, Ogie expressed his eagerness moving forward, saying, “Happy [and] excited. Raring to go, especially ngayon it’s a new year. Parang everything is falling into place. [I’m] very excited.”
For actress and dancer Gela Atayde, the moment was especially meaningful as someone who did not experience ABS-CBN’s earlier years on free TV. With a new teleserye on the horizon, her excitement was both personal and symbolic.
“Of course, happy. Hindi ko kasi naabutan when there was a franchise, also that I’m having an upcoming project na teleserye, it’s so exciting to finally see myself on free TV.”
After recently being recognized as PMPC Star Awards for Television’s Best New Female TV Personality for Senior High, Gela is set to appear in Someone, Someday this year alongside Asia’s Superstar Kathryn Bernardo and Multimedia Prince James Reid, making the network’s return feel perfectly timed with a major milestone in her career.
READ: Richard Gutierrez reacts to ABS-CBN’s return to Channel 2: ’It’s definitely an inspiring time’
Singer-songwriter Nyoy Volante, who also serves as a mentor on Your Face Sounds Familiar, shared a similar sense of shared victory, emphasizing how the moment belonged not just to artists, but to everyone who waited alongside them.
“I’m so happy. The feeling is wonderful. Alam nating hinihintay natin itong lahat nang sama-sama and now that it’s here, we celebrate. We celebrate together.” Recalling his first reaction upon hearing the news, Nyoy jokingly made a shocked face before affirming his genuine joy, adding, “Hindi naman maipagkakaila, sobrang saya ko. Sobrang saya.”
The return of the Kapamilya Channel to channel 2 was first announced on December 17 on its official social media pages. Advanced Media Broadcasting System Inc. (AMBS), which owns and operates ALLTV, obtained a license from ABS-CBN to air the Kapamilya Channel on ALLTV effective January 2, 2026. With this partnership, ALLTV audiences can now watch beloved ABS-CBN programs such as FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, Roja, What Lies Beneath, It’s Showtime, ASAP, TV Patrol, and more. Prime ABS-CBN programs will continue airing on A2Z, while It’s Showtime and Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab 2.0 continue to air on GMA.
As the Kapamilya Channel steps into 2026 with renewed reach, Kapamilyas share a common sense of gratitude for the journey, excitement for what lies ahead, and an unwavering commitment to entertain and serve the Filipino audience once more.