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Ultimate Star Jennylyn Mercado couldn't help but feel emotional as she renewed her contract with GMA Network today, July 26.

Jennylyn Mercado

Jennylyn, who's been a Kapuso for 16 years expressed her gratitude to the Network which she considers her second home.

"There is a reason po kung bakit tumagal ako ng more than 16 years sa industriya na ito at dahil po 'yun sa GMA.

"During the lowest of the lows po ng buhay ko, hindi nila ako iniwan, sinuportahan nila ako.

"Binigyan nila ako ulit ng pagkakataon maging Kapuso.

"Hindi nila ako tinuring bilang isang artista kundi parte ng pamilya nila.

"I felt the love and trust of the Network," she told select reporters in an interview.

Present at the contract signing were GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, Executive Vice President and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Vice President for Drama Productions Redgie A. Magno, and AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy,

Joining them were GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, Senior Program Manager Ali N. Dedicatoria, and Jennylyn's manager Katrina Aguila.

Meanwhile, GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon takes pride in having Jennylyn as one of the Network's homegrown talents.

"Tayo'y galak na galak sapagkat tayo ang nakadiskubre kay Jennylyn."

The GMA Executive continued, "Iyan ang unang nanalo sa StarStruck at dahil diyan, na-prove na talagang ang program na ito ay nakakadiskubre ng mga mahuhusay at magagandang artista.

"Kaya talagang tuwang-tuwa tayo na hanggang ngayon ay nananatiling Kapuso pa rin si Jennylyn."

He added, "Very bright ang future at mahaba ang mararating niya.

"Hindi natin papakawalaan 'yan."

For Executive Vice President and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, he expressed how impressed he is with Jennylyn's loyalty with GMA.

"Si Jenynylyn talagang matawawag nating homegrown talent kasi she started as a winner of StarStruck Season 1 and up to now, despite other companies getting her, andiyan pa rin si Jennylyn."

He, then, noted, "We love Jennylyn so much. I think she will forever be with GMA."

Meanwhile, GMA Entertainment Group Head Lilybeth G. Rasonable shared how proud she is for Jennylyn's achievements as an artist.

"Ngayon kasi parang na-reach na niya 'yung pinnacle of success as an artist 'cause she's so talented... she can do more roles, more projects, not only for drama, but for comedy also. She's also great host, she can sing, so nakakatuwa,

"It's so gratifying and fulfilling for us who saw her growth from the time she won StarStruck.

"Ang dami na niyang na-achieve as a multimedia artist, so basta may talent ka, mapapalago mo pa 'yan."

Following the contract signing, Jennylyn was welcomed by select members of the press in a media conference, mounted by the team of GMA Entertainment Group.

There, they showed a special AVP about the actress' colorful career through the years.

IN PHOTOS: Jennylyn Mercado's showbiz career through the years

Five reasons why Jennylyn Mercado is the Ultimate Star

IN PHOTOS: 'StarStruck's Ultimate Male and Female Survivors from seasons 1 to 6