MANILA — Local superstar Anne Curtis on Thursday paid tribute to Viva Entertainment, her professional home of 23 years, notably amid a controversy where the showbiz giant has been accused of being “oppressive” to its wide stable of talents.

Curtis, 34, signed with Viva at age 12 — a fact she recalled in an Instagram post showing her in her debut film with Viva, “Magic Kingdom.

Viva Films, the film production outfit, is just one of many ventures of the Vic del Rosario-led company. It also produces records (Viva Records), concerts (Viva Live), and manages its own artists (Viva Artists Agency).

“This year I’ll be celebrating my 23rd year in the industry and with Viva who have become my family,” Curtis shared with her 14 million followers on Instagram.

“A story I’ll never forget my dad telling me is when he met Boss Vic, he had told my dad, ‘It will take time, years perhaps, but I will make your daughter a star in this industry.’ And he kept his word to both my parents,” Curtis recalled.

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A post shared by Anne Curtis (@annecurtissmith) on Feb 6, 2020 at 12:09am PST

Today, Curtis is regarded as a superstar, with dozens of films, TV shows, and product endorsements to her name. A self-confessed “non-singer,” she nonetheless staged successful concerts.

“I will forever be grateful that they took the chance and believed in me. Twenty-three years have gone by and here I still am making films and still in the industry and field of art I have grown to love,” she said.

Referring to her first-time pregnancy, Curtis wrote: “Although I am taking a little break now, I’ll always be a Viva Teen, Leading Lady and now Mama.”

“Sending light and love to my Viva Family whom I know have been feeling down lately. Love you all,” she said.

Curtis’ tribute to Viva came days after the entertainment pillar was accused by actress Nadine Lustre’s camp of “taking advantage of young artists” through its “oppressive and illegal” contracts.

Lustre levelled the allegations as she sought “terminate” her ties with Viva, ahead of the 2029 end of their deal.

Viva has since warned legal action against Lustre for breach of contract, but the actress appears adamant to exit the agency, insisting she is “self-managed indefinitely.”