MANILA – Regine Velasquez was asked to react to the recent transfer of her friend and fellow singer, Jaya, to ABS-CBN.

Velasquez, who belongs to rival network GMA-7, told the entertainment website Pep that she is happy for Jaya, and even praised the singer for making an effort to inform her about her decision.

“She texted me about it, and I’m happy for her. That’s okay,” she said. “I’m happy that she’s there.”

“You know, kumare ko ‘yon. Nakakatawa nga kasi she didn’t have to do it, na to let me know, but she did it anyway because she has so much respect for me,” she added. “I told her lang, I’m so happy for you. Blessing ‘yan, mare.”

Jaya made her surprise debut as a Kapamilya over the weekend, joining the judges’ table on the rebooted “Tawag ng Tanghalan” of the noontime program “It’s Showtime.”

(READ: New Kapamilya Jaya joins ‘Tawag’ judges)

“It’s Showtime” ruled the ratings game last Saturday with national TV ratings of 19.7% against rival program “Eat Bulaga” with 15.9%, according to Kantar Media.