MANILA, Philippines?The move to have a new manager and a new home studio for singer-actress Karylle began while she was doing the musical ?West Side Story.?

Carlo Orosa?who with Audie Gemora runs the theater and talent management company Stages, producer of ?West Side Story??said it was Karylle?s father, Modesto Tatlonghari, who approached him for advice on his daughter?s career.

?We were nearing the end of the run of ?West Side? when this happened,? Orosa recalled. ?He then asked if Karylle could join our company. I told him to first talk with Angeli (Valenciano).?

Valenciano heads Manila Genesis Entertainment, which used to manage Karylle.

?After talking to Karylle?s father, I had lunch with Angeli,? Orosa said. ?She told me that maybe I could do more for Karylle. We?re now doing what we can to get the best opportunities for her.?

Out of place in GMA 7

Karylle recently signed a three-year talent management contract with Stages.

Orosa explained Karylle?s move from GMA 7 to ABS-CBN: ?I felt that there might not be a place for her on GMA 7 at this time. Her talent is not maximized because the network is currently focused on the Dingdong-Marian tandem. So a new working environment was best for her.?

News of Karylle?s signing with the Kapamilya network came on the heels of her highly publicized break-up with boyfriend and Kapuso star Dingdong Dantes.

Speaking to the Inquirer at the sidelines during the launch of Ever Bilena?s new line of male perfumes, Orosa said that Karylle personally met with GMA 7 executives Wilma Galvante and Darling de Jesus to discuss the transfer.

?We will finish all her projects with GMA 7 before she formally transfers to ABS-CBN,? said Orosa.

Sources said Karylle will join the cast of the Pinoy adaptation of the Columbian soap series ?I (heart) Betty La Fea.?

Meantime she?s set to sing the national anthem for Manny Pacquiao?s fight against Oscar de la Hoya in Las Vegas on Dec. 6.

Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph