Image: Facebook/Julius Babao
Longtime news anchor Julius Babao bid goodbye to his mother network ABS-CBN after 28 years to pursue opportunities outside the network.
Babao announced that he is signing off as a Kapamilya anchor during the “TV Patrol” newscast yesterday, Dec. 31.
“Hindi po ito pagpapaalam kundi isang pahayag ng pasasalamat sa lahat ng aking mga naging Kapamilya sa loob ng 28 taon,” he said. (This is not a farewell but an expression of gratitude to all of my Kapamilyas over the past 28 years.)
Babao then noted that ABS-CBN helped him grow in his career, gave him a chance to help fellow Filipinos, and led him to his wife, fellow broadcaster Christine Bersola-Babao.
“Hindi ko na masyadong iisa-isahin, mga Kapamilya. Sasabihin ko na lang pong dito sa ABS-CBN, natupad ang mga pangarap ko sa buhay,” he added. (I won’t go too much into detail, Kapamilyas. I’ll simply say that here in ABS-CBN, my dreams came true.)
Babao then expressed hope that ABS-CBN will return to free television and radio soon, after it was shut down last year.
He also showed a behind-the-scenes video of his final “TV Patrol” newscast on his Facebook page today, Jan. 1, as he looked back at his humble beginnings in ABS-CBN.
“I have always dreamt of becoming a news presenter for ABS-CBN. After graduation, my first job was a production assistant and reporter for DZBB GMA 7. In 1993, I was hired by ABS-CBN as a reporter for ‘TV Patrol,'” he recalled. “Fast forward to 2003, when I became one of [its] regular anchors. ‘TV Patrol’ will always have a special place in my heart and I thank our boss Ging Reyes for this one last ride to say thank you to all my Kapamilyas and dear viewers.”
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN informed viewers about Babao’s departure in a statement on its Instagram page, also yesterday.
According to the network, Babao “embodied the company’s mission of service for 28 years” through his TV and news programs and “unflinching exposés” of abuses.
“We respect his decision to pursue his professional career outside of ABS-CBN and wish him well in his future pursuits,” ABS-CBN stated.
Broadcaster Karen Davila confirmed Babao’s departure from the network last Wednesday, Dec. 29.
Babao anchored several news programs with ABS-CBN, most notably “TV Patrol,” “Bandila” and “Teleradyo Balita.” He will make his final broadcast on “Teleradyo Balita” tomorrow, Jan. 2. JB
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