ABS-CBN Tower sees emotional farewell from celebrities, journalists
For decades, the ABS-CBN Tower has been a symbol of media in the Philippines. This iconic landmark was the heart of the Kapamilya network—home to Studio 7, the birthplace of the news program TV Patrol; the Dolphy Theater; and the It's Showtime studio, to name a few.
But after standing tall for more than five decades, the network's Millennium Transmitter officially switched off its lights on Wednesday, July 9, as part of its agreement with Ayala Land Inc.
The sale of the Lopez-owned property, valued at a staggering P6.2 billion, was first announced in February. The funds from the property sale will reportedly be used to make a partial prepayment on the company's "outstanding bank loans."
At that time, the company said that it would utilize the remaining 1.4 hectares of its Quezon City property to consolidate its operations, including offices and studios.
Now that the ABS-CBN Tower has officially been turned over to new ownership, the memories and legacy created within the property will forever live on in the hearts of its viewers, staff, and the many celebrities and journalists who recently gathered to bid farewell to this landmark.
'A transmitter of hope'
Journalist Jeff Canoy expressed in his post that the iconic tower "represents many things to many people."
"But a shared denominator for those who work in its light: the tower has always been a symbol for storytellers. A kind of magnet that attracts journalists, editors, filmmakers, writers, artists, dancers, directors, singers, producers, creatives, and dreamers who dare to serve through stories," he wrote.
"Today, I was surrounded by a whole lot of ‘em. Those whose inner lights were kindled by the joy of telling stories about the Filipino, for the Filipino, and by the Filipino. Those lights will continue to flicker and flame and flash and illuminate. Because in the service, we remain," he continued.
Showbiz reporter Gretchen Fullido said that the final lighting on Wednesday was a "bittersweet reunion" for all Kapamilyas.
"It is truly heartbreaking to say goodbye to the ABS-CBN tower, a powerful symbol of hope, service, and the stories that have shaped generations of Filipinos. For decades, it stood tall, guiding millions through news, entertainment, history, joy and tragedy. Seeing it go… hurts deeply," she wrote in her Facebook post.
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As a Kapamilya for 21 years, Fullido took pride in how they chose to continue showing up despite losing their franchise in 2020.
"Through every challenge, especially the painful loss of our franchise in 2020, we kept showing up. We remained strong. That is the Kapamilya spirit," she continued. "I carry those memories with so much love, pride, and gratitude."
"ABS-CBN shaped me, not just as a broadcaster but as a person. The tough times made me stronger. The people I worked with made me better. The mission we served gave my purpose clarity. I would not be who I am today without this home," Fullido added.
Journalist Anjo Bagoisan also looked back on the network's decades-long journey. "Broadcasting—telling stories that impact multitudes—will be coded in the DNA of this company as the tower will forever be enshrined in its iconic logo," he wrote.
"Those stories might no longer be transmitted via the airwaves. But the tower lives on. What it stands for remains. The people it has inspired will keep on. And its reach—now in ways once unimaginable—like those rings, still striving to find its audience."
Veteran journalist Karen Davila also mourned the upcoming demolition of the tower. "The tower that has broadcast to millions of Filipinos for decades since 1986. My heart aches," she wrote.
"My love runs deep for this company," Davila continued. "I have grown and become the professional I am today because of ABSCBN’s tough terrain. Now more than ever, I see every face, value every person, appreciate every day. I live grateful."
Where dreams were built
Meanwhile, actress Nikki Valdez shared her picture with the tower from five years ago. She also reminisced about her memories in the building, including her impromptu audition for Johnny Manahan, whom they fondly call Mr. M, and her mundane moments in the dressing room and canteen.
"Too many memories to mention and relationships made that will forever be part of me," she wrote. "Today, I bid goodbye to this landmark that is a symbol of dreams that turned into reality and a witness to so many battles fought, but this part of ABSCBN is MY HOME and will FOREVER be."
Actress Sofia Andres also paid tribute to the tower that represented young artists' dreams, including hers.
"This tower was more than just steel and signal," she wrote in her Instagram post. "Para sa maraming kabataan lalo na sa mga aplikanteng araw-araw pumipila sa gate...it represented hope, ambition, and the belief that anything is possible."
"Because of this place, I was inspired to dream and to keep going," she continued. "Though the tower may no longer stand, the legacy remains. The dreams it sparked will live on stronger, louder, and braver."
Singer Jed Madela also shared his photo with the tower in the background, expressing his loyalty to the network.
"It has been my home and my family for more than 2 decades and I've always kept that in my heart. No matter what. Andito lang ang isang JED MADELA para sa pamilya," he wrote.
Actress Dimples Romana said in her post that the iconic tower symbolized "all of our dreams and aspirations."
"Our tower, stood the test of time, quietly watched us all grow, dream and persevere. It was and always will be a beacon for us to look up to when times got rough, it was and will always be a light that showed our colors, one that held quiet but steady magnificence," Dimples wrote. "One that represents us all. Our hearts. A family. Come what may."
"Tahimik na nag balik tanaw sa maraming taong naging saksi ito sa pagsasakaturapan ng aming mga pangarap - namin at ng aming mga pamilya," she added. "Forever grateful, forever a Kapamilya."
Several celebrities, including Bianca Gonzalez, Belle Mariano, and Donny Pangilinan, also honored the tower in their Instagram stories.
Focus on digital content
The network is now focusing on creating digital content. On July 10, it announced that it's revamping the iWant streaming platform to provide seamless, fast, accessible digital content across smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
“As your digital home, iWant is where the stories you love meet all the feels you live. A place where we welcome all storytellers and all types of storytelling. Somewhere that we can all be proud of, but most importantly, where we will continue to be of service to the Filipino,” said Jamie Lopez, head of ABS-CBN Digital.
It will carry content from iWant Originals and ABS-CBN Studios, as well as select shows and films from GMA, Regal Entertainment, and Viva.
The Kapamilya network stopped its TV and radio broadcasting operations on May 5, 2020, at exactly 7:52 p.m., after the National Telecommunications Commission issued a cease-and-desist order to ABS-CBN following the expiration of its 25-year legislative franchise.
After Congress denied its franchise application in August 2020, ABS-CBN shut down its TV Patrol regional stations. Reports say ABS-CBN laid off over 4,000 workers because of the shutdown.
