Award-winning broadcast journalist Karen Davila (left) and Cory Vidanes, COO for broadcast of ABS-CBN Corporation
It was an emotional day for ABS-CBN artists, including Jed Madela, Sofia Andres, and Nikki Valdez, as they bid farewell to the iconic Millennium Transmitter, after having its final lightning last July 9.
Last February, the Ayala Group acquired the historic site, which included the Broadcasting Center. It was reported that the iconic tower would be the first to be removed, but no date has been set yet.
Actress and celebrity mom Sofia Andres turned emotional in her Instagram post, saying that the tower represents hopes and dreams, including her own.
"For many young people, especially applicants who line up at the gate every day, it represents hope, ambition, and the belief that anything is possible. I was once that young girl, looking up, quietly whispering to myself, ‘Someday, I’ll make it too.’ And I did. Because of this place, I was inspired to dream and to keep going,” Sofia wrote.
Sofia also added that, even though the tower is no longer physically standing, it will always be a part of her journey. "Though the tower may no longer stand, the legacy remains. The dreams it sparked will live on stronger, louder, and braver. This may be the end of an era, but this is only the beginning of something greater. Thank you, ABS-CBN Tower. You will always be part of who I am.'
Karen Davila and Gabby Lopez, former CEO of ABS-CBN Corporation (Images courtesy of Instagram)
Jed Madela took a photo with the tower before flying out to the United Kingdom for a show.
"I’ve always been a flag carrier of ABS-CBN in every part of the world, and I am proud to be Kapamilya. My loyalty can never be questioned because if they call me and my schedule is open, it’s an automatic yes. It has been my home and my family for more than two decades, and I’ve always kept that in my heart. No matter what, there will always be a Jed Madela for the Kapamilya,” Jed wrote in his post.
Actress and singer Nikki Valdez looked back on some of her memorable moments and the journey that the tower has witnessed.
"Too many memories to mention and relationships made that will forever be part of me. Today, I bid goodbye to this landmark that is a symbol of dreams turned into reality and a witness to so many battles fought, but this part of ABS-CBN is MY HOME and will FOREVER be," Nikki wrote.
Dimples Romana penned a heartfelt tribute to the tower, stating that the tower became a beacon they could "always look up to when times get rough."
Sofia Andres
"Our tower stood the test of time, quietly watching us all grow, dream, and persevere. It was and always will be a beacon for us to look up to when times get rough; it was and will always be a light that showed our colors, one that held quiet but steady magnificence, one that represents us all, our hearts, and a family. Come what may. Heads up, Kapamilya," Dimples wrote.
Broadcast Journalist Karen Davila quoted the speech of ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak, during the final hours before the tower officially turned its lights off.
"‘Memories are not held by things but carried by people,’ a powerful truth from our president, Carlo Katigbak. A testament that our stories will continue to be told and live in the hearts of the Filipino. I have been with ABS-CBN for almost 25 years now. My love for this company runs deep. I have grown and become the professional I am today because of ABS-CBN’s tough terrain. Now more than ever, I see every face, value every person, and appreciate every day,” Karen wrote in her post.
ABS-CBN reporter Jeff Canoy penned in his post that the tower represents,"A pillar of pain. A transmitter of hope," and brings a connection of story that will be kept for the future generation.
"This tower represents many things to many people. However, a shared denominator for those who work in its light is that 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,' Jeff wrote on his post.