Celebrities bid farewell to ABS-CBN's iconic tower

MANILA, Philippines, July 11 ------ ABS-CBN artists, employees and executives gathered at the network’s headquarters to bid farewell to the Millennium Transmitter, the 350-meter tower that broadcast the Kapamilya signal for more than five decades.

The transmitter will be demolished following Ayala Land Inc.’s P6.2-billion purchase of a 30,000-square-meter portion of the ABS-CBN compound. The network will retain 1.4 hectares of the property for its continued operations, focusing on digital and global content. The tower served as ABS-CBN’s signal backbone from 1969 until its forced shutdown in 2020.

Long-time Kapamilya stars gave their tributes and shared personal messages reflecting on what the tower meant to their careers and lives.

Sofia Andres posted on social media, “Today, we say farewell to the ABS-CBN Tower — an icon that stood not just for a network, but for millions of dreams, including mine. This tower was more than just steel and signal. For many young people, especially the applicants who would line up at the gate every day. “Because of this place, I was inspired to dream and to keep going. 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 it is only the beginning of something greater. Thank you, ABS-CBN Tower. You will always be part of who I am,” she added.

In her Instagram post, Vina Morales wrote, “A final salute to the historic Kapamilya tower. I’m so thankful and grateful for all the years I’ve worked with ABS-CBN — turns out, it’s been two decades! What a journey it has been. It was heartwarming to see our bosses, co-actors, employees, and even former Kapamilyas come together before the historic tower is finally demolished. Though it’s saddening, I’m happy and proud to say I have a story to tell—that I was part of those decades in the history of the Kapamilya network. Thank you so much, Kapamilya. To God be the glory!” Zsa Zsa Padilla also wrote, “Today, we formally bid farewell to our beloved tower.

It was an emotional moment — especially when ELJ3 delivered his speech, reflecting on the many challenges ABS-CBN has weathered through the years. And yet, despite everything, many of us are still here — still standing, still holding the line.” “We’re not just saying goodbye to a structure. We’re honoring a symbol — of everything we’ve fought for, built, and believed in. It represents countless dreams turned into reality, lives changed forever, and a legacy that continues to live on,” she added.

Meanwhile, broadcast journalist Karen Davila said, “My heart aches. I am so moved seeing everyone come together. After what’s unjustly been done to ABS-CBN — not renewing its franchise in 2020 — we are still here — standing together, smiling, creating. Resilient.” “I have been with ABS-CBN for almost 25 years now. My love runs deep for this company. 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, appreciate every day. I live grateful,” she continued.

Dimples Romana also posted on Facebook, “Kapamilya — bidding goodbye for the last time to the very landmark that symbolizes all of our dreams and aspirations—to make it and leave a mark, a legacy in our industry.” “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. One that represents us all. Our hearts. A family. Come what may, heads held high, Kapamilya.”

The transmitter, silenced in June 2020 after ABS-CBN’s franchise was not renewed, was leased by Advanced Media Broadcasting System to air ALLTV starting in 2022.

Source: manilatimes.net