THE HEART OF A GENERATION FACES ERASURE — FAMOUS FACES GATHER, WEEP, AND SAY GOODBYE TO A SYMBOL WE NEVER THOUGHT WE’D LOSE

Manila, Philippines – Emotions ran high as some of the biggest stars in Philippine showbiz gathered to witness what many described as the “end of an era.” A symbol that once stood tall in the skyline of Quezon City—ABS-CBN’s iconic transmission tower—will soon be nothing more than a memory. And with its looming demolition, the emotional toll has proven too much for many Kapamilya stars who once called it home.

The demolition of the ABS-CBN transmission tower, once a beacon of media excellence and the face of Filipino broadcasting, has sparked outrage, sorrow, and disbelief from fans and celebrities alike. The tower, rising above the ABS-CBN compound for decades, was not just a structure—it was the soul of a network that nurtured talent, sparked dreams, and connected millions of Filipinos across the world.

A SCENE OF TEARS AND TRIBUTES

On July 12, dozens of Kapamilya artists gathered near the tower, some bringing flowers, others lighting candles, and many breaking down in tears. Among those present were some of the most beloved faces of Philippine entertainment: Coco Martin, Vice Ganda, Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Angel Locsin, and Piolo Pascual.

Several stars took turns sharing heartfelt messages in front of a growing crowd of fans, media personnel, and former ABS-CBN employees.

“I literally grew up under this tower,” said Angel Locsin, holding back tears. “It’s more than a structure. It’s where I became who I am. It’s where we built dreams, told stories, and stood for truth.”

Vice Ganda was visibly emotional and could hardly speak during his short message. “This place gave me everything. And now… we’re watching it be taken away. It hurts. It truly hurts.”

A SYMBOL OF STRUGGLE, SHUTDOWN, AND SILENCING

The transmission tower has been unused since ABS-CBN’s shutdown in 2020, after the network failed to secure a congressional franchise renewal. While the compound itself remains operational for some digital content and studio operations, the tower has stood silently—a haunting reminder of what was lost.

The announcement of its demolition came as a shock to many. Although legal proceedings and property issues have loomed for years, few expected the actual dismantling to push through. The tower, a fixture in Filipino households for generations, will soon be gone—another piece of media history erased.

“This isn’t just about a building coming down,” said a former ABS-CBN employee who requested anonymity. “This is about the silencing of a voice, the destruction of a legacy. You don’t just demolish a tower—you erase everything it stood for.”

NETIZENS REACT: “THIS IS A NATIONAL LOSS”

As photos and videos from the farewell gathering flooded social media, the internet erupted in a mixture of grief and outrage. The hashtag #NoToDemolition trended within hours, with thousands of Filipinos expressing their sadness and anger over the news.

“This tower was the eye of the storm during breaking news,” tweeted one user. “It was the voice that comforted us during disasters, elections, and national tragedies. Now, it’s being torn down like it meant nothing.”

Even international celebrities with Filipino heritage shared their thoughts. Broadway star and actress Lea Salonga posted: “ABS-CBN taught us how to tell our stories. That tower stood for every child who dreamed of making it. What a loss.”

A STATION THAT LAUNCHED A THOUSAND CAREERS

The demolition marks not just the physical loss of a landmark, but the emotional closure of a chapter in Philippine media. ABS-CBN was once the largest media network in the country, responsible for launching the careers of countless icons, and the tower stood as its most recognizable symbol.

Generations of Filipino households remember tuning into shows like TV Patrol, Maalaala Mo Kaya, ASAP, and Ang Probinsyano, all broadcast from that very tower. For aspiring actors and artists, it represented the dream: to one day stand beneath it as a certified “Kapamilya.”

Many celebrities echoed that sentiment during the farewell gathering.

“I remember my first audition here,” said Kathryn Bernardo. “I looked up at the tower and promised myself, one day, I’ll make it. And I did. Because ABS-CBN believed in me.”

MOVING FORWARD WITHOUT FORGETTING

Despite the grief, some artists expressed hope that the memory of the tower—and what it represented—will live on in their work.

“The spirit of ABS-CBN can’t be demolished,” Piolo Pascual said. “We will continue telling stories, we will continue serving the people. We may lose the tower, but we will never lose our voice.”

ABS-CBN executives have yet to release a full statement detailing the reasons behind the demolition or the future plans for the space the tower occupies. However, they confirmed that a private contractor has been hired and that dismantling operations are expected to begin before the end of the month.

As the sun set on the Quezon City skyline, the red and white steel structure cast a long shadow over the people who gathered to say goodbye. The tower may soon be gone, but for millions of Filipinos—especially the artists who lived their dreams beneath it—it will forever stand tall in their hearts.