Fan moment

Our neighbor, the Cajigals own a home that you’d typically find in Ilocos — capiz windows, wooden floors, a balcony. It’s because of this probinsya feel that producers often choose it for location shootings.  Those of us living in the neighborhood, would immediately know if there’s a “shooting”! “There’s a shooting at the Cajigals,” our kasambahay announced. 

A shooting that I will never forget was an episode of Young Love Sweet Love with Manilyn Reynes and Keempee de Leon. How will I forget? I became the laughing stock of my kuya’s barkada when they saw my hands shaking while I was asking for the autograph of Manilyn and Keempee.  I think I almost fainted. 

I was also a Sharonian when I was a kid. I had my photo taken with Sharon Cuneta when we chanced upon her at Virra Mall, and I even had a cassette tape of her earlier albums. I was a fan of Menudo, too, and my Papa Nick brought me to a concert. I loved Ricky Martin when he was still a teenager. 

Seeing my idols was a kilig moment for me, and I will never forget the kind gestures of celebrities, like Roderick Paulate who said hello and exchanged pleasantries with an ordinary person like myself.

Being a fan myself reminds me to regard our audience with respect. Being a fan, I know how a simple smile or a photo can brighten someone’s day. I can relate to the Kapamilyas who went to Quezon Memorial Circle and Marikina Sports Complex for the Grand Kapamilya Weekend.  

The whole event reminded me of a school fair — ABS-CBN shows had different booths. We gave away prizes and souvenir items. We had performances and song numbers, and our Kapamilyas didn’t care at all about the hot sunny day.

I was in awe seeing so many people. The fun run for the Pasig River alone registered 80,000 participants. I thought to myself, all those people went there because of their affinity with our network. They were Kapamilyas and they love ABS-CBN. 

It was quite humbling to see the viewers of ABS-CBN face to face. Because it’s television, you see us, but we don’t see you. I’m glad ABS-CBN management came up with the event to show our appreciation to our viewers and I’m hoping it becomes a yearly event.

To our Kapamilyas, thank you for tuning in on ABS-CBN, so early in the morning to watch Umagang Kay Ganda, down to our late-night programs. Thank you, too, for joining us on weekends to watch Salamat Dok, for tuning in on DZMM and ANC. 

Thank you for making us part of your lives. You are so much a part of ours! Salamat po, mga Kapamilya. 

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