Julius Babao bids ABS-CBN goodbye after 28 years

MANILA, Philippines — Julius Babao has officially left the Kapamilya network after 28 years.

The broadcast journalist announced his departure from ABS-CBN during his final appearance on the primetime newscast TV Patrol on Friday, Dec. 31.

“Hindi po ito pagpapaalam kundi isang pahayag ng pasasalamat sa lahat ng aking mga naging Kapamilya sa loob ng 28 taon,” Julius said.

“Dito na po ako lumaki sa ABS-CBN, nagkaroon ng magandang karera, nakilala ang aking asawa at nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na makatulong sa maraming mamamayan,” he added.

The 53-year-old newsman, who said the network was where his dreams came true, also took time to thank the ABS-CBN bosses, co-employees and staff, and viewers.

“Hindi ko po mararating ang kinatatayuan ko ngayon, kung hindi po dahil sa inyo. Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.”

In a separate Instagram post, Julius also wrote: “I have always dreamt of becoming a news presenter for ABS-CBN. After graduation, My first job was a production assistant and reporter for DZBB GMA-7. In 1993, I was hired by ABS-CBN as a reporter for TV Patrol. Fast-forward to 2003, when I became one of its regular anchors. TV Patrol will always have a special place in my heart and I thank our boss Ging Reyes for this one last ride to say thank you to all my Kapamilyas and dear viewers.”

Julius made his final broadcast yesterday, Jan. 2, on TeleRadyo Balita. In a tweet, he shared a photo of him looking at the Kapamilya network logo at the ABS-CBN lobby.

ABS-CBN, meanwhile, released on Friday a statement about his departure.

“Julius began his career in broadcast journalism at ABS-CBN, where he embodied the company’s mission of service for 28 years by reporting on important national issues and events, producing unflinching exposés of abuses that benefited the helpless, and serving Filipinos in need of various types of assistance through his TV and radio programs,” the statement read.

“We respect his decision to pursue his professional career outside of ABS-CBN and wish him well in future pursuits,” ABS-CBN further said.

Julius is notable for anchoring news shows such as TV Patrol and Bandila, and the public service program Mission Possible, among others. He also hosted DZMM Teleradyo programs Radyo Patrol Balita, Headline Pilipinas and Lingkod Pilipinas, to name a few.

Fellow co-anchor Karen Davila earlier penned a heartwarming note, sharing how she felt nostalgic over her co-news anchor’s departure from the Kapamilya station.

“Kapamilyas come and go but our hearts remain bonded for life. I pray and believe for better times ahead for ABS-CBN. We are strong. Bilog ang mundo at alam ko, magkikita tayong muli. Wishing you well Julius,” wrote Karen.