How Julius Babao unplugs from the daily grind
MANILA, Philippines — As he has navigated the digital platform in presenting and producing content, Julius Babao also develops a better grasp of Filipinos as an audience. This is through his channel and vlog “Julius Babao Unplugged,” which has recently migrated to TV5, a mainstream platform, and airs Sundays at 4 p.m.
“Pinoys are very sentimental. Ang hinahanap nila ay magpapaiyak sa kanila (they are looking for something that will make them cry and touch their hearts),” said the veteran broadcast journalist in a recent virtual interview with The STAR. “Kailangan may gulat factor kasi iyon talaga yung tina-try kong i-achieve (there has to be a surprise factor, which I’m trying to achieve in terms of content presentation).”
Examples are nostalgic interviews and stories about the present plight of stars such as comedienne Matutina who has left the limelight for a long time and needs help. In line with this, everyone gets curious about the celebrities’ lives after showbiz.
“So, that’s the kind of gulat that I want to achieve — that you will surprise them and encourage people to help,” said he. “Viewers are very sentimental, viewers are very helpful, kapag kaya naman nilang tumulong (when they can extend their help). Kung hindi nila kayang tumulong financially, magdarasal sila (if they can’t help financially, they pray).”
Julius added that viewers also want inspiring stories, which are a breather from news about politicians, power struggles, and crimes, to name a few.
With “Julius Babao Unplugged,” the “Frontline Pilipinas” news anchor has given the chance to explore and showcase different sides of him, besides, as you and I know, his news persona.
“Gusto kong mag-inspire, mag-paligaya, gusto kong gamitin ang show ko para makatulong sa mga taong na ngangailangan (I want to inspire, bring joy, and use my show to help those who are in need),” shared he.
What also catches the subscribers and viewers’ attention, besides the “Unplugged” relatable and touching stories, is the catchy and intriguing title given to them.
“Mahirap mag-isip ng mga titles (it’s challenging to think and come up with titles),” said Julius. “In this day and age, they’re (viewers) looking for a gulat title. As much as possible, ayokong magpaka-sensationalize, pero kailangan kong makuha ang attention ng tao, eh, kasi kapag hindi mo nakuha yung atensyon nila, hindi ka panonoorin (because if you don’t get their attention, they won’t watch you). Yan ang labanan sa social media (that’s how competition works on social media). You need to hook people.”
Aside from bringing fans and the public to do damayan (show compassion) or help personalities, “Julius Babao Unplugged” has also become a platform to connect stars to producers, who give them acting opportunities to somehow start anew.
Looking back on the humble beginnings of “Julius Babao Unplugged,” he is delighted that he has independently created such successful content and considers it a dream fulfilled. Viewers can see the action man persona in him, which is reminiscent of his advocacy show, “Mission Possible,” and the “entertainment persona” that makes people laugh with him and who makes a hearty laugh.
In the vlog and channel, people get a glimpse of who Julius is as in no filter. Yes, the content is filled with heartfelt and light moments, but the public service core is clear. That brings joy to Julius and inspires him to thrive.
Away from his daily grind as a content creator and a newsman, Julius is a loving husband to wife, veteran TV personality, producer, businesswoman, and content creator Christine Bersola, and doting dad to kids, Antonia and Antonio, with nicknames Anya and Nio, respectively. Their daughter is a University of the Philippines (UP) student, while their son is in middle school. Julius shared that Anya is an artist, while Nio has a lot of interests that range from acting, singing, playing the guitar and playing basketball.
With his online and on-air work, Julius always finds time for family. They share stories on how their day went, they dine together, they pray the rosary before hitting the sack, and they also unwind by going to the mall.
As for his love for the visual arts and his enthusiasm for collecting works of art, Julius has collected enough and continues to support artists.
(Watch ‘Julius Babao Unplugged’ every Sunday and make it part of your entertainment-and-information weekend fare. It also airs on One Ph, Saturdays at 7:45 p.m.)
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