ABS-CBN has been a part of every Filipino family. Even I grew up watching Kapamilya shows which shaped my childhood and teenage years in one way or another.

I remember watching Sineswela and Math tinik in our school’s library during elementary years, learning Science with our classmates Anatom and Agatom. And who can forget Ugat-Puno?

Hiraya Manawari, an ancient phrase that generally means “May the wishes/hopes/dreams of your heart come true” made us experience Pinoy children’s story books on TV. It granted us unforgettable childhood “Good Manners and Right Conduct” lessons. This is my all-time favorite. Bayani allowed us to travel back in time to learn our Philippine History in a more engaging and entertaining way. It helped us appreciate our history more at a young age.

Sara, Cedi, Heidi and Nelo (with Patras) were among our childhood household friends whenever our parents don’t allow us to go out and play with our friends in the neighborhood.

Voltez V, X-men, BTX, Zenki among all others had taught us to become childhood superheroes. While ASAP brought out the performers in us.

Gimik and Tabing-Ilog had been our companion during our coming of age phase, which in some ways gave us lessons and guidance on the reality of teenage life. It gave us “kilig” too.

Admittedly, Juday + Rico Yan and their shows were my epitome of Pinoy teleserye. And I used to watch Santino in May Bukas Pa and MMK whenever I wanted to feel more humane.

And who can forget Cosme family of Home Along D Riles who bonded with our families and gave us stomach-aching laughtersss for years.

Indeed, ABS-CBN has been an essential part of my life. I am sad of what happened and hurt for my friends and all the other 11k employees who work there.

I’m no expert in laws nor an avid social media and news follower these days. But what were those 70 lawmakers thinking? I’m just curious. Anyway, maybe we can all go back to our childhood and watch Hiraya Manawari and Bayani again. And just enjoy the show.

Can ABS-CBN be granted a new franchise after 2 years when the odds are not anymore against their favor? Hopefully yes.

While waiting, can they distribute some of their employees to their other businesses? Or with their years of expertise (people), space and equipment, can they become like an outsourcing company where they can offer their services to other broadcasting companies? Can they partner with TV 5 or GMA 7? Just so they can retain as much of their 11,000 employees, if only…

Looking at the brighter side, ABS-CBN has been the leader in broadcasting and media, providing jobs to many and even helping create sustainable communities. And the non-renewal will not change their mission and vision as a company.

I hope they use this opportunity to again lead the change to the new normal of Philippine media industry.

I hope they create higher quality, global worthy teleserye and movies. I hope they strengthen their digital platforms, tie up with telecom companies or build their own. So they can expand their reach to the farthest provinces in our country and invade the Asian market like Thais and the world like Koreans. Who knows I-want TV becomes the next Netflix. 😊

We hope ABS-CBN becomes more global. That they be able to create more jobs and continue to be in the service of the Filipino people.

Hiraya Manawari, ABS-CBN Kapamilya.