ABS-CBN Tower Demolition: An End of an Era That Left Celebrities in Tears — Karen Davila, Vina Morales, Vice Ganda React

Few structures in the Philippine media landscape are as iconic as the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center and its towering symbol on Sgt. Esguerra Avenue in Quezon City. For decades, this building was not just a physical structure—it was the beating heart of Philippine broadcast media. So when reports broke out confirming the impending demolition of the ABS-CBN transmission tower, a wave of nostalgia, heartbreak, and disbelief flooded the entertainment industry and the nation. Prominent figures like Karen Davila, Vina Morales, and Vice Ganda expressed deep sorrow, marking the end of what many called “the golden era of Filipino television.”

This feature explores the cultural, emotional, and professional impact of the demolition of this iconic landmark, and why the tears shed by artists and staff carry far more meaning than just saying goodbye to bricks and metal.

1. A Pillar of Philippine Media History

Erected in 1968, the ABS-CBN tower became an unmistakable part of Metro Manila’s skyline. It stood not just as a structural marvel but as a symbol of hope, free speech, and storytelling for the Filipino people. This tower was the transmitter that brought the nation everything—from groundbreaking teleseryes to investigative journalism, variety shows to breaking news coverage.

The tower also stood resilient through political unrest, technological shifts, and economic upheavals. It witnessed martial law, democracy’s return, and the rise of a digital age. But perhaps no moment in its history was as defining—and devastating—as the shutdown of ABS-CBN’s free TV operations in 2020.

2. The Shutdown: The Beginning of the End

In May 2020, ABS-CBN was forced off the air following the non-renewal of its congressional franchise, ending over 70 years of broadcast legacy. The event was not just a business loss; it was a cultural and emotional blow to millions.

Despite the network’s ongoing presence online and through cable, the physical tower—no longer in use—became a silent monument. Still standing, still intact, it served as a reminder of what once was. Until now.

The announcement of its demolition represents more than a real estate decision. It’s a powerful symbol of finality. A chapter is not just closed—it is being physically erased from the city’s landscape.

3. The Reactions: Karen, Vina, Vice Ganda, and Others Speak Out

As the news spread across social media, celebrities, journalists, and long-time employees of the network expressed their emotions. Their posts painted a portrait of deep personal connection, loss, and pride.

Karen Davila

Veteran broadcast journalist Karen Davila shared a heartfelt message on her official page:

“This tower watched over generations of truth-tellers and storytellers. It’s painful to see it go, but its legacy remains in every journalist who still fights for truth.”

Her message was accompanied by an old photo of the newsroom, and the iconic tower lit up during a nighttime broadcast.

Vina Morales

Actress and singer Vina Morales, who started her career as a young performer on ABS-CBN variety shows, wrote:

“I cried when I heard the news. So many memories, so many lives built inside those walls. It was more than just a network—it was home.”

She also posted throwback photos from her early performances, some in front of the tower during grand anniversary specials.

Vice Ganda

Comedian and host Vice Ganda, known for his quick wit and charisma on It’s Showtime, took a more emotional route. During a segment on his show, he paused to address the demolition live:

“I grew up under the shadow of that tower. It watched me dream, grow, fall, and rise again. I can’t believe we’re saying goodbye.”

Vice’s tears were visible as he spoke, and fans quickly shared the moment, making it one of the most-watched clips that week on social media.

4. Why This Tower Meant So Much

To understand why the demolition feels like a personal loss to many, one must understand what the ABS-CBN tower represented:

Creative Sanctuary: Countless actors, musicians, dancers, writers, and directors began their careers in the studios beneath that tower.
Journalistic Integrity: The news team, led by respected figures like Noli de Castro, Korina Sanchez, and Ted Failon, operated under its gaze.
Cultural Touchstone: Shows like Maalaala Mo Kaya, ASAP, and TV Patrol shaped generations of Filipino households. The tower was always in the background—silent, steady, strong.

It wasn’t just a piece of infrastructure—it was a spiritual and professional headquarters for Filipino media makers.

5. The Employees’ Perspective

For long-time employees—many of whom stayed with the network even after the shutdown—the tower’s demolition felt deeply personal. One longtime studio cameraman, interviewed anonymously, shared:

“I met my wife here. I raised my kids because of this place. It’s not just a job site; it’s part of my family history.”

Stories like these are common: technicians, janitors, drivers, writers—all linked by a shared sense of pride and belonging.

6. Moving Forward: What Happens to the Space?

There are reports that the land may be used for redevelopment. Possibilities range from commercial establishments to joint media ventures. As of now, no official announcement has clarified the final use for the space, but one thing is clear: the tower will be gone.

Urban planners and architects have weighed in on the importance of preserving landmarks, but in this case, business and symbolism collided—and the latter lost.

7. From Brick to Memory: Digital Tributes Multiply

In response to the demolition, fans and employees have started creating digital memorials. Online exhibits, fan art, throwback footage, and mini-documentaries have emerged across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Hashtags like #GoodbyeABSCBNTower and #ThankYouKapamilya have trended repeatedly, revealing a community’s desire to keep the memory alive even when the structure disappears.

8. A Larger Conversation: What Does This Mean for Philippine Media?

This event also reignites conversations around media freedom, infrastructure, and preservation of legacy in the Philippine context. The loss of ABS-CBN’s tower is not just architectural—it represents shrinking spaces for independent storytelling.

Cultural critics argue that this is a cautionary tale: about politics, about corporate vulnerability, and about how quickly legacy can be undone if not protected. The demolition is seen by some not as an isolated act—but as part of a broader silencing.

9. The Human Cost of Closure

Beyond the headlines and politics lies the emotional residue of hundreds of people displaced. People who found purpose, identity, and stability within the network’s walls are now reminded, in a most permanent way, that an era has truly ended.

The grief is layered: nostalgia, anger, pride, helplessness. The tower’s fall triggers all of it. Not everyone has the platform to express these feelings as Karen, Vina, or Vice do—but their words have become a collective echo for many silent voices.

10. In Conclusion: A Legacy Larger Than Steel

The ABS-CBN tower may no longer grace the skyline, but its legacy will continue in every story told, every truth pursued, and every artist who started there and went on to touch lives across the world.

To grieve its loss is not merely sentimental; it’s a reflection of how spaces can hold memory, identity, and even national pride. As the cranes move in and the structure comes down, we’re reminded that some goodbyes echo far longer than words.

📌 Further Reading

For readers who want to explore more about this topic, legacy media, and ABS-CBN’s role in shaping Philippine culture, here are several articles and features worth exploring:

“ABS-CBN Shutdown: Timeline and Public Reactions”
“Media Landmarks of the Philippines: What Should Be Preserved?”
“Karen Davila on Journalism, Truth, and Legacy”
“The Emotional Impact of TV Network Closures on Employees”
“How Vice Ganda Changed Philippine Primetime Television”