A memorable homecoming at ABS-CBN

I still remember the day (night – actually). It was Feb. 13, 1998. It was the last time I was in ABS-CBN, my home for five years and a half.

The following day, I was leaving for the United States to try a new life there. But I had to go to ABS-CBN first to do some last-minute voicing for my farewell episode.

As soon as I was done with my voice-over, I gave one of my favorite segment producers, Ona Unico, a really tight hug and thanked him for standing by my side during all those years I was with the station.

When I reached the parking area, I stopped on my tracks for a while and took one long look at the ABS-CBN building before hopping into the car. I remember uttering a soft and faint goodbye to the place as soon as I got settled in my white Daewoo racer — the car that I won in one of the ABS-CBN Christmas raffles. With that, I took off and drove out of the gate of ABS-CBN for the last time.

Three and a half years later, I was back in ABS-CBN — to host an episode of Persona (with Pilar Pilapil as subject) for the station’s cable channel.

But hopping back to ABS-CBN territory wasn’t going to be that simple — I told Bebet Fernandez, the hardworking and efficient executive producer of Persona. I had to ask permission first from my Channel 7 bosses. Fortunately, they said yes after explaining to them the scope of work that I was going to do for the rival’s cable station.

When I got the go-signal from GMA-7, Bebet Fernandez worked out a taping schedule that was convenient for both Pilar Pilapil and myself.

Two hours before the scheduled taping. I called up Bebet to ask her to please make sure I wouldn’t have trouble getting into the ABS-CBN compound. She was surprised by my request – adding that it was impossible for the ABS-CBN security guards not to recognize me.

Don’t be too sure – I shot back. Even during the time I had two top-rated shows there (modesty aside), there were many instances when the guards made it difficult for me to get in. The same thing happened to Cristy Fermin. And even to Korina Sanchez — so I heard.

Luckily, I didn’t have trouble with the guards on duty at the gate this time. But they still stopped me and politely asked for my name. I flashed a smile readily told them my name. As an afterthought, I even said to them, "I used to work here, you know." They don’t remember. So much for Showbiz Lingo being on the top of the ratings chart for five years and a half.

At the lobby, I was met by a Persona staff member and led me to the studio where we were going to tape the episode. Along the way, I noticed that the place was teeming with people — although there wasn’t one recognizable face among them.

When we got the studio, I had to thank my guide for leading the way. It was a totally new place and I would have completely gotten lost without her assistance.

In one of the dressing rooms, I saw Pilar being made up. I said hello to her and she was gracious and beautiful as always.

After a short briefing with the show’s writer, I looked for the director, Connie Macatuno. Now, Connie and I go back a long way. She was my executive producer in Cristy Perminute and I was really thrilled to be working with her again.

With the taping done, I turned on my cell phone and got frantic text messages from Jocelyn Arino, my segment producer for Startalk. She needed me to be at Mario’s Restaurant on Tomas Morato for an interview with Cesar Montano.

I immediately rushed out of the studio, but at the lobby, I bumped into Deo Endrinal and, later, Cory Vidanes, whose second child, Ara, is my goddaughter. I was really happy to have been reunited – even for a very brief while – with two of the people I truly love in ABS-CBN. I would have wanted to go upstairs to say hello to Charo Santos Concio and apologize for not having gone to her mother’s wake, except that the Startalk people were already waiting for me at Mario’s. (The interview with Cesar Montano didn’t start until three hours after I got there.)

Three days later, I was back in ABS-CBN to do additional voicing and to lend the Persona people materials on Pilar Pilapil. At the editing room, while I had my back to the door, I felt a gentle slap on my shoulder. When I turned around, it was George Mansueto, one of the original staff members of Showbiz Lingo and my kumpare. He heard that I was at the editing bay and sought me out. Later, I also said hello – although very briefly – to Mylene and Grachel who worked with me in Showbiz Lingo and Cristy Perminute.

Then, it was time to go. Once more, I took one long look at the ABS-CBN building before I walked out of the gate. Being an outsider now, I was made to park, well, outside.

I then took the short drive from ABS-CBN to GMA-7 where we were scheduled to have a meeting about the 20 percent withholding tax to be deducted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue from our salaries.

At the Studio 3 (which is as cold as Siberia), I was met by the warm and friendly greetings of German Moreno, Michael V., Mel Tiangco, Luz Valdez, Lito Calzado, Tiya Pusit, Jake Roxas, Redgie Magno, Finance VP Ronnie Mastrili, AVP for production, Marivin Arayata and the eternally well-dressed GMA big boss, Wilma Galvante who looked very fashionable in her lime green Mary Ong Chinese blouse.

The topic of the meeting was serious — and painful. After all, it’s no joke to have a 20 percent deduction off your income.

But Michael V (and even Kuya Germs) – true to form – still tried to make light of the issue to brighten up the dour mood permeating the studio.

It was an uphill (and even losing) battle we were fighting. I only took consolation that time in the fact that we were fighting it as one family – the GMA-7 family.

Despite the look of resignation on everyone’s face, people were still hopeful for brighter days ahead. That was the spirit I saw and felt when I looked around me in the GMA-7 studio.

At that moment, I was just happy to be home.