How nostalgic interviews with forgotten stars led to Julius Babao’s ‘Unplugged’ success
MANILA, Philippines — Beyond his broadcast journalist persona with an unparalleled career run, Julius Babao has also made a name for himself as a content creator via the channel and vlog, “Julius Babao Unplugged.”
He churns out and curates stories that give valuable lessons and inspiration to its subscribers and viewers.
His digital content series will migrate to mainstream starting tomorrow, Sept. 22, at 4 p.m. on TV5.
Such an online-to-on-air crossover is a welcome change to any content producer and the latter’s followers.
“I wanted a channel na ibang-ibang dun sa ginagawa ko (that was totally different from what I would usually do). That’s why I’m using the ‘Julius Babao Unplugged’ title,” said Julius in a recent virtual one-on-one with The STAR, “kasi nga parang I’m unplugging myself from my usual routine.”
That’s his being a TV personality that encompasses hosting a program and presenting the news, with a vision to showcase the other side of him.
Julius commenced “Julius Babao Unplugged” before the pandemic. He recalled, “Hindi ko pa alam kung ano’ng direksyon ang pupuntahan ng vlog (I didn’t know then what direction the vlog would take).” He was really curious what else he could do besides his TV work.
“Then I started doing lifestyle vlogs. I would document our family travels, and I would review sneakers because that was what I wanted my viewers to see — there’s a side of me na mahilig din sa fashion, sa sneakers, art, yung mga ganun (who is into fashion, sneakers, art, among other things).”
From these kinds of content, Julius ventured into featuring entertainment names that viewers are familiar with.
“It gradually crossed over to (having) showbiz personalities, and then the pandemic happened. Access to (exploring) topics was limited. So, what happened there was I started interviewing celebrities via Zoom,” shared he.
Filmmaker Erik Matti and actor-host-singer Billy Crawford had the chance to talk about their sneaker and NBA card collections, respectively.
Actor-host Dingdong Dantes discussed his motorcycle collection, while actor-rapper Andrew E showed his “massive collection of NBA cards” and rare comics.
After that, Julius forayed into interviewing veteran actors Dindo Arroyo and Pen Medina. In a matter of a few days, the content got millions of views.
“Parang nakita ko na mukhang dito yata ang gusto ng mga viewers ko na mga topics, yung mga medyo senior na, mga senior actors na (it seemed that my viewers preferred these topics that had senior actors),” said he.
Julius took it as a sign to veer away from the house tours to famous personalities as topics that other media personalities-turned-vloggers and content creators present in their vlogs. As a manner of speaking, he had taken the road not usually taken, featuring celebrities who are no longer visible and giving one a sneak peek at where they are now.
This was a vital turning point for the “Julius Babao Unplugged” channel.
He carried on by interviewing ‘80s soft drink beauties like Coca Nicolas, who talked about Pepsi Paloma, and Janice Jurado and Bridgette de Joya as part of the sexy stars series.
Part of the senior stars category are tales of comedian Dinky Doo and music icon Coritha.
“Julius Babao Unplugged” extended its help to Bridgette, who now works as a security guard, by gifting her with a motorcycle, as well as Dinky Doo and Coritha, who needed financial support.
Julius’ vlog also serves as a platform for people to share their blessings and give their help. In the case of Coritha, fellow artists and musicians came up with their own fundraisers, and such an effort continues.
“Parang ganun ang naging flow… interviewing senior actors or yung mga hindi na visible na actors,” said he, “until na-realize ko na na napaka-powerful nung channel na ‘to to help others (I realized how powerful the channel could be to help others).”
With his experience in headlining an advocacy program, Julius tried to “integrate the format of ‘Mission Possible’ into ‘Julius Babao Unplugged.’”
It’s safe to say that he and his team have, in a way, found the perfect formula.
Aside from presenting heartfelt and heartwarming stories, Julius also became a source of information about “Eat, Bulaga” and its transfer to TV5.
He secured interviews with Joey de Leon, Allan K, and Tito Sen Sotto, and each content received millions of views.
What a feat it is for Julius, who does most of the work from conceptualization to direction, and his team, comprised of a coordinator and a cameraman.
Again, tomorrow, “Julius Babao Unplugged” will now be seen on TV5 and every Sunday at 4 p.m. thereafter.
“Definitely, magbabago kasi (there will be some change because) we’ll be thematic,” said Julius of the production approach. “Pagsasama-samahin namin yung mga elements ng mga interviews para makabuo kami ng isang thematic na episode (we will combine elements from different interviews to form a thematic episode).”
To find it out, tune in to the show’s premiere.
But one thing is clear and constant: “Julius Babao Unplugged” will continue to create stories that are teeming with good lessons and inspiration.
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