Thousands of workers in the country’s leading media giant and their families lean on ABS-CBN to make ends meet. A year after its tragic shutdown, these employees are still standing the test of time.
On May 5, 2020, ABS-CBN was forced to follow the cease and desist order issued by National Telecommunications Commission. When its 25-year franchise ended, the Network and the many Filipinos who treat it as part of their lives were hopeful that it will continue to deliver its service to the country.
Looking back, the shutdown was an incident never expected to happen, especially in the middle of a pandemic.
Aside from the Filipinos who rely on the free television operations of ABS-CBN to get information, be educated with the current societal issues, and entertained with diverse programs, it could not be denied that employees who work for the network were the most affected.
Nothing hurts as much as receiving the news that in a matter of days you will lose your job like a greased lightning. The people who primarily convey the news suddenly received one - one that is painful and heartbreaking, like a news flash that will suddenly put your life in a crisis.
In the service of truth
Maira Nuarin-Wallis, who served for 11 years in the ABS-CBN Regionals, worked as a director and host for Naimbag Nga Morning Kapamilya and TV Patrol North Luzon before her engagement with the network was terminated.
Meeting new people and telling their stories were the most memorable things during her stay in the network. And it was ABS-CBN that served as an avenue for her to build relationships through acts of service and help other people.
Albert Manangan, a digital newsgathering specialist or cameraman for ABS-CBN Regionals, said that his ultimate reason for staying in the industry for 13 years was he was able to help his fellow Filipinos by spreading news, especially in far-flung areas.
Mervyn Brondial, who started from the very bottom, has now served 24 years of service to ABS-CBN. You may know him from his celebrated works such as Be Careful with My Heart starring Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap, and his latest series A Soldier’s Heart, starring Gerald Anderson.
New chances
Shifting your career path or sticking with something you’re used to doing? Making decisions is difficult especially if it means letting go of the thing you once had.
Although life became tougher after the shutdown, these hardworking individuals found their new bread and butter.
Even though she was unfortunate to land a government job as she first envisioned after she lost her position, Maira is now a proud lecturer in her alma mater, the University of the Philippines Baguio.
After her former boss established Regional News Group (RNG) Luzon, she volunteered to be part of the news desk. She considers everything that happened as a blessing in disguise as she can now do the two things she loves the most - being a journalist and an educator at the same time.
Albert is now a baking and milk tea needs supplier in La Union. He was thankful that their growing family business is giving enough to sustain their needs. Like Maira, he is also a volunteer at RNG Luzon.
Direk Mervyn is focusing on his love for photography where his subjects are the elders of his hometown Cavite. Aside from playing drums and writing concepts for his future projects, he is also busy selling his homemade “winner” chicken embutido, a business he has for 10 years already.
More than a family
Losing something you love the most and you used to have is a tough thing. Losing a family is another.
“Ang pagiging Kapamilya ng ABS-CBN ay hindi lamang para sa mga viewer o tagapagtangkilik nito dahil sa aming mga empleyado, nadama talaga namin na magkakapamilya kami,” Maira said.
She wonders if there is still another workplace like ABS-CBN. She never experienced her life draining out of her body. Drive and passion are always renewed on her everyday grind.
Maira believes that the network is one of the Philippines’ most authoritative and trusted sources of news and information. Still, it plays a bigger part in the lives of Filipinos - to bring hope and change.
During his stay in ABS-CBN, Albert met the love of his life who also worked for the station. He was able to have a happy marriage and build a family.
Aside from having a literal family, he was thankful for the opportunity to give “service.”
Because of the network, he became a public servant which made a huge impact on his life.
Mervyn sheds a different light on being a Kapamilya. He said that like families with imperfect set-ups, ABS-CBN still tries its best to “transcend the good practices” - practices that will never be buried to be forgotten.
The Kapamilya Network has been receiving much support from Filipinos who continue to make noise not only to fight for the employees’ rights, but also to combat the direct attacks on press freedom. After all, democracy should run this country.
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