Actor-comedian Empoy Marquez took a moment to express gratitude to ABS-CBN after unintentionally passing by its Quezon City compound, which was recently sold to Ayala Land Inc.
Marquez, who got his break in the entertainment industry through the network, shared a sentimental social media post on March 9, reflecting on his journey with ABS-CBN and its impact on his career.
Alongside a photo of the network’s iconic transmission tower, Marquez wrote about how ABS-CBN paved the way for his success, recalling how he once competed in the ‘Mr. Suave’ contest on the noontime show ‘Masayang Tanghali Bayan’ in 2003.
“Kahapon hindi ko alam bakit dinala ako paa ko sa pagsikad sa lugar na ito (Yesterday, I don’t know why my feet brought me to this place),” he wrote.
He expressed how the network became a second home to him, where he built friendships and gained opportunities that shaped his career.
“Ilang beses ako tumungo kasama ng mga kaibigan ko upang lumahok sa patimpalak ng ‘Masayang Tanghali Bayan’ sa contest na Mr. Suave 2003. Sa simula ko sa tahanan na ito nagkaroon ako ng kapatid, kaberks, inutusan at kapuso ko na pahalagahan lalo ang kapamilya,” he shared.
The ‘Kita Kita’ star also acknowledged ABS-CBN’s role in his career growth and thanked the network for allowing him to bring joy to audiences.
“Salamat Lord sa ABS-CBN dahil ginamit mo silang instrument upang magkaroon ng isang ako sa industriya at makapagpasaya ng mga tao,” he expressed.
The network confirmed that proceeds from the sale will be used to settle debts and compensate employees affected by job cuts following the non-renewal of its broadcast franchise in 2020.
Despite the sale, ABS-CBN’s impact on Philippine entertainment remains undeniable, with countless artists, including Marquez, acknowledging the role it played in their success.