Lighting Parol ni Bro, 4 November 2009

 

                As early as October 17, Tita Angge (Cornelia Lee), ABS-CBN’s super Talent Coordinator had texted us cast of “May Bukas Pa” that we will be joining the lighting of Bro’s lantern originally set on 06 November  a Friday at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

                However, there were changes in the plan and finally the ABS-CBN’s top management decided to conduct the lighting of Bro’s lantern at its premises on Sgt. Esguerra Avenue (formerly Bohol Avenue) in Quezon City on 04 November.

                Days before the event, Hazel Parfan, our Associate Producer, texted us the final instructions. We were told to wear red and to be at the ground floor lobby of the ABS-CBN’s Main Building, on Sgt. Esguerra Avenue at 5:00 p.m. I had to text for clarification since in the past, I had experienced that the meeting place was mentioned to be at the main building and I took it to mean that it was the building on Sgt. Esguerra Avenue only to be told later that the meeting place was on the new ELJ Building on Panay Avenue!

                I brought two red polos: the first was a lacoste red polo and the second one was a polo with a logo of my fraternity – the Upsilon Sigma Phi at the University of the Philippines. I had it tailored three years ago when we planned to have a TV program that would showcase the achievers from the University of the Philippines with me as the host. I intended to wear the polo on the show.

                I finally decided to wear the red polo with the logo of my frat. I arrived at the main building lobby at exactly 5:00 p.m. Tony Manalo was already there and was wearing a red lacoste polo identical with the first polo that I brought! I made a wise decision to wear my red polo with the Upsilon logo!

                A few minutes later, Andre Tiangco arrived at the lobby. Later, Ms. Ethel Espiritu, led the group composed of Zaijian Zaranilla (with his mommy), Lito Pimentel, Ruben Gonzaga, Michael Conan and Hazel Parfan joined us. Since it was still early, Ms. Ethel decided that we move first to the garden area near the Cafeteria. I had some few moments with little boy Zaijian (Santino) talking about some personal matters!

                At about 6:00 p.m., we walked back to the lobby where we met Ms. Karen Davila.  It was the first time that I met Ms. Karen in person. She was taller than how she appeared on TV. Other cast members arrived, David Chua and Victor Basa.  We walked up to stage which was temporarily installed on one lane of Sgt. Esguerra Avenue in front of the main building. We were blocked by the floor director on the spots where we should be. Mr. Gabby Lopez, ABS-CBN’s big boss and Ms. Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN President joined us on the stage. Dominic Ochoa, Ogie Diaz and Robin Tolentino finally arrived.

                The kids from Goin’ Bulilit opened the program with a Christmas song, followed by an introduction by Ms. Karen Davila, a short message from Mr. Gabby Lopez, then Mr. Gabby Lopez, Ms. Charo Santos-Concio and Zaijian Jaranilla (Santino) moved to the switch stand. The count down started: 10 to 1, Mr. Lopez, Ms. Santos-Concio and Zaijian pushed the switch on! Everybody’s attention  shifted   to the background on the canopy of the main building where a giant lantern, locally called a “parol” was lighted! It is now referred to as Parol ni Bro! It officially signaled the start of the ABS-CBN’s observance of the Christmas season- Bro’s Birthday!

                “Salamat Bro!” – is now the official buzzword of the network! Indeed, despite of the calamities, deaths and all kinds of tragedies that happened to us this year, there are still countless of blessings that we ought to be thankful for to God! As a country, hopes are high as we look forward to a bright new year with a new President in the horizon. A new President will bring hope for new investments and economic recovery. As the industry leader, ABS-CBN has all the reason to say, “Salamat Bro” with the viewership ratings way above its closest rival’s shows. Its lead in ratings has been attributed to its anchor show in the prime time block – our show “May Bukas Pa!” Personally, I have all the reasons to be thankful to God, I asked for a regular show, he gave me “May Bukas Pa” with me as a regular cast member. Originally, the show intended to air for two months only. But God made it possible to have it extended because of its high ratings. We were told it would air till end of January 2010. Practically, the show will last for one whole year as we first aired on February 2, 2009!