Zsa Zsa Padilla bids heartfelt farewell to ABS-CBN

Zsa Zsa Padilla recently shared a poignant reflection on her decades-long relationship with ABS-CBN, stirring nostalgia among fans. From her early singing career to her long tenure on ASAP, her journey has been deeply intertwined with the network’s evolution.

“I’ve witnessed the many transformations of the ABS-CBN compound over the years,” Padilla recalled, reminiscing about promoting her music in 1983 when the space was still occupied by PTV 4. She vividly remembered the contrast between the modern ELJ building and what was once just a parking lot.

The reopening of ABS-CBN during the Aquino administration was a turning point, and Padilla played a role in its revival. “During the Aquino administration, ABS-CBN reopened, and I had the privilege of doing a musical special for a season,” she shared. This era introduced iconic shows like Home Along da Riles, Palibhasa Lalake, and The Sharon Cuneta Show, cementing the network’s place in Filipino households.

For Padilla, 1996 was a defining year. “I became a regular on ASAP, and from that moment on, the show became part of my life,” she said. It was more than just a program — it was a family and a constant presence for her and countless viewers.

Her recent TV Patrol appearance with her ASAP family in front of the ABS-CBN tower brought bittersweet emotions. “Standing with my ASAP family at the iconic ABS-CBN tower, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of melancholy,” she admitted.

The tower, a symbol of ABS-CBN’s legacy, holds decades of history and shared memories for generations of Filipinos. “This place holds decades of history, memories, and milestones — not just for us, but for everyone who grew up watching,” she expressed.

With the possibility that the tower may soon be gone, the moment carried an added layer of sadness. “Knowing that the next time we return, the tower may no longer be there makes this moment even more bittersweet,” she reflected.

Padilla’s heartfelt tribute highlights ABS-CBN’s lasting impact on Filipino culture and the deep connection between artists, viewers, and the network’s storied past. Her words resonated with many, evoking a collective sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the memories created within the iconic ABS-CBN compound.