Photo credit: Karen Davila

It was more than just a structure of steel — for countless Filipinos, the ABS-CBN Millennium Tower stood as a beacon of hope, ambition, and possibility. This week, Kapamilya stars, employees, and officials came together to bid a poignant farewell to the iconic tower as the network officially closed this chapter of its history.

Actress Sofia Andres took to Instagram to share what the tower meant to her personally, calling it a symbol of the dreams of millions, herself included.

“Today, we say farewell to the ABS-CBN Tower — an icon that stood not just for a network, but for millions of dreams, including mine,” she wrote. “It represented hope, ambition, and the belief that anything is possible.”

Sofia also looked back on her younger years, when she would gaze up at the tower with quiet determination, telling herself: “Someday, I’ll make it too.” Now, years later, she proudly acknowledges that it was in that very place where her dreams began to unfold.

“Though the tower may no longer stand, the legacy remains. The dreams it sparked will live on stronger, louder, and braver,” she added.

Veteran singer-actress Vina Morales also shared her gratitude for her two-decade journey as a Kapamilya, saying she is proud to have been part of the history that the tower witnessed.

I’m so thankful and grateful for all the years I’ve worked with ABS-CBN — dalawang dekada na pala! What a journey it has been,” she said. “Nakakalungkot man, I’m happy and proud na may kwento akong maipagmamalaki.”

Actress Nikki Valdez reminisced about the little moments of her early career, from auditioning in the lobby of ABS-CBN to catching naps in dressing rooms between tapings.

“Today, I bid goodbye to this landmark that is a symbol of dreams that turned into reality and a witness to so many battles fought,” she reflected. “This part of ABS-CBN is my home and will forever be.”

News anchor Karen Davila summed up the collective sentiment of resilience and gratitude that the gathering embodied.

“After what’s unjustly been done to ABS-CBN — not renewing its franchise in 2020 — it is amazing we are still here: standing, smiling, creating,” she said. Quoting ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak, she added, “Memories are not held by things but carried by people.”

The farewell gathering marked the beginning of the dismantling of the Millennium Tower, the first of ABS-CBN’s historic structures to go as part of the sale of three hectares of the network’s Quezon City property to Ayala Land Inc. The transfer of the property is set to be completed by December 2026.

As the sun sets on this chapter of Kapamilya history, one thing is clear: while the tower itself may soon be gone, the spirit it inspired — the dreams, the memories, and the resilience of the people it sheltered — will endure.

For the Kapamilya family, this is not just the end of an era, but the start of something greater. As Sofia Andres wrote, “The dreams it sparked will live on stronger, louder, and braver.”