Journalist Atom Araullo announced today that he will be leaving ABS-CBN, shocking many Filipinos.
Araullo, who became a household name while reporting on typhoon Haiyan, shared the news through a Facebook post where he thanked the network and said “the time has come to explore emerging opportunities and challenges beyond the organization.”
ABS-CBN also released a statement, saying Araullo will always be a Kapamilya (family member).
“Atom says the training and exposure he got from the network as a reporter and TV host have equipped him to try out other opportunities in the media industry here and abroad,” the statement says.
READ: ABS-CBN statement on Atom Araullo's departure from the network. pic.twitter.com/heSzakoO5W
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) September 14, 2017
According to ABS-CBN, Araullo worked for the network for more than a decade.
Unsurprisingly, he is the talk of Philippine social media, with many people reacting to his latest career move.
Atom Araullo is saying goodbye to Umagang Kay Ganda. God, his face is one of the few things that makes me wanna get up in the morning. Why?
— Gian (@gianverona) September 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/lynetteserrano/status/908478610251509760
Atom Araullo is one of the best news anchors on the Philippine TV.
— RJhay Ramos (@RJhayRamos1) September 15, 2017
You made me cry @atomaraullo I know someday you will be back to abs cbn. I can no longer watch you in TFC but still ur my idol. Goodluck!
— Angelique Fuentes (@finayshy) September 15, 2017
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the attention of netizens is now fixated on what his next career move might be.
One major theory being floated is that Araullo could be moving to ABS-CBN’s rival network, GMA. Some even posted photos of a televised GMA radio show that hinted at a new “news personality” that will be joining them.
“His first and last name has a letter ‘A’,” text graphics on the show said in Filipino, what would seem to be a very strong indicator given the timing.
https://twitter.com/vibar_jane/status/908509266927001601
Some are already rejoicing at the possibility of the move, but Araullo has yet to confirm or deny it.
Good! "GMA NEWS and Public Affairs" fits this guy's caliber! In the league of Jessica Soho!
— Ms. Cathy (@MCph1125) September 15, 2017
So Atom Araullo will be transferring to GMA? GOODLUCK! GMA may be good in documentaries but NOT in NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS. #SorryNotSorry
— MarckyJ (@marcjohndita) September 15, 2017
So glad nasa gma kna mas lalo kitang naging idol!
— Ponie_Young (@ponie_young) September 15, 2017
Araullo got his start in GMA during the ’90s when he got his start as a member of 5 and Up, a news show that had children as reporters. He is set to make his acting debut in the upcoming indie film Citizen Jake.
