SHOWBIZ BEAT MEDIA

It’s the end of an era as Kuya Kim bids an emotional farewell to ABS-CBN network! Atienza will be leaving the media giant, which was his home network for 17 years. 

In a statement, ABS-CBN expressed how grateful they were for his hard work and dedication. 

“Today (October 1), Kim Atienza bid goodbye to the viewers of TV Patrol after many years of delivering the nightly weather news. No doubt, Kuya Kim has become an iconic name on Philippine television just like his predecessor in our primetime newscast, the late Ernie Baron. For 17 years, he shared knowledge and wonder to our viewers, as well as the many young Filipinos who grew up watching and learning from him in Matanglawin.”

“We thank him for his dedication, passion, and most of all, service to the Filipino people. All the best, Kuya Kim! Forever Kapamilya,” the network added. 

In a phone interview with Manila Bulletin, Kuya Kim confirmed that he is set to host three shows in GMA-7, an offer that was too good to pass up. He stated that he will be joining Mars Pa More, a daily entertainment trivia show, and will be making his debut on the prime-time news program24 Oras on the week of Oct. 4. 

Meanwhile, Kuya Kim uploaded a video on his Instagram account of him walking around the halls of ABS-CBN for the very last time. He also posted a photo of himself hugging two of his colleagues, which seemed to be Noli De Castro and Gretchen Fullido. 

In his farewell on Friday, October 1, the television anchor thanked ABS-CBN executives, including his co-anchors and co-workers .

“Higit sa lahat, salamat sa inyo, mga Kapamilya, sa inyong pagsubaybay at pagsuporta. Si Kuya Kim ay hindi magiging Kuya Kim kung hindi dahil sa inyo,” he stressed.

It can be noted that in 2004,  Kuya Kim replaced the late Ernie Baron as the weather reporter on TV Patrol. He also co-hosted other ABS-CBN programs such as  Magandang Umaga, Pilipinas!,  Umagang Kay Ganda, and the hit noontime variety show It’s Showtime, among others.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Instagram (@kuyakim_atienza)