Burst of joy, relief as Pinoys streams ‘TV Patrol’ online, celebrates comeback
Grover C. Magnus
3 min read
MANILA — At the end of Thursday’s “TV Patrol”, the first time the news program was broadcast live in full on Facebook, news anchor Bernadette Sembrano said, “Patuloy kaming maglilingkod, mga Kapamilya. “
It’s a line she usually says at the end of every newscast. Given the current circumstances, that promise has taken on a more heartwarming tone, especially for the millions of Filipinos who rely on ABS-CBN for their daily news.
The number of people who watched the stream showed how much “TV Patrol” missed.
Over 7 million views, Facebook counted right after it aired, with hundreds of thousands more on YouTube. His comeback has also become the most talked about topic on Twitter locally.
TV Patrol is all the rage in the Philippines. Thank you for your support!!! ?? #DefendPressFreedom pic.twitter.com/dlbKAS3JOE
– Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) May 7, 2020
Super happy if Manang dahil can #TVPatrol on Youtube ! 🙂 pic.twitter.com/7HGTpq10w7
– ROXYLIQUIGAN (@Roxy_Liquigan) May 7, 2020
As they watched the “TV Patrol” press team, Kapamilyas across the country shared photos of themselves listening through their smartphones – some mirroring the show on their televisions – with their families, during dinner, as before. The general feeling was one of gratitude.
When Kuya Kim said “Laban lang Kapamilya” in #TVPatrol Weather Forecast lang segment tonight. I seriously felt that.
Like a real family, ALWAYS AND FOREVER#TVPatrol #NoToABSCBNShutDown pic.twitter.com/xsnEcktByK
– My Forte (@MonforteKevin) May 7, 2020
Our television is off. Like normal nights we dine watching #TVPatrol @ABSCBNNews #NoToABSCBNShutDown #DefendPressFreedom pic.twitter.com/wIcUO6bQT5
– J (@jomelness) May 7, 2020
Thank you #TVPatrol, you made my parents happy by posting on YouTube. ❤️💚💙 pic.twitter.com/WLnPjx9saF
– Jack (@ekswayz) May 7, 2020
My mother watching #TVPatrol. ?? pic.twitter.com/8ibBrt8MAM
– Dark mode (@ scarface_28) May 7, 2020
TV PATROL PARIN !!! ❤💚💙 thank you ANC#TVPatrol pic.twitter.com/Kxi8dxz01w
– (@ kiianhns239) May 7, 2020
Mom is happy again! #TVPatrol is back! ❤️💚💙 pic.twitter.com/GhJD3DGgX2
– Felicity Reese Batac (@BatacReese) May 7, 2020
I was just watching #TVPatrol on TV before ABS-CBN ceases to be broadcast. Now, thanks to Facebook Live, I could watch again. Laban ABS-CBN. #NoToABSCBNShutDown pic.twitter.com/4htqC8TZPN
– JerMich1910 (@ jhem0119) May 7, 2020
Loyalty prizes#TVPatrol pic.twitter.com/cn7LhDIqj0
– SIMON (@simonromasanta) May 7, 2020
Watch TV Patrol on Youtube using a smartTV. Just like watching a normal show. Proof that we are really moving towards digital TV and cable companies may become unnecessary in the future. Kaya gigil siguro in ABS. #TVPatrol pic.twitter.com/4udmJjUz9U
– Dominic Jake (@dominicjake) May 7, 2020
But those who did not have reliable internet access were left out, calling into question the decision of the National Telecommunications Commission ordering the shutdown of ABS-CBN’s broadcast capabilities. At a time when information is vital to saving lives against COVID-19, why close a lane to release crucial guidelines?
The numbers don’t lie. #TVPatrol
These only represent people who have the privilege of having access to the Internet.
What about those in rural areas?#NoToABSCBNShutDown pic.twitter.com/dQp7yIxtzU
– Sean (@onemoreseans) May 7, 2020
The “TV Patrol” stream was viewed by some as an act of defiance, anchored in the network’s manta: “In the service of the Filipinos”.
ABS-CBN is fighting back through its powerful digital platforms. Yeeeeeessss !!! We can handle it for you. #DefendPressFreedom #TVPatrol
– Benggadora (@ Benggadora08) May 7, 2020
ABS-CBN, TV patrol, shutdown, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, covid-19. coronavirus
