“When ABS-CBN downsized, I was the one who went freelance. No drama, I never took it against them that they were downsizing, many of us were told we are now freelance. So immediately, I went to Facebook. I look for one sponsor to pay for skeletal staff and I went on Facebook,” showbiz personality and award-winning host and journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas shares on what happened when she said goodbye to ABS-CBN.

In a move that delighted fans and even trended on Twitter, Korina has made a triumphant return to the Kapamilya Network. This homecoming is not just a return, but a strengthening of ties, as ABS-CBN will now co-produce her show “Rated Korina.”

Check out the photos from the contract signing:

Korina Sanchez-Roxas has been a household name for more than a decade now. Being the face of a primetime news show, you’ll hardly find someone who doesn’t know her. While the ABS-CBN shutdown was a difficult time for everyone in the industry, but with the skills and personality of Korina, it’s just a matter of time before we see her active again.

“During the pandemic, all my interviews were Zoom. Buhay naman siya. Very soon after, Brightlight picked me up, under now Mayor Albie Benitez. And with the changing landscape, at first I couldn’t understand what’s this about? Basta he’s gonna pay for your production or whatever, kahit saan ako lumabas, not knowing that he had a deal with both A2Z and TV5 who come out simultaneously. So, parang I practically never really left ABS, because soon after, bumalik na rin ang airing ko doon although the producer is now Brightlight.

So, now Brightlight naman is the one downsizing, I’m always and eternally grateful to Brightlight because even if they sort of discontinued and downsized, masaya kami for the entire pandemic. That was three years. So all throughout the pandemic, may work kami (her staff).

Still most of those guys who started out with me are still the same guys who are now with me in the new arrangement with ABS-CBN.”

What exactly is her arrangement with ABS-CBN?

“First of all, I don’t believe in burning bridges. Parang true enough now, the lines have no more delineations. Ngayon, ‘yung mortal mo dati BFF mo ngayon. The most unheard-of, most improbable scenarios have happened. Nagka-closure ang ABS-CBN and now the merging of GMA and ABS-CBN or that shows in ABS are also seen simultaneously on TV5. That is also the personality I want to adapt to. Before signing with TV5, it was Carlo Katigbak who gave me the most important advise of all, he said, ‘please tell Korina to own her show. Make sure to that before you sign.’ So that’s what I did, that’s what we did. Quickly, we changed the personality of the program and have it patented. Albie (of Brightlight) was so generous, okay na. Because of that, the next three years became one of my most lucrative and we were visible in niche markets becuase gone are the days na 40% ratings. And with that, we flourished. And with the changing landscape, because now, creativity is not monopolized, it’s now free for all, even my creative ideas from before that I wanted to do, we were abe to do. Kaya merong ‘Tik Talks,’ merong ‘Korina Interviews,’ I have three programs all at the same time. It became a venue for me to pitch.”

Contract signing with ABS-CBN

The contract signing was a heartfelt reunion, with Sanchez-Roxas expressing her deep gratitude to ABS-CBN’s executives. “Heartwarming, sincere hugs from my family here: Chairman Mark Lopez, Pres & CEO Carlo Katigbak and COO and Broadcast Head Cory Vidanes and OIC of Finance Group Vincent Paul Piedad. Thank you,” she said.

Sanchez-Roxas also made a striking statement about her connection to the network. “The girl can be taken out of ABS-CBN but no one can take the ABS-CBN training out of the girl,” she said. “And this is the experience I hopefully bring to my other broadcast homes and make a contribution as best I can, while I can, in whatever ways made possible to me.”

The news of her return was met with support from celebrities and fans alike, including Kapamilya news anchor Karen Davila, who commented, “Wooohooo! You never left K! You are forever etched in the history of ABS!”

Currently, Sanchez-Roxas stands alone as a premier A-list broadcaster, commanding unparalleled visibility across multiple platforms. She both hosts and produces 3 shows airing on three different networks. This speaks of Korina’s credibility, relevance, viability, and the consistent quality of her output spanning a 35-year broadcast career.

Beyond accomplishments in broadcasting, Sanchez-Roxas also makes a significant impact in animal welfare, children’s issues, marine life preservation, and woven art and fashion.

She recently nabbed a spot on MEGA’s annual best-dressed list, effortlessly standing out among a crowd of youthful fashionistas.

Additionally, Sanchez-Roxas has wielded her influence in the digital realm. Her YouTube channel, Facebook page and Instagram platforms have been experiencing exponential growth, with a rapidly expanding follower base. Through her engaging content and insightful discussions, she continues to establish connections with audiences and foster meaningful dialogues.

As Sanchez-Roxas embarks on her new journey with ABS-CBN, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise. Her show, “Rated Korina,” offers a unique fusion of information, entertainment, and thought-provoking discussions. With ABS-CBN as a co-production partner, the show is set to reach even greater heights, captivating audiences nationwide.

Sanchez-Roxas’s return to the Kapamilya network, her diverse portfolio of shows, and her robust online presence underscore her relevance in the ever-evolving media landscape. As she continues to evolve and push boundaries, fans and viewers can anticipate more content and projects from this multi-talented living legend.

Watch our interviews with Korina Sanchez-Roxas below: