“Magandang Gabi, Bayan”
What was once a simple greeting turned into an iconic catchphrase–– alongside how it's delivered–– over the years in many Filipino households. Veteran broadcaster Noli de Castro popularized it and continues to use the same phrase until today.
Apart from it being said every night on the Philippines' longest-running Tagalog newscast, TV Patrol, the catchphrase was also the title for a show that ran on ABS-CBN from 1988 to 2005. Noli previously hosted Magandang Gabi… Bayan from 1988 to 2004.
READ: Noli de Castro set to return as 'TV Patrol' anchor on January 9
The show produced episodes that are worth binge–watching– most especially their Halloween specials. Viewers of all ages are eager to watch the show each year as the Halloween special comes up.
Several episodes have been uploaded on ABS-CBN News’ official YouTube channel which are guaranteed to give everyone a good scare. In a previous episode of Magandang Buhay, the veteran broadcaster recalled the episode that scared him the most.
“Every November 1… sa Magandang Gabi Bayan, ‘yung mga kababalaghan ganyan, di ba? ‘Yung kapre, white lady, aswang may nakuha kami sa Palawan. Pero isa lang kinatatakutan ko diyan. May fineature kami na takot siya sa salamin dahil every time na titingin siya sa salamin, ibang mukha ang nakikita niya, pangit pa. Ibang mukha."
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“So kahit sa bahay, ‘pag gabi… Di ba sa gabi, magigising ka ng tawag ng pangangailangan, di ba? Punta ka ng toilet. Eh ‘yung kwarto ko, may mga salamin. ‘Yung dresser ko, salamin. Hindi ako tumitingin ‘dun.
“Mula ‘nung i-topic namin ‘yun, iniisip ko baka kung anong makita ko ‘dun. Baka hindi ‘yung sarili ko,” he previously shared.
While Magandang Gabi Bayan has made its impact as a show, the catchphrase continues to be a reminder to everyone of its very essence–– the nation is watching the news.