Gretchen Ho admitted that she was shocked when she first learned about former Umagang Kay Ganda co-host Atom Araullo’s decision to leave ABS-CBN and transfer to its rival network, GMA-7.
Speaking to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), the 27-year-old TV host went on to say that Atom informed his UKG family about his career move days before it came out on national television.
Gretchen said, “Well, I was in shock because he suddenly broke out the news, like, days before he announced it to the whole Philippines.
“So, we were all really shocked.
“But then, when he explained it to us, we understood his reasons.”
PEP.ph had an exclusive interview with Gretchen on the sidelines of Berocca Big Days Challenge event, which was held at Eastwood Mall in Quezon City, last Friday, September 22.
According to Gretchen, she understood Atom's desire for career growth by pursuing his passion for making TV documentaries.
She elaborated, “Personally, I respect his decision because growth yung hinahanap niya, e.
“I mean, kumbaga, lahat tayo may chapters in our lives na kung eto tapos na itong chapter na ‘to, next chapter naman where you can be better in your craft.
“And siya, he wants to do more documentaries. He wants to explore more opportunities.
“And I think, whatever makes you the best kind of whoever you are, that’s where you should go—kung saan ka tinatawag ng Diyos.”
Atom announced that he is leaving his home network for 13 years, ABS-CBN, on September 15.
After six days, on September 21, the former Kapamilya news reporter and TV host made his first appearance as a returning Kapuso on GMA-7’s primetime newscast 24 Oras.
Atom then announced that he’s joining as the fifth host of Kapuso network’s long-running docu-program, I-Witness.
He said, "Mahilig akong gumawa ng mga docu.
"Talagang alam ko naman na ang GMA, napakahusay sa paggawa ng mga documentaries."
NO BAD BLOOD. On his last day on the ABS-CBN morning program, Umagang Kay Ganda, Atom sat down with his co-hosts and spoke about wanting to explore other career opportunities.
He said, "Ako naman, e, tuwang-tuwa dahil supportive din naman yung management, at wala naman kaming mga napag-awayan dito sa mga mangyayaring ito."
The 34-year-old broadcast journalist explained, “Napag-usapan namin na may mga bagay na may simula at may katapusan.
“At eto na yung panahon kumbaga, e, sumubok lang ng bagong landas.”
Back in August 2016, Atom had resigned as an ABS-CBN news reporter but remained an on-camera talent up until he resigned from the Kapamilya network on September 15 this year.