How Julius Babao unplugs from the daily grind

As he has navigated the digital platform in presenting and producing content, Julius Babao also develops a better grasp of Filipinos as an audience.

- By JERRY DONATO

This is through his channel and vlog "Julius Babao Unplugged," which has recently migrated to TV5, a mainstream platform, and airs Sundays at 4 p.m.

"Pinoys are very sentimental. Ang hinahanap nila ay magpapaiyak sa kanila (they are looking for something that will make them cry and touch their hearts)," said the veteran broadcast journalist in a recent virtual interview with The STAR.

"Kailangan may gulat factor kasi iyon talaga yung tina-try kong i-achieve (there has to be a surprise factor, which I'm trying to achieve in terms of content presentation)." Examples are nostalgic interviews and stories about the present plight of stars such as comedienne Matutina who has left the limelight for a long time and needs help. In line with this, everyone gets curious about the celebrities' lives after showbiz.

"So, that's the kind of gulat that I want to achieve - that you will surprise them and encourage people to help," said he.

"Viewers are very sentimental, viewers are very helpful, kapag kaya naman nilang tumulong (when they can extend their help).