Atom Araullo honors late director Mike De Leon with heartfelt tribute

• Atom Araullo paid tribute to veteran filmmaker Mike De Leon, who recently passed away at the age of 78
• The Kapuso journalist posted a carousel of photos on Instagram, captured by Jet Leyco, showing candid moments with the director
• In the caption, he wrote a brief but heartfelt message to the late director, expressing both respect and gratitude
• His tribute also reflected the filmmaker’s enduring influence on Philippine cinema

Veteran filmmaker Mike De Leon, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Philippine cinema, passed away recently at the age of 78. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from prominent personalities, including journalist Atom Araullo, who once worked closely with the director.

On Instagram, Araullo posted a carousel of photos featuring De Leon in candid moments, including one where the two appeared deep in conversation. The journalist kept his message brief but deeply heartfelt.

Read also

Charo Santos mourns director Mike De Leon's death: “Today, I lost a dear friend”

“Rest in peace, Mike De Leon,” he began his poignant caption alongside the photos captured by Jet Leyco.

In the next line of his caption, he earnestly added:

“Grateful to have witnessed and shared in your immense contribution to Philippine cinema.”

The tribute reflects not only Araullo’s personal connection with De Leon but also the filmmaker’s profound influence on generations of storytellers.

Atom Araullo’s message stands as a simple but powerful reminder of De Leon’s enduring legacy—one that will continue to resonate in Philippine cinema long after his passing.

Atom Araullo is a Pinoy journo, TV presenter, and radio host. He is also an environmental conservation advocate, mainly on marine ecosystems.

He first gained prominence as a field reporter covering major national events, including typhoons and natural disasters, where his on-the-ground reporting earned public respect. Over the years, he expanded his work to long-form storytelling through award-winning documentaries that tackle pressing issues such as human rights, the environment, and social justice.

Read also

Judy Araneta-Roxas, mother of Mar Roxas, dies at 91

As previously reported by KAMI, broadcast journalist Atom Araullo finally experienced a graduation march, wearing the symbolic "sablay" alongside his parents at UP Cebu's 2025 commencement, two decades after skipping his own. Araullo openly admitted missing his 2005 UP graduation due to being "lazy," later realizing the profound significance of the ceremony for his sacrificing parents. Invited as the keynote speaker for UP Cebu's 2025 graduates, Araullo used the opportunity to honor his esteemed parents, Mike and Carol Araullo, by having them present. In his address, Araullo delivered a powerful message to the new graduates, urging them to "Serve the country!" – a principle consistent with his own advocacy as a journalist.

Meanwhile, a few years ago, Araullo filed a ₱2 million damage suit against SMNI hosts Lorraine Badoy-Partosa and Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz. The legal action was sought after Badoy and Celiz's red-tagging allegations against Araullo on national television and social media platforms. Araullo decided to file the complaint to protect his family and defend press freedom. In July, Araullo's mom, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Chair Emeritus Dr. Carol Pagaduan Araullo, also filed a similar complaint against Badoy and Celiz.

Source: KAMI.com.gh