Atom Araullo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Atom Araullo
Araullo in 2019
Born	Alfonso Tomas Pagaduan Araullo (1982-10-19) October 19, 1982 (age 42) Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Nationality	Filipino
Alma mater	University of the Philippines Diliman, (BS)
Occupation	Broadcast journalist television presenter
Years active	1993–present
Employer	GMA Network (2004–2005; 2017–present) ABS-CBN Corporation (2005–2017)
Agent	ALL KAPS Talent Management Agency

Alfonso Tomas "Atom" Pagaduan Araullo (born October 19, 1982) is a well-known Filipino journalist and TV host. He is also a singer. Currently, he hosts popular documentary shows like The Atom Araullo Specials and I-Witness. He also works as an anchor for the news program State of the Nation.

Atom Araullo is a special ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He earned this title after visiting families who had to leave their homes in Mindanao, Bangladesh, and Jordan. He also cares deeply about protecting the environment, especially the ocean. On November 21, 2017, he received a star on the Eastwood City Walk of Fame.

Early Life and School Days

Atom Araullo was born on October 19, 1982. He is the youngest child and only son of Miguel and Carol Araullo. His older sister, Alessandra "Sandra" Gonzales, is a triathlete. Atom grew up in a family that was very active in social causes. This meant he learned a lot about the country's political challenges from a young age.

During his early school years, his parents encouraged him to try sports and theater. He performed in several plays and competed in various triathlons. He finished elementary school at Ateneo de Manila University. He then went to Philippine Science High School Main Campus for high school. Atom later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physics from the University of the Philippines Diliman. While in college, he was a member of the League of Filipino Students. He also led the Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights - UP. In 2003, he was elected as a Councilor in the UP Diliman University Student Council. He received the most votes in that election.

Atom's Career Journey

Starting Out in TV (1993–2003)

When Atom Araullo was a child, he was part of a TV show called 5 and Up. He also hosted other shows like Breakfast on Studio 23. He hosted the National Super Quiz Bee, Kabataan Xpress, Basta Sports, and Kalye: Mga Kwento ng Lansangan.

Working at GMA and ABS-CBN (2004–2017)

Atom Araullo in 2009

Atom began his news reporting career at GMA Network in 2004. He had a sports segment called "ATOMic Sports" on the news program 24 Oras. In 2005, he moved to ABS-CBN. There, he hosted shows like Red Alert and Umagang Kay Ganda.

In August 2016, Atom decided to leave his reporting duties at ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. He explained that he wanted to explore new opportunities and interests. He clarified that his decision was not because of his strong opinions.

Returning to GMA Network (2017–Present)

In September 2017, Atom Araullo left ABS-CBN and returned to GMA Network. He decided to focus on making documentaries. His first documentary back at GMA was Philippine Seas. A few months later, Atom joined i-Witness, which is a long-running documentary program. In 2018, he also started hosting his own monthly documentary show, The Atom Araullo Specials.

One episode from The Atom Araullo Specials called "Munting Bisig" won a silver award. This was in the human concerns and social issues category at the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards. The episode also won an award in the social issues category at the New York Festivals TV and Film Awards in 2022. It was also named the best Asian documentary at the Asia Contents Awards.

In January 2021, Atom Araullo and Maki Pulido became the new anchors for the newscast State of the Nation. This show airs on GTV. They took over from Jessica Soho, who retired from the show at the end of 2020.

Other Activities

Atom Araullo also wrote and starred in the 2018 movie Citizen Jake. In the film, he played Jacobo "Jake" Herrera Jr., a citizen journalist.

TV Shows and Movies

Television

Film

Awards and Recognitions

Atom Araullo has received many awards for his work in journalism and television. Here are some of them:

• In 2015, he won the Student Leaders’ Choice for TV Personality at the USTv Awards.
• Also in 2015, he received the Most Trusted Field Reporter Award at the Platinum Stallion Media Awards for his work on TV Patrol.
• In 2016, he won the Student Leaders’ Choice of TV Personality and Students' Choice of Social Media Personality at the USTv Awards.
• He also won Best Morning Show Host at the Golden Laurel: Lycean Choice Media Awards in 2016 for Umagang Kay Ganda.
• In 2017, his documentary Warmer (Climate Change) won a bronze medal at the New York Festivals.
• He also won Best Public Service Program Host at the Gandingan Awards in 2017 for Red Alert.
• In 2017, he won Best Morning Show Host at the 31st PMPC Star Awards for Television for Umagang Kay Ganda.