Atom Araullo
A fearless and empathetic journalist, Araullo uses immersive storytelling to spotlight social injustice and environmental crises across the Philippines.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Filipino broadcast journalist and television presenter·Birthday: October 19·Millennials
Biography
Atom Araullo represents a new generation of Filipino journalists, one that trades detached reporting for immersive, boots-on-the-ground documentary work. Beginning his career as a weather reporter and news anchor, he quickly distinguished himself with a calm demeanor and intellectual curiosity. His breakthrough came with his move to long-form journalism for GMA Network's 'I-Witness' and his own 'The Atom Araullo Specials.' Araullo doesn't just report on stories; he lives them. He has embedded with indigenous communities fighting for their land, waded through floodwaters during catastrophic typhoons, and investigated the deadly toll of the drug war. This hands-on approach, combined with a clear and compelling narrative style, has made complex issues accessible and urgent for a mass audience. His work has earned both critical praise and a dedicated following, establishing him as a trusted voice who consistently amplifies the stories of marginalized Filipinos.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Atom was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Atom Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Atom's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His documentary 'Liyab' won the Best Documentary Program award at the 2016 Asian Television Awards.
- Anchored GMA Network's flagship newscast 'State of the Nation' following the retirement of veteran journalist Jessica Soho.
- Produced and hosted groundbreaking documentaries on climate change, including coverage of super typhoons Haiyan and Goni.
- His investigative specials on social issues, such as urban poverty and the drug war, have sparked national conversation.
Did You Know?
He graduated with a degree in Physics from the University of the Philippines Diliman.
He was a member of the Philippine swim team as a youth competitor.
He released a music single titled 'Sa Ilalim ng Buwan' in 2014.
He worked as a researcher for the show 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho' early in his broadcasting career.
“The truth is not always comfortable, but it is necessary.”
