While the Iglesia ni Cristo does not celebrate Christmas, veteran broadcaster Anthony “Ka Tunying” and his wife, entrepreneur Rossel Taberna, hosted a thanksgiving party in time for the holidays. This gathering held a special meaning as it also marked the celebration of their daughter Zoey’s full recovery from cancer, blending their personal triumph with the spirit of gratitude characteristic of the holiday season.
Meeting with members of the media in Quezon City, the couple addressed their bashers, noting that criticism has become a part of their lives, particularly when it comes to expressing beliefs that some people disagree with. “Every night, mayroon kaming prayer, family hour. At nag-uusap kami. Naiintindihan ng mga bata na occupational hazard natin ‘to eh na kapag may sinabi ka, may matutuwa sa ‘yo at may magagalit sa ‘yo. Unang-una, huwag pumatol. Sabi ko, ako lang ang may karapatang pumatol. Kasi naiintindihan ko ‘yung issue na ‘yun. Pangalawa, siyempre, nagpi-pray talaga kami,” Ka Tunying said.
Rossel, for her part, revealed that she reads critiques directed at them but never responds, choosing inner peace. She shared, “Inuunawa ko po sila. Never po akong pumatol. In fact, when I feel like it’s polluted and noisy, bina-block ko po. Hindi po ako nagre-react. I’m just grateful sa recovery ni Zoey. Sinusuportahan po namin si Zoey kasi naaapektuhan din po siya. Bata po siya. Naaapektuhan, emotionally. Hindi po ako nagko-comment.”
The entrepreneur mom happily shared that her daughter Zoey had recovered from cancer, sharing, “Ang haba na po ulit ng hair niya. She is fully recovered. She’s back to school.” Expressing gratitude for her daughter’s recovery, she added, “Lahat po ng ito ay bonus na lang — nabuhay ‘yung anak namin, nabigyan ng another chance in life. Magde-debut na po siya next year. Grateful lang po kami. Kahit ano pa pong pagdaanan naming mga pagsubok, doon tayo sa pagiging grateful.”
Zoey Taberna
For the Tabernas, the past year has been marked by trials, victories, misunderstandings, and unexpected silver linings. And as they thanked the community for their continued support, one thing became clear — Ka Tunying’s story, both as a journalist and an entrepreneur, is far from over. The conversations may be difficult, the criticisms sharp, but the voice behind them remains steady.
The Taberna Group of Companies (TGC) gathered its esteemed business and media partners at Cities Events Place for Kasama, Kasalo, Pasasalamat: TGC Partner’s Appreciation Day, an afternoon dedicated to celebrating community, collaboration, and the shared journey of growth. The event opened with an inspiring introduction video that traced TGC’s humble beginnings. “We didn’t start big, we started with faith” leading to the unveiling of the group’s decade-long milestone story featuring Ka Tunying’s Restaurants, Kumbachero Food Corporation, Taste of the Town Catering, and Outbox Media Powerhouse Corp.
TGC COO Rossel or “Mrs. T” delivered a heartfelt message following the milestone showcase, emphasizing the organization’s deep commitment to humility, gratitude, and purposeful growth. “We lead and serve with puso,” she said, capturing the spirit of the TGC Communi-T. HR Executive Ms. Luchi Vitales followed with a moving segment on Who is the TGC Community, highlighting how every Ka-Tmate plays a role in bringing the company’s values to life.
TGC CEO Ka Tunying expressed sincere appreciation to media partners for their unwavering support, saying, “Maraming salamat sa patuloy ninyong pagtitiwala. Kasama namin kayo sa bawat kwento’t tagumpay.” The program also featured the handing of tokens of appreciation for business and media partners, a sumptuous grazing table and merienda prepared by Taste of the Town, and gift boxes from Ka Tunying’s. Attendees enjoyed lively entertainment—including a dance number by Tonton Mascot and live music during merienda—plus special raffle prizes that added excitement to the gathering.
At its core, the event celebrated TGC’s mission to build not just brands, but a home of gratitude, a Communi-T anchored on faith, humility, and genuine service. As the milestone video declared, “This isn’t just a celebration. It is us, simply grateful.”
Tunying reiterated that he has no plans to enter politics, despite receiving offers over the years. “Wala. Hindi talaga,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to his current endeavors.
For now, the Tabernas remain focused on growing their ventures under TGC, which include Ka Tunying’s Restaurants, Kumbachero Food Corporation, Taste of the Town Catering, and Outbox Media Powerhouse Corporation. As TGC marks more than a decade of growth, Rossel, the company’s COO, emphasized the value of gratitude and humility in leadership. “Dito sa TGC, namumuno at naglilingkod kami nang may puso at pasasalamat,” she said.
Their journey exhibits a blend of personal and professional milestones characterized by resilience, teamwork, and strong spirit. The Tabernas continue to inspire others through their story, showcasing that gratitude, recovery, and unity are at the heart of both their familial life and their thriving business endeavors.
In sharing their experiences, both joyful and challenging, they encourage a mindset of gratitude and perseverance, reminding us all that every trial can lead to a deeper appreciation of life’s blessings.
