TJ Manotoc officially named new North America bureau chief of ABS-CBN

First on MNP: ABS-CBN has officially named TJ Manotoc its new North America bureau chief, we have learned.

In his new role, the former Score anchor will now oversee the bureau’s news gathering efforts, working hand-in-hand with its award-winning news team in production of news stories.

The bureau chief post, which had been vacant for more than a year, was last occupied by former Kapamilya newser Paul Henson, who left in May of 2017 after a three-year stint.

A young TV veteran, Manotoc started his broadcasting career in 2000 as a courtside reporter and sports analyst for ABS-CBN and IBC13. After that, he would try his hand at hosting — joining the on-air team of GMA-7’s long-running Unang Hirit and the now-defunct Frontpage: Ulat ni Mel Tiangco.

After leaving the Kapuso Network, he then returned to ABS-CBN in 2004 to work as co-host of Magandang Umaga, Pilipinas and sports analyst for its sister station Studio 23.

Since then, Manotoc has anchored numerous programs for ABS-CBN-owned stations, including Mornings@ANC, The World Tonight and ANCAlerts at ANC, and News Central and Bilis Balita at Studio 23.

For about a year, from February 2017 to March 2018, he also served as co-anchor of ANC’s Early Edition.