LOOK: Noli de Castro marks 77th birthday after recent health scare

After he underwent surgery last year, veteran broadcast journalist and former vice president Noli de Castro now appears to be looking so well as he celebrated his 77th birthday.

Noli’s daughter, Katherine ‘Kat’ de Castro, took to Facebook on Monday, July 6, to pay a tribute to his father, fondly known as “Kabayan,” as she expressed gratitude for his recovery.

“Happy Birthday, Daddy ko! I have been blessed to know the man behind Kabayan: the father who has always worked tirelessly so our family would have a better life and who taught me that integrity is something you strive for everyday,” she began her post.

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“Dad, your healing reminded me that every day with you is a gift I should never take for granted. It made me cherish our conversations and even the quiet moments we share,” added the celebrity daughter.

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The younger de Castro said her father’s dedication to serving others through difficult times inspired her own career in public service.

“Everything I am today carries a piece of you. My passion for serving people and my determination to carry on when things get difficult. I learned all of those from you,” she expressed.

“May God continue to bless you with good health, happiness and many more beautiful years with the people who love you unconditionally. I love you always,” she concluded the post.

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Kat herself was a former journalist at ABS-CBN. She is now a director-general at Philippine Information Agency.

The birthday celebration comes after Kat revealed that her father underwent surgery for an undisclosed illness last year.

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At the time, she asked the public to pray for her dad before later updating supporters that he was “okay” following the procedure. No further details about his condition were disclosed.

The veteran broadcaster has been the subject of several false death rumors over the years. In 2021, Kat debunked online claims alleging that her father had slipped into a coma and died.

In 2025, de Castro also took a temporary leave from his television and radio programs due to complications from sciatica, according to his daughter.

During a congressional hearing in April 2025, de Castro addressed the recurring death hoaxes, saying he had grown accustomed to such reports, although he acknowledged that they deeply affect his family.

De Castro is best known for hosting the public affairs program “Kabayan” and serving as one of the anchors of “TV Patrol.”

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He also served as the Philippines’ 12th vice president from 2004 to 2010 under the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. /edv