It was a bittersweet night, one that brimmed with gratitude and love.

Cheche Lazaro, one of the most respected journalists ever in Philippine television, officially said goodbye to her show, ?Probe Profiles,? at a reunion that gathered about 250 guests, more than half of them broadcast professionals, crossing TV network lines. The journalists had all worked with her on the award-winning program?s various incarnations throughout a colorful 24-year history.

In a speech honoring Lazaro, ABS-CBN VP for News Maria Ressa said, ?From ?Probe,? we have supplied the best we have to offer to all of Philippine broadcasting.?

Proud offspring

Ressa, former CNN South East Asia bureau chief, is among the more popular ?Probe? offspring (total count could reach about 500). She joined enthusiastic ?siblings? in the tribute for Lazaro and the trailblazing, award-winning programs she and her company, Probe Productions Inc., pioneered. These would include ?Gameplan,? ?5 & Up? and ?Cheche Lazaro Presents.?

The honoree responded: ?You are all my children, and you have made my life in broadcasting such a fulfilling treat.?

Lazaro acknowledged the quiet and unstinting support of her husband, Delfin, who financed ?Probe? in its infancy. ?When we started, with my son?s bedroom for an office, we didn?t know we would last more than a year,? Cheche recalled. ?But we produced the best TV producers, writers, on-camera talents, editors, graphic artists and camera men and women.?

ABS CBN will air a special tribute to Lazaro and ?Probe? on Sunday?s Best, July 18.