ABS-CBN Reporter Izzy Lee Apologizes for Viral Slip During Live Flood Coverage: “Next Time, I’ll Eat First”

MANILA, Philippines — ABS-CBN reporter Izzy Lee has issued a heartfelt apology following a humorous yet endearing slip-up during a live segment on TV Patrol Express that quickly went viral across social media platforms.

The incident occurred while Lee was reporting live on the flood situation in Taft Avenue, Manila amid heavy rains brought about by a low-pressure area affecting Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Fellow journalist Jeff Canoy, anchoring from the studio, asked Izzy to describe the flooding conditions in her location.

In her live report, Izzy said:

“Jeff, kanina pang umaga, pabugso-bugso yung ulan dito sa Maynila kaya nakikita niyo naman ay medyo hanggang binti na yung tuhod dito sa may kahabaan ng Taft Avenue, maging doon sa mga pangunahing kalsada dito sa lungsod.”

It was meant to be a serious and informative update, but one phrase caught the attention of viewers and quickly became the center of online discussion: “medyo hanggang binti na yung tuhod.” The amusing mix-up, which roughly translates to “the water is somewhat up to the shin of the knee,” was perceived as a humorous redundancy—legs are not typically measured in “knee shins.”

The clip spread like wildfire across social media, with users on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok sharing the video alongside good-natured jokes, memes, and even remix parodies. Despite the unintentional blunder, netizens reacted with more amusement than criticism, many expressing their appreciation for Lee’s dedication and resilience while working under difficult circumstances.

Shortly after the segment aired, Izzy took to her personal X account to acknowledge the mistake and offer a light-hearted apology.

“Sorry po, wala pang kain at tulog,” she wrote, citing exhaustion and lack of sleep as factors behind the on-air error.

She followed up with another tweet that endeared her even more to the public:

“Next time kakain muna ako para hindi na hanggang binti ang tuhod. Ingat sa baha, mga Kapamilya!”

The honesty and humor in her response resonated with Filipinos online, many of whom flooded her post with words of encouragement and admiration. Users praised her for maintaining her composure and professionalism despite the weather conditions and pressure of live reporting.

“No need to apologize. Napasaya mo kami and that line will be iconic. Ingat palagi and thank you for your service,” one X user replied.

“Thank you, Ma’am Izzy Lee, for showing up with courage and grace even in the middle of a storm. Your work matters and so do you,” another comment read.

As the video continued to circulate, fans and fellow journalists alike emphasized the importance of empathy for frontliners like field reporters, who often face hazardous environments while delivering the news. Many pointed out that minor mistakes are bound to happen, especially during live broadcasts done in unpredictable weather conditions.

Veteran journalists and media colleagues also chimed in, expressing their support and admiration for Izzy’s work ethic. Some even shared their own on-air blunders to normalize human errors in high-pressure reporting situations.

“We’ve all had our moments on-air,” one anchor wrote. “What matters most is how we bounce back. Izzy handled it with grace and humor.”

The moment has since sparked broader conversations on social media about the challenges faced by journalists on the field, especially those reporting during storms, floods, and other natural disasters. Viewers were reminded of the importance of compassion and understanding toward media professionals who, despite fatigue and stress, continue to serve the public with timely information.

In the days that followed, the phrase “hanggang binti ang tuhod” has taken a life of its own, becoming a trending phrase and meme online. Several meme pages have even created mock weather updates and infographics using the line. Others have jokingly suggested it be nominated as the “quote of the year.”

Despite the virality, Izzy Lee has remained composed and gracious, turning the incident into an opportunity for lighthearted connection with the public.

In a media environment often fraught with tension and criticism, her humility and good-natured reaction provided a refreshing reminder of the humanity behind every broadcast. It also underscored how humor and kindness can go a long way in transforming a simple mistake into a moment of shared joy.

As for the flood situation in Taft Avenue and other parts of Manila, local authorities have since issued advisories urging residents to remain indoors, avoid flooded areas, and stay updated through trusted news outlets. ABS-CBN and other networks continue to provide ongoing coverage, with field reporters like Izzy Lee bravely keeping the public informed despite challenging weather conditions.

At the end of the day, it was more than just a viral moment—it became a celebration of resilience, humility, and the importance of supporting those who work tirelessly, rain or shine, to bring truth and service to the Filipino people.