Y101'S "Bootleg Gold" Turns 5

CEBU, Philippines - Y101 proudly announced that they are now the number one Philippine-accessed radio station abroad after surpassing the reigning station Magic FM just two weeks ago.

“We built up the listenership abroad so much that we’ve become the new no. 1 Philippine-accessed radio station internationally. We began our online presence in 2002. So it took us 10 years,” said Y101 president Jack Jakosalem in a press conference at the Parklane Hotel last Tuesday.

Joseph Stevens, Y101 chief operations officer, credited their hardworking staff for this milestone and for their consistent efforts to be always steps ahead of the competition. “It took a lot to get to where we’re at. I’m so proud of our team because Cebuanos can really call themselves no. 1,” he said.

Their website, www.y101fm.com, happens to be the most interactive online presence in the country. And according to Y101 chief executive officer Martha Tuason, they are the only radio station video-streaming through Facebook, so one can view and listen to their DJs at the same time. With their lead ranking in the latest survey, Y101 is even more fired up to come out with unique concepts and programs for their avid listeners.

This alone should be a big cause for celebration. However, Y101 will also be celebrating another much-awaited event, which is the fifth anniversary of their rock show Bootleg Gold.

Martha T gave birth to Bootleg Gold on Aug. 26, 2005 opening the show with her favorite classic rock track “Magic Bus by The Who”. Together with Y101’s veteran jock, John M and at that time, guest rocker Bob Sellner, Y101 aimed to become a classic rock venture with a new format that brought back an era of great rock tracks. It offered 120 minutes of the purest rock tunes from the Masters at their best, featuring songs that listeners thought they would never hear again. Almost immediately, Bootleg Gold became the authority of classic rock in the country.

After one year, because of persistent audience demand, Bootleg Gold extended another hour to its program heard all over the world. For years, Martha T a.k.a. Mama Cash in tandem with Bob Sellner piloted the rock show that adolescents thirsting for their favorite movie soundtracks and for the greatest guitar riffs looked forward to on Fridays at Y101.

With time, Bootleg Gold evolved into an interactive rock show featuring tracks of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s due to the numerous local and international requests of listeners from diverse market segments and different age groups. Today, Bootleg Gold continues to entertain rock aficionados every Friday from 6pm-8pm and is still hosted by Martha T together with Al-B Euro.

Y101 Always First once again presents “Bootleg Gold Live 3” at Sandtrap on Friday, Aug. 27. Sandtrap is located at the Maria Luisa Road in Banilad. This year’s event promises to be more creative and exciting in staging and concept with the inclusion of a fashion show and by giving away such fabulous prizes to all Bootleg Gold enthusiasts like a trip to Hong Kong for two, an overnight stay at the Hilton Resort, island cruises, mobile phones and more.

“Bootleg Gold Live 3” will take concert-goers to a retro neon scene of the 80’s and 90’s Glam era with the performance of three Cebu bands—UK Lily, Johnnie and Cuarenta—with a special appearance of models from the AD Models Management revealing young designer Yves Camingue’s latest neon pre-holiday 2010 collection.

The event is made possible by Citibank Cash Back Card, powered by Citi, Honda, Filinvest, Pagcor, San Mig Light and other minor sponsors. For ticket reservations and to avail of a 25% discount, call the Y101 station at 412- 6102. Or you can buy tickets for P200 at the venue gates. Everyone is encouraged to come in their best neon chic attire to be eligible to win the awesome prizes.