A Dream Come True

CEBU, Philippines - Who would have thought that I would get the chance to work for the first radio station I knew and followed religiously in my growing up years? And who would have thought that I would eat my words of not working for another radio station should I decide to give up broadcasting? Change, indeed, is the only constant thing in this world!

Starting Sept. 21, I’ve been going on air through the newly-revived dyRC 648 khz. Things happened so fast. I got the formal invitation to join the first radio station in Cebu last Sept. 10. Station manager Nino “Bonito” Padilla, whom I worked with as reporter of The FREEMAN 10 years ago, then told me my timeslot and how they would package me and the show. 

The truth is I’ve already heard of dyRC’s revival as early as Aug., and it did cross my mind that I would be getting an offer from them, although I didn’t entertain it much. So, I was amazed the moment I received the offer.

Still, I was hesitant. Even if I had no contract with my then radio station dyLA 909 kHz, I have already decided to resign from this field on May 15, 2011, which is supposed to be my fifth year with them, simply because, I felt I have proven to myself what I can and cannot do, as far as radio hosting is concerned.

Sensing my doubt, Nino told me I have until Monday to decide. I knew I wanted it, and I was ready to take the risk, after all I’m not getting any younger. But what about dyLA? The station, through the management of Jun Tagalog, has been very good to me. I only have good words for the people behind dyLA!

Thus, I went to Cathedral first and heard mass. I knew I needed enlightenment and wisdom. I prayed for a sign! When I got back to The FREEMAN office, words flowed like running water, as I pounded on my computer an email for Jun Tagalog and Fred Languido (the one who opened the door to dyLA for me), informing them about the ongoing negotiation between me and Nino.

I also told them, I might take the offer. Their reply the next day was positive. That was the first sign I was looking for!

That same night, I also messaged Nino through Facebook, sending him a barrage of questions, mostly about why I should transfer to them, when I am doing well with dyLA.

Nino responded in detail to all my questions. The following day, after I messaged him with more questions and clarifications, we had a long conversation, wherein the deal was finally finalized. I then informed dyLA management of the latest development. Jun Tagalog, Jhunnex Napallacan, and Fred Languido responded positively.

I had mixed emotions that Sunday morning. I was sad because after four years, four months, and 17 days, I had to say goodbye to dyLA. With all humility, I would say it was in dyLA that I made a name for myself. This was where I discovered my strengths and weaknesses, professionally and personally. This station has taught me to spread my wings in the world of radio entertainment show hosting.

But transferring to dyRC excited me no end because a dream was coming true: that is to work for the first and number one radio station in Cebu during my childhood to teenage days. Thus, it is humbling to be able to finally work for dyRC!

I was a big fan of Wee Wee Jamboree years ago. It was that Sunday singing contest that made me realize that the hosting can be a career to pursue in the future. I can still vividly remember how my family of four would then gather around our cassette recorder just so we could listen to Wee Wee Jamboree.

There was even a time then in our humble home in Pilar, Camotes that my father would reserve batteries for our cassette recorder so that we could listen to the singing contest.

It was during those years when Ms. Baby Condeno, who hosted the show, shot to fame. I was humbled and was a bit shy when I got to meet her when I was already working as an entertainment writer since six years ago.

And then I also remember Atty. Jane Paredes, she with her brilliant and clear thoughts, and engaging and credible voice when dishing out commentaries on the burning issues of the day.

That’s why when I had the chance to interview her on the phone some years ago (she was already working for Smart Communications and I was a neophyte police beat reporter), I got nervous and hardly opened my mouth. You could say I was in awe. I never thought that the day will come when I will be interviewing her. I used to be just a listener of hers, and a fan.

Up until last Thursday when I was writing this piece, I was still getting questions why I left dyLA for dyRC. I find it a bit off to be asked directly “Dako sila og offer?” or “Dako sila og sweldo?” Call it cliché, but it’s a career move. Of course, we all have financial needs, we all need to eat, but please believe me when I say money is only secondary as far as my transfer is concerned.

Oh well, I bargained for my talent fee because I believe I deserve something better. I’m just so thankful that I got the rate I wanted. But at the end of the day, I would say, I’m so much honored to be working now for the newly-revived dyRCthe radio station that truly introduced me to the beautiful world of broadcasting. Because of dyRC, I nurtured dreams of becoming a radio personality at a very young age.

Still, I will always be grateful to dyLA for giving me the break, for preparing me for a bigger stage. And I am also thankful to dyDD-Bantay Radyo for jumpstarting my broadcasting career in 2000. Now with dyRC, I am set to fly higher and discover more about my God given potentials in this field. Wherever I will be and whatever I will become is my offering to God. This is all for His glory. I will forever cherish the memories and treasure the relationships I’ve made along the way.  

I am, however, confronted by another persistent question these days: Are you still with Banat News and The FREEMAN? The answer is a very big yes. For through these publications, it all began for me. With the latest development in my media career, I have just earned the license to say, I have worked with the longest-running print and broadcast institutions in Cebu.

Thank you for those who opened doors of opportunity to me, allowing me to arrive where I am now.

React@ banatentertainment @hotmail.com (THE FREEMAN)