They who do the talking

MANILA, Philippines - It’s hard to control laughter while listening how Studio 23’s MYX VJ Chino Lui-Pio tells about the first time he went solo onstage and forgot everything he memorized.

“It happened last year during the MYX Music Awards and that was my first time to introduce a performer on my own. I knew every detail of my line but suddenly while onstage, it’s like, ‘zoom!’ There’s nothing left (in mind). I went blank,” Chino recalls.

“The letters in the prompter were so small that when it started moving I could hardly read the words, I stuttered. I told myself, ‘I’m dead.’ That really took me some time introducing Jett Pangan of The Dawn.”

His brother, Champ, slid on his seat during that “shameful” moment, Chino adds. But that’s OK, co-VJ Luis Manzano assured Chino. Sometimes, things have to go awry for one to learn.

“I really learned from it and I just laugh about it now,” says Chino, whose manner of talking easily catches your attention and probably makes him an effective host.

“But I never expected I’ll be doing this kind of job because I’m not used to public speaking,” Chino claims.

Instead, destiny led him to where he is now. Chino didn’t expect anything after he and Champ sent a video of his audition piece for the MYX VJ search two years ago. “After graduation (business management in La Salle), I got busy tending a clothing line business with my friends.”

Then he received a notice about his inclusion in the Final 12 and the rest is history.

“Now that I’m here, why not make the most of what I can do ‘di ba? And since my family is into music, it’s not hard to do (some) transitions,” says the son of composer/producer Nonoy Tan.

Chino believes hosting is not just a matter of doing kilometric talk in front of an audience but the confidence one displays in front of the cameras.

Thus, he tries to be confident at all times while having fun in MYX’s Where You At with VJ Bianca Roque. They go around the city to check out different places, restos and stores. “Of course, I also try to know something about the subject before the take to share to the viewers.”

VJ Ton Vergel de Dios, on the other hand, thinks a good talker makes for a better host but it’s the creativity that keeps things going. Unlike Chino, Ton is a MYX fan since he was 12. He loves music so much he formed two bands — Hansom and Tonight We Sleep — prior to winning in the recently concluded MYX VJ search while taking up Communication at Ateneo de Manila University. He’s in senior year now.

“For Take 5 where we feature five songs of an artist, I usually try to find out more about the artist and their songs to have an idea what to talk about.”

Asked if he gives special treatment to his favorite artist, Ton replies, “You can’t help it. It might come out nicer and more entertaining because it’s really coming from me.”

In the almost three months as a VJ, does he already feel the “celebrity” status?

“My friends sometimes tease me but it’s all right. It’s nice that I get to see lots of other bands and understand the music scene on TV not just as a musician but also part of it as a host.”

Was there a time they felt intimidated by an artist?

“Oh yes, especially when he is my favorite. I don’t know what to say or ask. I stammer. Mixed emotions. I’m excited and nervous,” VJ Bianca answers.

( MYX is celebrating its 10th year with a concert billed I Love MYX on Nov. 18, 5 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Joining the event are Chicosci, Kjwan, Imago, Callalily, Spongecola, Rivermaya, Yeng Constantino, Kitchie Nadal, Barbie Almalbis, Jimmy Bondoc, Nyoy Volante, Noel Cabangon and Ogie Alcasid.

A purchase of the limited edition of I Love MYX shirts, available at all SM department stores, entitles one to a free ticket. For a gold pass, avail of a shirt worth P399.75 and silver, P299.75. To get a bronze ticket, buy a copy of MYX magazine’s anniversary issue, available in all 7-Eleven outlets. )