A wake-up call from Carlo & Denver

Early mornings on DZBB won’t be the same without Carlo Mateo and Denver Trinidad headlining the 4 a.m. program titled Umaga na Balita na! Their voice serves as Kapuso’s wake-up call prompting them to get up for an early work, appointment, class or meeting. 

“We’re the buhay na orasan” as Carlo puts it. But on top of that, the duo becomes a guide of Juan dela Cruz to news and issues from Mondays to Saturdays. Carlo is also heard on Buena Manong Mga Balita Saturdays at 5 a.m. 

“It is fast-paced,” offers Carlo when asked about the program’s distinct style. “Bumubuga kami ng maraming balita. We deliver as many news stories as we can. Besides, there are also flash reports.”

This also reflects the kind of listeners Umaga na Balita na! has. They are individuals who are on the go making a balance between household and professional obligations, but want to keep abreast of the society’s goings-on.     

“Yung balitaan ay sumasabay sa kanilang paghahanda,” says Carlo, Broadcast Communications graduate from PUP. “…even if they don’t read newspapers, they remain informed about what has just happened and what might happen.”

“It’s straight news,” adds UE Political Science graduate Denver. “If there’s any commentary, it will be just one-word reaction or few-words reaction on news stories we read… we request our writers that the issues should not only be relevant but should also carry human interest.”

That’s why listeners are treated to segments like Alam ‘nyo ba? (trivia) and Super Espesyal na Balita (about extraordinary stories). The former is also laced with songs that entertain listeners. They also get mouthful servings of world, sports and good news and stories on agriculture, knowledge and technology, shares Denver.

The tall order of the day, however, is for Carlo and Denver to get news stories and broadcast them ahead of others. It has been DZBB’s trademark to be at the center of the unfolding event.  

Aside from reading news, Carlo and Denver also look at the report’s content and objectivity. For instance, a news item on Corona Impeachment should present the defense and the prosecution sides. Otherwise, the listeners will sense the partiality. This is what Carlo and Denver try to avoid.

Is the announcer’s voice as important as the message it imparts?

“In broadcast media like radio, voice is the No. 1 weapon,” answers Denver. “But the most important of all is how the (anchor) delivers the news.” Carlo and Denver think that the voice should be clear to communicate the message properly. 

If there’s one advantage Carlo and Denver have over some newscasters, it will be the fact that they also work as reporters.

“(The news stories) we read, sometimes, are the ones we have already reported,” recalls Denver. “Hindi kami bago dun sa binabasa namin.”

Asked about the most challenging task of having an early morning radio newscast, Carlo replies, “It’s the consistency (of being heard by the listeners at their wake-up time). We’re the buhay na orasan. When they hear our voice, they know what time it is.”

Below, Carlo and Denver share with The STAR readers their typical day inside and outside the radio booth.

3 a.m. — (Carlo) I wake up and I begin to ready myself for (Umaga na Balita na!) (Denver) I also get up at that time.

(C) Sometimes, we arrive here (at GMA station) at 3:30 a.m. (D) I think arriving 15 minutes before airing time is safe. It gives me time to prepare. (C) We read newspapers and monitor the news.

(D) On my way to the station, I sing along with the songs being played on the car stereo. It’s part of my vocalization. Problem with me is I have the tendency to stutter. Since my vocal muscles are not yet flexed in the morning, I have to sing.

5 a.m. onwards — (D) I’m the pulis pangkalawakan. I don’t have a permanent schedule. My work as reporter begins at 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. My assignment depends on what the senior desk editor’s advice. I’ve almost covered all the news beats.

(C) My reporter’s schedule is from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. (But it can be stretched) depending on what might happen during the day. Manila is my area including National Bureau of Investigation, Manila Police District, Supreme Court, Department of Health, Department of Justice, Department of Tourism, Department of Finance, the coast guard, sometimes the Philippine navy and other areas surrounding Malacañang. If there’s a super typhoon, I also go where it is. I chase the storm.

At home and during weekends — (C) We listen to the radio to monitor news. Before we go to sleep, we also watch 24 Oras.

(D) I jog around UP. I also work out (if my schedule permits). I go to the Church (Iglesia ni Cristo) (C) Mahilig akong magbutingting sa bahay. I also clean the house. I have pets. I also go malling. If I’m on leave from work, I go to a community in Sorsogon.