10/05/2021
After 6 life-changing years, it's time for me to return to my family and say goodbye to the Philippines.
My journey here in the Motherland began back in October 2015, intended originally as a brief vacation after graduating from San Francisco State University. My mom also asked me to represent our family at a loved one's funeral in San Juan. Once this was all accomplished, I was supposed to head back to the US.
I never did.
I was happier here. I was more at peace. I discovered my roots as a Filipino. Staying here became a new purpose. But hold up, how do you start fresh in a new country after dropping everything you love and know back home? Leaving your only family behind and breaking your mom's heart in the process? This is where the uncertainty of my broadcasting career first began.
After a brief stint with MYX Philippines from January to March as a Top 12 Finalist during the 2016 Myx Vlogger Search, I was seriously strapped for cash and even heavily considered taking a call center job as a phone operator. Then, 2 months later, 1 single text message changed my life. To provide context, I applied at every single FM radio station in the Metro Manila area you can name (except for the Tagalog-only ones, but man can you imagine if I got into Barangay LS or Win Radio?? What iz da meaning ob dis? For real though, if this happened, I would have been so stoked) and never heard back from any of them. It was rejection after rejection. Except for 1.
Wave 89.1.
I received 1 single text message from Philippines radio veteran and Station Manager, Sarge, asking if I was free to come in to the studio in Ortigas, "just to see if I was free" as he put it enigmatically. I figured it was going to just be an interview and nothing more to it. The day of our meeting finally comes and the first thing he asks is, "what kind of radio show do you want to create?" The Vibe was born 1 week later, created and developed with a pure passion for sharing an authentic Hip Hop culture, music, and food experience similar to the vibes I grew up with back in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The show had humble beginnings, filling Wave's glamorous 10PM to 1AM weeknight slots. My dream of being an On-Air Personality was finally fulfilled, bursting with tears of joy. Through more hard work, diligence, and patience, The Vibe eventually became Wave's primetime evening radio program airing weeknights from 7PM to 10PM. The multitude of doors and career opportunities it opened is something I'll forever be grateful for.
Thank you first and foremost to DjSarge for taking a chance on me all those years ago. Thanks to your support and true belief in a broadcasting dork like me, I found my voice through radio. And also for helping me rebrand my DJ name (for those that have been riding with me since day 1, you'll remember that my original stage moniker was HIDDEN GEMS). To our hardworking technicians and staff who work at the station day and night, maraming salamat talaga. To Ro Mel, Julie, B**g, Miss Marj, Ray Almine, Helen Dela Peña, and Jhiro Charles, you deserve nothing but happiness and riches in your lives. All of us DJs admire you. Thank you also to our Program Director, DannieBoi - Wave 89.1 DJ/ HipHop Artist, for being a constant guide and friend.
I would also like to share my appreciation to my on-air partners on The Vibe, both past and present. Thank you to Dino (DZ SVG) for unlocking my wild side and for truly opening my eyes to my potential from the minute we started working together. To never be fearful of change and to attack your curiosities in life without hesitation. We had irreplaceable chemistry and I looked forward to every single day of our show because of you. Thank you to Gianna Llanes for pushing The Vibe's potential as a platform for public health and environmental awareness, especially once the pandemic started last year. It's a bummer we never got to work together in the studio, in person. Though our time was short as partners, it was always memorable every night. Thank you also for being so well-prepared and enthusiastic when guests would join the show too. It wouldn't be complete without thanking the true stars of The Vibe... you, our audience! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to every listener, from every corner of Metro Manila and beyond, for sharing your precious time by tuning in to hear our nightly silliness. You all welcomed me with such open arms.
Additionally, I'd like to thank Meggie Salonga for inviting me to become an instructor at The Study by Enderun back in 2017. Together, we created the school's first ever Radio 101 program and kickstarted a new dream for aspiring radio DJs and Hosts. Much love also to Mark Thompson and Parnassvs for openly sharing this enthusiasm by assisting in the evolution and transfer of Radio 101 to Sessions Academy Manila back in 2019 where we were able to discover more students who wanted to learn the fundamental skills necessary to strive in the broadcasting industry. To all of my students from both schools, I express my utmost gratitude to you for entrusting me to be your teacher. For eagerly coming to class to dissect the art of storytelling with a microphone. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to have witnessed you all blossom and share your inspiring talents with the world.
Lastly, to all the immeasurable friendships I've made these last 6 years, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You never stopped supporting me since I got here, making this decision to move away that much more difficult to accept. I will miss you all so much.
Signing out for one final time live from Manila, this is Angelo G.
