Survey results

Just last week the Nielsen guy swung by the station to help us understand the latest radio survey. After generating figures, we discovered that my show did the best among all the DJs at my station.

The 12nn-3pm show is supposed to be the weakest of all slots, so this makes it mean so much more.

What's even more exciting is that those figures were from before my tandem with Louise. Since we've added a lot to the program since then, I know our standing has improved. I hope we'll do just as good in the next survey.

Going solo

Yesterday (Wednesday), Louise was absent from work. So I had to hold down our shift all alone.

It's not supposed to be a difficult task, I've done that for years, but I guess I just haven't been used to boarding alone (we've been a team since the first week of July). That, plus the fact that there were other "challenges" that day in the booth. (But my ray of sunlight was the texters and shoutboxers giving me their support.)

Today my partner returned and the show was as good as ever. I guess sometimes we just have to lose something to appreciate what we have.

Ramblings after hearing a Radio seminar

For years I've been hearing senior announcers speak of a "new generation of disk jockeys" that will soon take over radio. Unfortunately, they weren't talking about it fondly.

With the emergence of the call centers - and their promise of larger salaries - luring established DJs and potential talent, the pool of appicants has been diluted with wannabees who never would have made the cut back in the heydays of Radio. But many now get in simply because they have the right look or accent.

Also these days, due to advances in technology, new DJs are spoiled by hi-tech equipment and become - right off the bat - lazy to hone their technical skills. Since they find it easy to simply "get by" with having the equipment do everything, and not push themselves to improve, they end up with little respect for the trade.

So in short, the latest batches of new DJs - so they say - consists mostly of kids with less talent and no genuine love for the medium. It doesn't take a genius to see that this is a recipe for disaster.

In my youth, I idolized guys like Sgt. Pepper, Joe d' Mango, Sonny B, and Jeremiah Jr (and I still do). Now that I'm becoming one of those senior jocks (at least at my station), I can see that days they were dreading are finally here. Philippine Radio could be at last going to the dogs.

Counterbalance

I've been in a strange mood the past few days. Why? See below (two entries down). I guess I've just been reflecting on it. Maybe a little too much.

But the other day, some things happened to really give me peace of mind. One listener dropped by and gave me a great compliment on my performance, a client commended me on the quality of a plug i produced, then another listner texted how much s/he enjoys our program.

I can't begin to explain the satisfaction it gives me to please both listeners and clients. It just takes all the negative vibes away.

And the icing on the cake... The AKAFellas had a great show at The SM Mall of Asia over the weekend to promote our CD.

Pleasant surprise

I just found out the other day that there will be another mall tour show for The Blend CD this Friday. Filipino a cappella will be on the big stage over at SM Mall of Asia. Plus the show starts at 7 in the evening, when more people will be around.

I really can't believe that we're still doing mall tours over 8 months past the release of the album. I guess Star Records is happy with our sales figures. It's all so encouraging.

Hate mail and bad vibes

Yesterday I got hate mail from someone who misunderstood things I said on the air. It's the second time that I actually praised a person and have gotten a bad reaction.

It's a wonder how people react the most vehemently when they draw conclusions based on misinterpretations.

In a way, it makes me sad. But I guess I can rest on the fact that I know deep down that my intentions were pure.

Myx and R&B Blend

Last night my interview on Myx (with my partner Louise) was aired. Unfortunately, my cable operator doesn't provide Myx. Grrr... I hope I chance on it somewhere else. I want to make sure I didn't make a fool of myself. :)

This Saturday I've got "The Blend R&B special". Usually I play mostly Jam music with a little bit of other genres here and there. This is the first time to do something like this. Hopefully I'll get a good response.

Goodbye Andre

When Agassi first showed up on the radar, I was a kid learning to hit a forehand. I, like many others, am an Agassi-generation player/fan who has watched my idol mature and develop over the years at the same time as I did.

He wasn't perfect like Sampras. Like us, he too was human. He too had slumps. But between those, were flashes of brilliance. He reminded us that even the mere mortals could achieve greatness.

Andre overcame many obstacles over the course of his career. He's clawed his way out of slumps to win championsips. But what's even more impressive is that he also made himself a better person at the same time. Hopefully, we can all look back and see that we've done the same thing.

Another great show!

Last Saturday we had another great show for The Blend Mall Tour, at The Block SM City North Edsa.

Kilyawan is really starting to develop well. The guys are more comfortable on the stage and it shows.

The AKAFellas were shorthanded (two members missing) but still gave their usual stellar vocal performance.

We've got another one set for Sept. 29 at The Podium at 4pm. It should be just as good, if not better. :)