I ALWAYS find comfort every time I feature radio personalities in my column. I thought the space is worth it, knowing that it is the topic I can most sincerely say I will never grow tired of writing and discovering.
To me, these radio personalities are more than just song masters, their dedication to their craft makes all the difference to local listeners.
I handpicked Paul a.k.a. DJ Robin of Home Radio 98.7 to be my featured personality because I see his dedication. For a couple of years, we worked together since he transferred to MIX FM. I see how passionately engaged he is in his craft. He admitted he still has a lot to learn and for me, it only means one thing, when one doesn't cease learning, he surely has a long way to go.
Paul Martin Acolon was born January 20, 1991, the first child and only male among four siblings.
Born in Mandaluyong City and raised in Davao City, Robin started his career in radio as junior jock "Martin" at Killer Bee 89.1 in September 2008 doing weekend shows while taking up AB Mass Communication at Holy Cross of Davao College.
His parents got separated in 2009 and he had to earn and stop studying but he didn't let that get in the way. In September 2010, he became "Trip," on air talent at 105.9 Mix FM while working other jobs to feed his passion until the station's last airing in February of 2013.
Since April 2013, Robin has been working full time at Home Radio 98.7 doing audio production and goes on air 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays.
When asked what a day like, in his job is, he replied: "More than a job, it's a way of life. It could go crazy on you but it rewards you with so many fulfillments if you give it the right amount of effort."
He admitted to be great fan of MIX FM Hometown Heroes Sonny B and Joey and never fail to mention Joe Fisher and Rod Rodriguez, and good friend The George Book, and all the media men who are true to their craft.
It wasn't easy to become a DJ, he said, "It is tough. I started out not getting paid and then got paid but not much. I really don't want to leave so I got various other jobs while trying to stay in radio until Home Radio came and I'm thankful that now I could focus on just improving my craft and career progress. I give the credit to the people who helped me along the way."
I laughed when he said that. I agree that it is really hard, paycheck wise, but during our days we never felt it anyway. I guess because our passion in what we do never dwindled. And sometimes I can say we are lucky enough to know that our lives have been changed with radio.
For DJ Robin, it didn't take that long for him to realize that radio was the career for him. "I just came to one point asking myself what I want to do until I'm too old and I had a lot in mind but this one always kept resurfacing."
And like any other Radio DJ's, Robin also had his fair share of celebrity worst tongue-tied moment. He recalled his interviews with Cosplay Queen Alodia Gosiengfiao and Miss Earth Air 2012 Stephany Stefanowitz, "I interviewed Alodia and I forgot to turn my microphone on, so it was only her talking on air the whole time. Miss Earth Air 2012 Stephany Stefanowitz is beautiful and very nice and we had a fun off-air conversation."
But despite the hurdles, DJ Robin still thinks that the best thing about his job is the music. And the worst is when his brain goes dead and his tongue gets stiff all of a sudden.
An aspiring comic book or graphic novel writer, Robin finds the future in radio.
"Radio is getting better. People now, I think, are starting to look for quality and more sense in what they get out of the media even in entertainment and that has changed the game for radio," he said.
"Many people think being in radio is easy but it's got more to it than just talking and playing music. You have to have the heart to take on such a big responsibility but still sound fun and exciting," he added.
Radio had affected his life so much that it pushes him to learn more and do better. He said he owes it to his listeners. He still had not given up on the radio and he mentioned his wish list of changes in broadcasting in general.
"Decentralization. I've come across a lot of extremely talented people who end up frustrated because locals can't be that vocal. Second is professionalization. People in this industry must have that academic perspective to get rid of the old malpractices and become more competent. I think there are still some people in this industry refuse to understand ideas you present because they’re too overwhelmed by their seniority."
At 22, he brings his signature style, a fresh and youthful perspective, and a quick-witted personality to Home Radio.
His on-air persona is fueled by a passion for radio that runs deep, a love for work that I saw in him the first time he went in and sat at a soundboard, and as I motioned towards the door, hear him say, it is his home -- a smile began to spread across my face.
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