“First AM on FM news station” enters Cebu media scene

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu broadcast scene with the aim of shaping Cebu’s broadcast landscape anew, TV5 Regional and Affiliate Operations will launch the Radyo Singko 101.9 News FM, the first news station in the FM band in Central Visayas, this Monday.

The historic first AM on FM news station brings together some of the region’s most respected names in broadcast and public service including former The FREEMAN sports editor and reporters as well as established lawyers.

On Monday, November 12, Radyo Singko beefs up Cebu’s morning habit with “Frankahay Ta!” anchored by Atty. Frank Malilong, Jr, who is a former sports editor of The FREEMAN. He will be joined by Atty. Omar Redula and Atty. Briccio Boholst.

The said program will be aired weekday mornings from 5:30 to 9:00 am, blending a good mix of news, commentary, editorial, public debate and updates delivered by three lawyers-public servants.

Malilong’s experience includes the corporate law arena and his long-running column in two local newspapers paper dailies.

In a press conference held at the Summit Circle yesterday, Malilong said he accepted this as a challenge, “Kay kahibalo ko nga bag-o pa ang TV5 and kami sad mga bag-o pa. (I know that TV5 is new.) We want to be active participants in making history. I believe that we will succeed.”

Atty. Redula, who finished 8th place in the 1982 bar examination, is Mandaue City’s former City Legal Officer.

“I am enthused with this opportunity given to us. This is not an easy thing for us but we will do our best,” said Redula.

On the other hand, Atty. Boholst is Mandaue City’s former City Administrator and Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Cebu City Chapter president who is poised to “become a personality to watch in Cebu’s broadcast industry”.

A former editor of The FREEMAN and a broadcast veteran, Rosemarie Holganza-Borromeo  is also part of the new station’s personalities along with Rey Pasaporte and Banat News assistant sports editor and The FREEMAN sports writer Gabby Malagar.

On November 17, Saturday, at 5:30 in the morning, Radyo Singko also has a new weekly program “Tambag ni Torni” with Atty. Redula and Atty. Boholst.

The program offers a unique combination of news, updates and free on-air legal assistance.

“I know that we have almost the same news aired everyday but what we aim here is that we want to be part of the community by doing public service to Cebu,” said TV5 Manila’s Regional Head Raul dela Cruz.

TV5 Cebu Station Manager Karla Kintanar-Fernandez said some of Manila’s radio programming will be initially in place to fill the rest of the station’s daily programming.

“This is the start of something good for Cebu radio. We will develop more local programs in the next few months that will interest the listening public and provide necessary information that the Cebuanos need,” said Fernandez.

The launch of Radyo Singko in Cebu coincides with the 2nd anniversary of Manila’s Radyo Singko 92.3 News FM, which is now among the leading news stations in Manila.

On the maiden broadcast of “Frankahay Ta!” on Monday, Atty. Malilong and company will give way to Radyo Singko Manila’s “Punto Asintado” anchors Erwin Tulfo and Martin Andanar from 8:00 to 10:00 am as the program will air live from Cebu.

Meanwhile, TV5’s Radyo Singko Taxi Squad will have a recruitment day for all Cebu-based cab drivers on Monday, at the SM City Cebu covered parking area starting at 8:00 am.

The Radyo Singko Taxi Squad is a dedicated team of taxi drivers who serves as the station’s eyes and ears on the road. Taxi Squad members adhere to a strict code of values and ethics when it comes to dealing with their passengers and fellow motorists.

“We at Radyo Singko acknowledge that we operate in a new age of journalism. As a result, we are inviting our upstanding Cebuano cab drivers to represent the best of those who work in public transportation,” said Fernandez.

“As Cebuanos ourselves, we want to help raise the bar when it comes to how PUV drivers serve the public. And the Radyo Singko Taxi Squad Code of Ethics is one of the things we expect our members to adhere whether or not they are on duty,” she added.

Applicants who want to sign-up for the Taxi Squad can avail of free services such as haircut, medical check-up and snacks.

The Punto Asintado tandem of Erwin Tulfo and Martin Andanar and the Radyo Singko 101.9 News FM anchors will also be present to meet the Cebuano drivers throughout the recruitment event.  — (FREEMAN)