Joel Reyes Zobel: Substance matters

In earlier times, when we tuned in to the radio, we were instantly hooked on listening to DJs or commentators whose voices are pleasant to the ears. We, too, wondered about their looks. Thanks to teleradyo, we now get the chance to see radio personalities seating on the booth while doing live broadcast.

One AM radio commentator who is becoming a familiar face nowadays is Joel Reyes Zobel. He owns that voice you hear dishing out headlines for GMA 7’s 24 Oras. In the mornings, he delivers the news side by side with Mike Enriquez on Dobol B sa News TV (titled Super Balita Sa Umaga Nationwide when you tuned in to DZBB 594 khz, 7 to 8 a.m.). His TV exposure, though he’s still trying to be comfortable with it, is a welcome change in his broadcasting career that started 20 years ago.   

“When I was just doing radio, people wouldn’t recognize me unless I started talking,” Joel says. “So, I could then go to the nearest store and buy a cheap comb. I can’t do that anymore because two out of the 10 people I’m gonna cross paths with will easily recognize me. Even when I take the MRT, nakikilala na ako. Kung dati nakatsinelas lang ako, ngayon dapat lagi akong maayos.”

There were also instances when people perceived him as a “walking newspaper.” They asked about the latest developments on controversial issues. Some even wanted to hear his comments regarding the country’s situation. That’s why, Joel has to be prepared the moment he goes out either for a walk or a date with his wife. “Dapat lagi akong may baong new information to satisfy them.”

Joel had his first foray in broadcasting via Radyo Veritas during its re-launch as a commercial radio station in 1990. After a decade, GMA took him in when Jay Sonza vacated the early morning slot. Joel was assigned to solely man the 4 to 6 a.m. program until he joined Mike in Super Balita Sa Umaga Nationwide.

Prior to getting on cam, Joel has already gained a following through his DZBB radio program Bangon Na, Bayan!, airing weekdays at 4 to 5 p.m. He tackles issues without exaggeration but with a pure intention of giving the listeners a clear idea of a certain topic — whether controversial or not. He raises his point in the 10-minute segment Editoryal ng Bayan which he diligently prepares two hours before the program goes on air. 

“I choose my words. I never use tarantado or gago to express my view regarding an issue. My editorial is in English to better express what I feel. Pinapagalitan nga ako ni Mike, mas marami kasing English kaysa Tagalog but I try to unlearn that. Mas gusto ko s’yempre if a lot of people will understand me.”

A lawmaker, Joel recalls, phoned him a day after becoming the subject of his editorial. In the spirit of fair play, the lawmaker aired his side yet Joel remained unperturbed because “I don’t do commentaries that are not true.”

And while his editorials earned negative reactions from those he had “slighted,” Joel says, positive comments outpoured via text messages.

“Mas maraming natutuwa. They see me on TV on a light banter with Mike, medyo satirical kami dun but in the afternoon, I turn serious as I give commentaries in my 10-minute editorial. For me, substance is more important. When the show rates, it’s a great reward (for all the hard work).”

Aside from the editorial segment, the one-hour program has 15 minutes of news from the GMA reportorial team, Calendar of Events that gives a quick recap of events that occurred on the same date in the history of the world, and Boses Ng Bayan Poll for the Day where Joel discusses a topic and solicits opinions from the listeners.

Asked what the best part of his profession is, Joel replies, “Being appreciated by your listeners. I feel happy every time I receive comments — negative or positive — because that means I’m effective. That’s why I always bring it (the program) to the next level. My commentaries are different from the others.”

On the personal front, Joel finds time for leisure. He makes it a point to go out on dinner dates with his wife at least once a week or they go out of town on weekends.

“We love scuba diving so we often go to Batangas and other diving destinations. I’m also into biking and playing golf with friends like Arnold (Clavio) usually on Sundays.”

When at home, he contents himself reading books, watching movies on cable and playing with his dogs while waiting for his wife to come home from law school.

“I also cook on weekends. The kitchen is my turf,” he proudly shares.  

Below, discover more how Joel gets through his day from morning til night:

5 a.m. – I wake up, eat breakfast and then I take a bath and dress up for my early morning program with Mike.

6:14 a.m. – leave the house and head straight to GMA.

6:45 a.m. – Magpapa-makeup na ko. I read newspapers, then I’ll go over the stories assigned to me.

7 to 8 a.m. – I’m on the air with Mike in Dobol B.

8 a.m. – After the show, I go straight to the gym and stay there for about an hour and a half.

10 a.m. – I go back home to eat early lunch. Sometimes, I squeeze in siestas and wake up at around 1 p.m. to do my editorial.

2:30 p.m. – I get ready for my afternoon show and go back to GMA before 4 p.m.

4 to 5 p.m. – I’m on the air for Bangon Na, Bayan!

5 p.m. – Prepare to do the headlines for 24 Oras because I do the voiceover every day.

5:45 p.m. – After voiceover recording, I go home. I watch TV, read books, and take care of my dogs, yun ang inaalagaan ko wala pa kasi kaming anak. Then, I’ll have my dinner.

10 p.m. – My wife comes home from school and we usually talk about what happened during the day.

11 p.m.— Hop on the bed and sleep.

On Saturdays, Joel is usually busy in the kitchen whipping up delectable dishes for his wife. He says, “I love watching cooking shows. When I do the grocery, bili ako ng bili ng spices. Pero kung ano yung masarap na mailuto ko di ko na mauulit yun.”