JM Rodriguez: [V] good

Channel [V] International plays music. It is part of the music television networks owned by Fox channels. Channel [V] Philippines is a franchise and Juan Miguel Rodriguez, 37, is the head. As the man in charge of making sure that Channel [V] Ph dances to the right beat, JM is involved with generating income for the station. To receive the support of advertisers, one must have a good product, so JM chooses the VJs, whom he trains until they are comfortable in front of the cameras. These pretty ladies and alert young men are TV’s answer to disc jockeys. With their gentle smiles and information, VJs keep you plugged in as they introduce the next performer or lead you through the music countdown. Almost everything these VJs say is scripted and rehearsed, thanks to the high standards that JM demands.

Channel [V] Ph viewers’ ages range from 13 to 30 years old, so JM has to be creative about marketing. The established way of selling commercial spots works well, but JM makes an effort to go out and meet his audience. Concerts in schools, hosting shows in Boracay and offering sponsors the privilege of branding events organized with the distinct [V] flair are promotions that JM conceives and directs his marketing group to pursue. Only 50 staff members are needed to run this 24-hour music channel and JM knows them all.

Our bachelor grew up in his family’s sugar cane and rice farm in Pontevedra, Negros Occidental. Throughout his school days in La Salle Bacolod, JM felt attracted to the music industry. He trained as an opera singer and performed with the Repertory. Here JM reflects on the pleasure of receiving a standing ovation, being a good listener and his love for sneakers. 

One of my goals this year is to use Channel [V] as an instrument to bring Filipino music and artistry to Asia through the airplay of Filipino music videos. Channel [V] is an international brand and is seen around Asia including India, Australia, and Korea.

My personal style signifier: Sneakers! I am a sneaker freak. I have a collection of different sneakers. I wear them everywhere. Even when I am in a suit, I am in sneakers.

What makes me happy is when I listen to music, when I sing, when I go out to the clubs, dance and have a drink with my friends. I get inspired to help young artists when I see that they have undiscovered talents.

For grooming and style I rely on a lot of friends who are in the fashion industry. I give them a call and ask them for advice. My favorite site is Men.style.com. That’s where I pretty much get all my grooming advice.

I work best in the afternoon and at night. I’m a nocturnal creature and so is most of my staff on Channel [V].

The last meal that truly impressed me was chef Nino’s sea bass at this new restaurant called Robot on Makati Avenue.

One fear of mine is meeting an accident or getting very sick and having no one to attend to me because I live alone.

What helped me to conquer fear: Prayer always!

My best moment was being onstage and bowing to thousands of people, who were giving my cast and I a standing ovation in Singapore for the musical Rent.

My worst moment was when my grandmother died.

Best quality about me: I’m a happy person. I love to listen. I have a good sense of humor. I’m easy to please. I don’t wallow in self-pity. I can easily let go and move on. I want to be known to others as someone who has respect for others.

A recent find is Green Tea KitKats from Japan. It’s the best thing on earth.

The last thing I bought and loved is the new iPod Nano, which is as small as a wristwatch. I use it when I jog and it’s the most useful thing I have ever bought.

The thing I’m hoping to buy next: Sneakers! Sneakers! Sneakers!

If I had to limit my travels to one city... New York, baby!

A memorable place I have traveled to in the past year is Segovia, Spain. An old Spanish town that looks exactly like a painting.

The souvenirs I choose to bring home: I don’t really bring home souvenirs, just pictures on my phone.

The place that inspires me: Bacolod! I grew up there, and I have a lot of great childhood memories on the farm. The stage also inspires me. My first love is theater and singing.

The best gift I have given recently: My cousin got a sponsorship from a slipper brand and we gave a whole lot of slippers away to street kids around Manila.

And the best one I’ve received recently: A Samsonite overnight knapsack that has little wheels on it and a handle.

In my fridge you’ll always find Mountain Dew, Royal Tru-Orange, red rice and wheat bread.

My favorite websites: Men.style.com, www.dlisted.com, www.billboard.com, www.playbill.com, www.channelv.ph.

I am proud of my parents for being the best you could ever have, and my sister for her success in the banking industry.

Beside my bed are my laptop and my phone.

My style icon is Nat King Cole.

If I wasn’t doing what I do, I would probably be a cinematographer or a director.

The grooming basic I am never without: Crude Clay.

In school, I learned to never be ashamed to admit that you’re ignorant of something. It’s okay to ask.

After being in business, I realized management is a difficult job. We have 50 employees and all of them are necessary to the company.

A recent setback I had was having to lay off some of my staff because of budget constraints.

A while ago I was browsing Rogue magazine, always a good read!

My talents include singing and acting.

The sports I do the most are swimming and running.

The books I am reading now are… I don’t read books! I read scripts. Neil Simon comedies are my favorite. They’re Playing Our Song is one of them. I also was part of that musical a few years back.

I remember an embarrassing moment at work: I was on the South Beach Diet, and my brain was not working from lack of carbs and I could not finish my sentences. How bad is that?

The way I plan my day is I wake up, go to the office and check my e-mails. Finish what I have to finish!

The last time I cried was last week when I watched the Disney cartoon Tangled.

Good advice I have given: Listen! Always listen!

Good advice I received is make the most of your life! Always pray!

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E-mail aurorawilson@gmail.com.