Radyo Natin honors six content providers in first RNSAA

Radyo Natin Nationwide (RNN) held its first-ever Radyo Natin Special Achievement Awards (RNSAA) to honor outstanding RN content providers across the Philippines in celebration of the radio station's silver anniversary on December 16 via Facebook Live.

Six awardees were honored during the awards night hosted by RNN jocks Faith Clarisse Salaver-Clamor and Jay Perillo for 'exemplary performance in work and conduct'.

The awardees were Atty. Luz Zamoras Virtudazo – Radyo Natin Jagna, Bohol, Carousel Belgica-Viteño – Radyo Natin Tabuk City, Kalinga, Francis Borgoña – Radyo Natin Bangued, Abra, Teody Siesa – Radyo Natin San Jose, Antique, Jojo Gait – Radyo Natin Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, and Maria Fe Regori Mariscal – Radyo Natin Naga City, all of whom showed excellence in radio broadcasting in their respective area coverages.

RNN president Jonathan Decena's speech opened the ceremony followed by Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) president Ruperto Nicdao Jr.'s congratulatory remarks.

"Baliktanaw", an audio-visual presentation of RNN's 25 years in the radio broadcasting industry, was played afterward.

The audience also got the chance to listen to the stories of current RNN personalities who became voices of the radio station's programs for the last 25 years, namely: Salaver-Clamor, Perillo, Ellanie Bensal, Fatima Eltayeb, Dennis Lazo, Glady Mabini, Kleir Raymundo-Pineda, Eduard Subarba Jr., Cheska San Diego-Bobadilla, and Angelo Palmones.

Meanwhile, the Summerwind Choir offered three songs, namely "Umagang Kay Ganda", "Paraiso", and "Tagumpay" to the FB Live viewers and radio listeners.

Stories of success with RNN
Triumphs in radio broadcasting didn't come without stories of inspirations, which chosen awardees shared in common.

Atty. Virtudazo, professional broadcaster and Bohol public prosecutor, said that RNN expanded her horizon as it opened opportunities for growth.

"Radyo Natin expanded my horizon. It opened the floodgate of opportunities for me to explore, to grow, and to do what I wanted to do the most." Virtudazo told. "The people I met, the personalities I talked and interviewed in the programs inspired me to be more and to be a better version of myself. To be the close if not at par with them."

For her part, RNN professional broadcaster since 1997 and Kalinga's fair broadcasting icon Carousel Belgica-Viteño shared that MBC's respectful name in the media industry motivated her to perform and deliver better.

"Ang nag-motivate sa akin is Manila Broadcasting Company. Alam naman natin na malaking kumpanya 'yan so kailangan pag-igihan mo, kailangan ayusin mo yung work mo, trabaho mo, yung performance mo para naman totoo na belong kayo sa MBC." Belgica-Viteño stated. "Kasi kapag malaking kumpanya, tinitingala talaga ang company natin so kahit maliit yung Radyo Natin nag-umpisa, pinursige pa rin natin at inimprove kung anuman dapat ang i-improve."

Coming from a family of teachers, Abra Valley Colleges President Francis Borgonia believed that Abreneos can learn from listening to radio, and it is the reason why he pursued RNN coverage expansion in his province.

"…Maraming matutunan ang mga tao dito sa probinsya sa pamamagitan ng radyo. Development or prosperity does not only mean finance or industrial development. Ang development means also on the character of the people, attitude development."

Known for his utmost credibility, fairness, and dedication to the craft, Teody Siesa made a name for himself by making Radyo Natin prominent in San Jose, Antique and benefitted on it in various ways.

"Na-boost po ang aking self-confidence na humarap at makipag-usap sa malalaking tao. Pangalawa, nagkaroon po ako ng maraming kakilala at kaibigan. Nagkaroon po ako ng pangalan dito po sa aming komunidad. At higit sa lahat, nagkaroon po ako ng financial freedom. Nabigyan po ako ng pagkakataon na makatulong sa mga taong mas nangangailangan." the AB Psychology graduate's answer on the question: how RN changed his life?

On the other hand, it was passion that drove businessman and broadcaster Jojo Gait to establish RNN in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat and turned it into an influential institution despite his lack of resources.

"Gagawin ko po ang lahat para mabuhay ang RN[N] station kasi kapag nawala ang RN[N] station, mawawala rin ako, malulungkot ako dahil yun po ay passion ko."

The continuous good performance and presence of RNN Naga is impossible without the passion and unquestionable dedication of its station manager Maria Fe Regori Mariscal and with RNN's support and guidance, she gained confidence to serve the public as content provider and Camerines Sur's Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) chairman.

"Una po, ang pagkakaroon ko ng tiwala sa aking sarili na kaya kong gampanan ang anumang tungkuling ipinagkakatiwala sa akin." Mariscal said.

"In fact, ngayon po malaki ang aking pasasalamat na nabigyan ako ng tiwala ng aking mga kasamahan sa media dito sa aming lugar na maging KBP chairman ng Camarines Sur. Siguro po kung noon ito ibinigay sa akin, magdadalawang-isip akong tanggapin ngunit dahil sa tiwala at gabay ng Radyo Natin, meron ako ngayong lakas ng loob akuin ang responsibilidad." she furthered.

The content providers/broadcasters qualify as RNSAA nominee through these four criteria:
-Attain prominence as a respectable partner/manager/broadcaster;
-Achieve a reputation for hard work, moral integrity, and personal commitment to his craft;
-Consistently demonstrate a high standard of excellence in performing his job; and
-Conscientiously observe the code of ethics for partnership/management/broadcast professionals.

Humble beginnings, continuous service excellence
In his opening remarks, Decena has shared the journey RN took to democratize radio in the country amid the ridicule.

"Twenty-five years ago, I personally experienced how the broadcast industry thought it was a crazy idea putting up radio stations in the remote, underdeveloped areas of the country. We were told then that it does not make any sense and that it's bound to fail anyway."

"Despite the ridicule, we held on to our vision: to democratize radio and to give people in the countryside a voice." Decena continued. "A radio station that they can call their very own, thus, the name Radyo Natin."

Currently, RNN had 109 radio stations nationwide, with more than 16 million listeners.

Holding on its mission and vision, RNN helped remote areas evolve into major economic and commercial landmarks, with some becoming classified cities.

With its service to the Filipino community, RNN won the KBP Golden Dove Awards' Best FM Station (Provincial) for three consecutive years from 2012-2014.

As the world transitions technologically, Decena also informed listeners about the new things to expect, such as RNN jingles and production elements and establishment of a digital department.

"We are excited to announce the release of a new set of Radyo Natin jingles and production elements from Jam Productions USA."

"This definitely sets the mood for a lively, captivating Radyo Natin vibe along with the refreshed Radyo Natin logo and updated branding."

"Even digitally, in fact we have a new department and that is the Radyo Natin Digital. We are evolving and investing to make sure we are competitive on air and online."

Click here to watch the full video, Radyo Natin 25th Anniversary
(RDDII)