March 23, 2010

Another first

The Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) is an international Christian radio network that broadcasts programs in 130 languages. Founded in 1945 by Americans John Broger and Robert Bowman, it set up its largest Asian base in the Philippines and it went on air in the country in 1948. The offices, homes and dormitories of the missionaries of FEBC Philippines are in Valenzuela, one of Metro Manila's northern-most cities, bordering on the province of Bulacan where their transmitters are located. (This is just a back-up transmitter.)

Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) Philippines


I have to say that blogging about Metro Manila has given me so many new experiences this past year, not the least of which was getting invited by FEBC (702 DZAS in Manila) as a guest in one of their radio programs last week. Meet Lem and Lj, the hosts of the Monday to Friday "Pinoy Espesyal" (Filipino Special) program. Lem and Lj are so natural that the interview felt just like having a discussion with friends. I think I still sounded nervous though, because that booth is cold and I couldn't stop shivering!

Lem and Lj, hosts of the radio program Pinoy Espesyal in 702 DZAS


When they were winding up the show, I was able to take a photo of CJ, their radio technician, in his booth. It's a good thing I keep my camera's shutter sound off—I didn't notice the 'on air' light until I downloaded the photos.

CJ, the technician of the radio program Pinoy Espesyal in 702 DZAS


I'd like to thank Lj for this singular experience, and I hope I didn't do too badly. It was great meeting so many nice people in FEBC and it was wonderful walking around their large and green compound. It didn't feel like it's in the middle of busy and crowded Valenzuela City and I'll post photos of it soon.

25 comments:

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

How exciting for you. It sounds like you had a good time.

Lowell said...

Very interesting! Looks like quite a place. I wonder where the money for this operation comes from?

I'd also be interested in what the interview was all about ... what kinds of questions they asked you...

Methinks you're becoming quite a celebrity in your country!

Don and Krise said...

Congratulations Hilda. Wow, I can tell everybody that I know a famous radio personality. I'll bet you did just fine too. I wonder if you could upload an audio of your interview.

Anonymous said...

I bet it was fun. I used to work at a radio in my old country, but the acoustic wall panels were gray and brown - I like the bright colors in this studio!

James said...

Very cool! I hope you don't forget us little guys now that you're a celeb. :) Seriously that's great and it looks like the station has lots of power.

Unseen Rajasthan said...

This is so interesting !! Beautiful post !!

Louis la Vache said...

The World Famous Hilda Abola - now not only in the blogosphere, but on the radio as well!
;-)

Are you going to tell us more about the interview?

Olivier said...

belle visite de la radio,et la journaliste a un très beau sourire

Pat said...

What fun! I've been on local TV here a couple of times, but for other things, not Bibi the 'Yankee'! Still waiting....!

Glad you had the opportunity to visit this station and take some photos of the nice people who work there.

Bergson said...

Bravo, a radio star is born

brattcat said...

Hilda, you're definitely a star in my book. ( :

VP said...

A nice reportage on an interesting experience. You have to tell us more about this...

Unknown said...

The transmitter shot is fantastic!

Halcyon said...

Cool! How neat to be interviewed on the radio. Remember us little people when you become famous.

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

great images. the first one is very interesting with the tower in the clouds. I am glad you are enjoying the Biosphere series on my site. it does have other worldly buildings. I hope all is well.

Lois said...

How exciting Hilda! I'm sure you did a great job.

Ken Mac said...

love the supersonic angle of shot one!

Cezar and Léia said...

Wow, you're marching steadily to stardom! :) Congratulations, must have been really a nice experience.
God bless you!
Cezar

James Mark said...

Very interesting. I've heard of FEBC many times and I too wonder what sort of questions you were asked. Re York, yes,I had noticed that you like old stones!

Hilda said...

Jacob, Louis, VP & James Mark:
I was invited because of My Manila so all the questions were about blogging. Why blog, why blog about Manila, how often do I update, do I earn from the blog, what kind of camera do I use… questions like that.

Don:
Lj said they'll send me a copy of the interview, though I don't know in what format. But even if I found out how to upload an audio file, it would be useless for most people here because the interview was conducted mostly in Tagalog.

Lj Salceda Schroeder said...

Sir Jacob -> we are a non-commercial/non-stock radio station. our funds mostly come from faithful partners (donation). God has sustained us for the past 61 years.

Maam Hilda -> Thank you so much for braving the traffic and coming to the studio personally. We had a fun time with you! We hope you can visit us again. I need your complete mailing add for the shipment of the CD. I might be able to send it within the week. God bless po! :)

Dina said...

Wonderful, Hilda!

Leif Hagen said...

I bet you gave a very interesting interview - I wish I could have heard it! I joke in my office by asking my secretary, "Has International Blogger Magazine called for my interview yet?!"

Mrs. M said...

Wow! What a privileged to be interviewed on radio. I had the same experience once (in another country) and was also nervous because I was asked to sing a song! Nobody told me I was going to do that but it was live and I had no way to say no. Oh well, everybody has forgotten that already!
I'm sure you are doing something worth recognition. My first time to visit so I want to come again to read more here.

Blessings!
Mrs. M

George said...

Congratulations on your interview. I'm sure you did a wonderful job. I'm also glad it was a pleasant experience for you.