The arrival of the pandemic in early 2020 brought a wave of hardship for most Filipinos. But for a security guard at a Mandalupa City radio station, it brought a career-changing opportunity, as well as a new direction for a long-running local news show.
After a year into the pandemic, the host of the radio station’s morning news show “Tito Mike” Reyes, delivered some bad news. Reyes, 52, informed the station that he would be going into isolation indefinitely to protect himself against a possible coronavirus infection and would not be able to continue his show-hosting duties until the pandemic was resolved.
Unsure of how to proceed, the show’s producer and co-owner of the station, Marivic Arnas, looked around for a replacement in a last-ditch effort to save the show, Flash Patrol, from being pulled off the air. “Everybody was too scared to risk going to work,” Arnas recalls. “So I was about to give up when Nash, the night guard at the station, jokingly said he would do it.” For Arnas, Nash’s off-the-cuff remark sparked an idea. “But (Nash) is quite funny. He’s always cracking jokes and making people around the station chuckle. Maybe he could pull it off,” says Arnas.
It wasn’t long before Arnas realized that Nash’s lack of knowledge about the news (and the world in general) might be the perfect twist to give the show a new lease on life. After some test recordings, the result was clear to Arnas. “The show worked. I was quite relieved. And a little excited. It’s not every day that a security guard gets to host a radio news show,” she said.
Flash Patrol is now airing in Tagalog on seven provincial Magik FM stations around the country. Listeners have so far responded favorably to the show’s lighthearted new direction and folksy, authentic host.” says Arnas. “Nash is entertaining. He’s got a knack for comedy.”
***
Let’s meet Al-Nasser “Nash” Joaquino, 23, from Zamboanga City, former night guard at Bictor Arnas Dy Broadcasting Center in Barangay Silaway, Mandalupa City, now a news commentator and host on the radio.
Here’s a little chat with Kuya Nash, formerly Kuya, as the people at the radio station used to fondly call him.
How was it when you first started hosting the show?
I was excited but I also had a fear. My brain knew I could do it, but my body thought I could not. It was like the devil and angel sitting on my shoulders talking to me. The Devil was saying, “You cannot do this, you’re just a security guard. Why would people listen to you? You’re not famous.” And then the Angel would say, “You can do this, just stick it out. Don’t quit.” And then I realized that the work is not so difficult after all, because if I like something, it’s easier for me to do. Now, I know that anyone can be a news show host. You don’t need any special skills or talent to be a host. I’m the proof of that.
‘I didn’t expect this job, 100 percent. I always believed that, in my future, I would have a tire-patching job. Or some other simple, dirty job. Or maybe as a helper or driver, like that.’
How’s your new job different from your old job as a security guard?
Flash Patrol is my second job, but for me it’s my first real one. When you’re a guard, you feel like you can get fired at any time, or your posting will change to another location. In my new job as a host, I have to step up. It can lead to a better future. And also I can choose my own break time.
What other things do you like about your new life as a host?
Since now I am living inside the station, there is an AC in my room which is like a dream come true. An AC is like having an open window but without the mosquitos. I cannot afford to pay for it though, so I never use it. But it’s fine, I can still take selfies with it.
Also, when I was still the guard I was living outside in the station's parking area. I had to pay money to use the public CR in the barangay. It was 5 pesos to pee and 10 pesos for BM (bowel movement). So I learned to hold it a long time to save money. Sometimes I would need to wait until payday to use the CR. Now I can go any time I want, so I really feel like a king.
What happens when you must talk about a news story you are not familiar with?
Some news is okay, I know a little about it already. But many times I don’t have any knowledge so I have to Google it and study first or ask my boss about it to understand better. But mostly when I give comments on my show, I try to capture the thoughts and feelings of the audience so they can relate. I want to talk about things everyone can relate to, things that are true.
Are you worried at all about being influenced by fake news or misinformation online?
I don’t write the news stories, I just react to them. My boss tries to make sure the headlines only come from (reputable sources) that are not fake.
How have your friends or family reacted to your new career?
First they don’t believe me. Most of my friends think I’m still a security guard or a Grab driver and I’m just hiding it from them. It sucks because sometimes friends aren’t really your friends, they don’t want to see you succeed. So I stopped posting about my life because people were judging me and calling me fake. Now I just play along and laugh when I see them doubting me.
What happens if Tito Mike returns?
Honestly, it makes me nervous. I pray for his good health and for his soul. But for him to return to work, no way! Mostly I try not to think about it, but other times I feel like doing a magic ritual to keep him from coming back. I think those rituals require a sacrifice, like a chicken or something, but I can’t afford it so I will use ketchup instead, and maybe a candle. Like a payless ritual. I don’t have Tito Mike’s photo, but maybe I can write his name with charcoal and also draw a (pentagram). I think in the movies they pray in Latin during these rituals, but I don’t know Latin so I hope it works in Tagalog. Maybe that will help.
Flash Patrol is on every morning from Monday to Thursdays on Magik FM stations in Vigan, Laoag, Tacloban, Dipolog, Mandalupa, Lucena, and Tuguegarao and or as a podcast for free on Spotify and other podcast apps.