The inaugural show was attended by Philippines’ Consul General in Macau, Lilybeth Deapera (right). Karen Keith (let), Camille Bersola and Mia Villanueva (2nd from right) are also pictured.
In a bid to reach out to the second largest community in the region, TDM Radio recently launched its newest radio show, “Tagay Pinoy” which offers news and a variety of entertainment to the Filipino community.
‘Tagay Pinoy’ hosts Mia Villanueva, Karen Keith and Camille Bersola are confident that the show will be an effective platform for the Filipino community to exchange information whether it concerns health, work, or visa related issues; and to update their compatriots on the ongoing Filipino happenings in the region.
The Times visited one of TDM’s radio studios where the recording of the latest ‘Tagay Pinoy’ show was being held.
Before the taping of the program, the hosts briefed the guest on the rundown of the show and made sure it was all ‘positive vibes’ that they would be giving out to the listeners.
The latest show kicked off by acknowledging the messages and comments of the show’s listeners on their Facebook page and praised those who have contributed to the show’s logo and jingle.
Before introducing their guest who had been living in the region for over 30 years, the hosts played a song requested by one of their listeners.
The latest program discussed how some Filipinos, similar to their guest, discovered job opportunities in Macau; and described the massive changes the region has gone through.
Commenting on the show, Villanueva explained to the Times that the idea is to produce a non-political program.
“We’re excited because it will be a very good chance for us to discuss things. We have to be clear; this is a non-political and non-partisan kind of show. So our goal is to really bring entertainment, good vibes and also to discuss things that concern the Filipino community,” she explained.
According to them, the show has received positive feedback from the Filipino listeners through the show’s Facebook page, “Tagay Pinoy – TDM Radio Macau.”
“So far, they have really loved the show, they really loved the effort that TDM actually initiated for the Filipino community [and] it is actually the main goal of TDM, to unite the [migrant] group,” Keith, one of the hosts, said.
With over 25,000 Filipino workers living in the peninsula, Keith believes that the launch of the radio show is a ‘big bold step’ to unite the community in the region.
The program kicked off with Philippine consul general in Macau, Lilybeth Deapera as guest, who updated listeners on the most common enquiries the she and her team are facing.
The hosts also hoped that the community’s problems and queries would be easily addressed through the show, as the show would continually invite representatives from different Filipino associations.
The hosts are also looking forward to inviting Filipino guests from all walks of life to discuss topics that would interest the community.
Further, Keith also stressed that they are looking forward to promoting Filipino talents that are underrated in the region.
“We have a lot of talented artists in Macau that need to be exposed and I think this is a perfect tool to expose them, to promote their talents because we’re really proud of the Filipinos,” she added.
‘Tagay Pinoy FM98’ will also play Filipino music to set an ‘ambience of home’ for the listeners. The show is on air every Saturday, 8 p.m. on TDM’s Radio Macau.
Providing public service
TDM’s Portuguese news and program controller, Joao Francisco Pinto, said that the show’s mission is to provide a public service and offer diversity to the different communities in the city. “This is the program that we have really wanted to make for a long time and finally we have done it,” said Pinto to TDM on the first airing of the show. “This program is festivity […] we want all Filipinos in Macau to take part, to be with us, to enjoy and really to celebrate. We want this program to be like a fiesta for everybody,” he added. Although the latest radio show is currently recorded, Pinto said there are plans on airing the show live to be more interactive with the Filipino listeners.
Indonesian radio show ‘Kumbang Toh’ effective remedy for homesickness
Beto Bebeto (left)
Aside from the Tagalog show, TDM Radio also reached out to the Indonesian community back in 2012 when it decided to launch a radio show in Bahasa.
The Indonesian radio program, “Kumbang Toh,” started by airing for an hour per week until it expanded to two hours. It is currently aired from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Sunday.
According to TDM Portuguese radio host, Jorge Vale, the Bahasa program has been successful for four years now and he hopes that the Filipino show will also be a portal to communicate with the community.
“Kumbang Toh” host, Beto Bebeto, said the radio show has helped the Indonesian community “when they’re missing their hometown.”
Speaking to the Times, Bebeto said they have been in collaboration with a radio station in Indonesia, and from time to time, they hold a joint broadcast.
The joint broadcast allows the radio show in the Macau region to be broadcast in Indonesia and according to him, the radio show based in Indonesia invites guests, which he co-interviews.
“In that way, the Indonesian community are pretty much updated […] from time to time I always give updates on important news like changes in laws, changes in Indonesian regulations, especially involving passports or any other thing that they must know,” he explained.
Bebeto also stressed that the show avoids “serious talks,” so as to provide more entertainment to the community that is far away from home. LV
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