FM Radio’s most in demand DJs Tony Toni , Slick Rick and Sam YG talk about going back in time, their dream celebrity dates and endorsements, and how to keep them boys at home.
For all the modern conveniences, there is one unpleasant and inescapable fact urbanites have to live with every day—rush hour.
That time of the day when the MRT transforms into one big balikbayan box of sweat and humanity, and everyone seems to be in a race for the first one to reach the siomai station at the exit.
And if you are loaded enough to own a car, you still have to endure the horrendous traffic in EDSA, which, sadly is slower than the work rate of many elected officials– getting over and moving on from all your past relationships since high school feels a lot faster—and less complicated.
Seven years, three Radio Jocks and one radio program to rule them all.
Since 2007, DJ’s Slick Rick (Eric Virata), Tony Toni (Anthony James Bueno) and Sam YG (Samir Gogna), have been starting trends and dishing out the questions their nightly radio program Boys Night Out, sometimes naughty but often nice, these three have one goal for the program; to give their loyal listeners some positive vibes to end a stressful day at work or school.
Now we turn the tables on the Boys as they take us back into their humble beginnings, share some of their most kept secrets, and the one thing that keeps them happy, besides women—their DEVANT TVs.
MAKING FM MATTER:
Despite all the available technological distractions presented by those mobile gadgets, FM radio continues to be relevant because of shows like Boys Night Out and the commitment of its hosts to provide unique and quality content to their loyal listeners every workday night.
“People tend to go for whatever is most accessible, to keep them company during that slow drive home, and for a lot of people, FM radio continues to be their main source of in-car entertainment,” says the suave Tony Toni. “They want something that is very easy to listen to, hear something upbeat and make them laugh a bit to end an already stressful day at work.”
“With FM or radio in general, people develop an affinity to whatever music or program the station provides. Sometimes it’s a station they grew up listening to, or a habit they picked up from their parents when they were younger,” adds DJ turned-celebrity and TV host Sam YG. “You can listen to your mp3s anytime but Boys Night Out provides unique content—maybe it’s the humor of the show they find enjoyable or our callers who participate in the program.”
“I think the callers actually contribute to making a good show,” points out Eric Virata whom a lot women swoon for as Slick Rick. “And we are fortunate enough to have very insightful listeners whom we believe really make an effort to be interesting when sharing their thoughts on air.”
“There are a lot of great DJs out there, but when it comes to the callers, we have the best ones,” adds Tony Toni.
“Boys Night Out may have a reputation for being “pilyo” and for asking our guests some very “naughty” questions, but we always make it a point to make the show very positive and engaging each night,” says Sam YG.
BACK TO THE FUTURE:
Long time friends Slick Rick and Tony Toni knew each other since 2001. “I used to listen to Toni when I was in college and he was still doing a morning show then. When I started out at Magic, we immediately hit it off and began hanging out. We had the same humor since he’s from Canada. I’d do the 6am to 9am shift and he’d to the next one from 9am to 12noon, but I’d wait for him almost everyday and we’d hang out in the mall. Tony knew Sam YG and when BNO needed a third guy, we knew Sam would be the perfect fit.”
What was their common interest that brought them together?
“The Spa!” Sam YG shouted, perhaps the most comical of the three, the DJ turned celebrity host, said they used to try all the newly-opened Spa centers in the city. “There was a time when Toni actually became a “spaholic” and every night after our show he’d go straight to the spa, that explains why he is so calm and relaxed all the time, although we’d joke that he appears more tired than rejuvenated on some days,” he adds laughing.
When it comes to girls however, they each have different preferences, Tony Tonii says “I think I have the lowest standards because Slick prefers the artista or model type while Sam would only go out with foreigners and celebrities!”
“There was only one time na muntik kami mag-away dahil sa babae—kay #22 yung favorite naming massage therapist!”, laughs Sam.
If they could go back in time, what would they want to revisit?
“I’d choose the time, when I used to listen to Tony Toni during my elementary days (laughs). My mom used to bring me to school and DJ Toni was already playing the songs of Snoop Dogg at 6am—unedited! That I think is what started it all for me– and now I am working with a true legend (teasing Tony Toni). Imagine its like playing with Michael Jordan!” teased Sam YG.
Slick Rick, however, tends to be more nostalgic preferring to revisit the time when they started Boys Night Out; “The first few months when Sam joined us, the whole “gelling” and bonding moments. Up to now we’ve kept some of those habits like the preparations we do for the next day, how we thought of the show’s different segments, It would be nice to go back and see how we reinvented ourselves.”
Just like Slick, its more about going back and improving on what they used to do,” says Tony Toni. “It would be fun to go back to the time when we were doing the TV show. With all our experiences now, I think we could have done a lot more especially when it came to creating something viral for the internet. Or at least saved some of those behind the scenes footages which we could have used today.”
Their dream interviews? “Tito, Vic and Joey and ask them how to be like them after all these years; Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago—How would she react in a room with three men and ask her some very candid questions, like what she likes in men, and some other naughty stuff na no one has dared ask her before and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.”
MUSIC AND DATE MOVIES:
All R&B fans, Sam YG’s top 3 favorite songs are “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore, “Nice & Slow” by Usher, “Gravity” by John Mayer; for Slick Rick its; Big Pimpin, Body Bumpin, To Live & Die in LA; while Tony Toni’s choices are quite diverse with Dr. Dre/ Snoop Dogg Nothing But a G thing, Michael Jackson’s Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough and Frank Sinatra’s That’s All.
And for the three songs that best describe their personality; Sam YG chose Englishman in New York; Young Wild and Free for Toni and Changes for Slick Rick.
The three also love watching movies; “I always need to have munchies, and notice a lot of things more than just the story (writing, production, lighting, etc). Also I forget to breathe during exciting scenes,” admits Sam YG. Jerry Maguire best describes his life but his favorite movie is Love and other Drugs and would want to be Ryan Gosling’s character in Crazy Stupid Love; “because he can charm and get any girl he wants but in the end he falls in love and is loyal—just like me.”
Tony Toni confesses to finishing the popcorn even before the movie starts and sometimes falling asleep during his DVD marathons. He loves the movie Old Skool; “No matter how old we get we always wanna act like we are still in college.” He mentions Crazy Stupid Love or No Strings attached as the movie of his life. Tony Toni also shared that if he could be a movie character, he’d be Ryan Gosling’s character in Crazy Stupid Love; “because he can charm and get any girl he wants but in the end, he falls in love and is loyal—just like me.”
There are three rules when watching a movie with Slick Rick: “Be quiet. Eat popcorn. Don’t talk to me.” A fan of the Godfather, he wants to be James Bond; “because lets admit it who wouldn’t want to be a spy?” And for the movie that best suits his life: “One More Chance.”
Because of the popularity of BNO, the Boys have definitely gone way beyond the confines of their radio booth at Magic 89.9, hosting some of the biggest events and being part of even the most exclusive parties in the city.
As the description on their Facebook Fan Page says “All you need to know is that we are all single and ready to mingle!”
So whether they are in COCOL (Coffee Coffee Lang), HOHOL (Hang Out Hang Out Lang) or MOMOL (Make Out Make Out Lang) mode, its not surprising that these three eligible bachelors with the looks, the personality and the humor that can sweep any woman off their feet, seldom find themselves stuck at home.
KEEPING THEM ENTERTAINED:
But the trio admits they actually enjoy staying at home and that it’s quite easy to keep them entertained.
“A very good TV like DEVANT and a home theater setup is the perfect way to chill out at home– and for those rainy days, it wouldn’t hurt to have some red wine and a nice girl to keep me company while watching some romantic flicks,” smiles Sam YG.
Devant LEDTech TV’s high-resolution and high-definition displays provide incredible detail in Full HD 1080p; and its surround sound quality produces rich and full audio clarity providing you an excellent movie experience.
“Video games!,”quips Slick Rick. “I’m an avid gamer, and there’s always something new coming out so I look forward to playing those games on my DEVANT TV as it capably handles those insane graphics and sound effects providing you a truly immersive gaming experience.”
With Devant’s 55GL510 LEDTech’s 120Hz Vivid Motion, gamers will appreciate the consistent display of fast-moving scenes without any blur or delay. Connecting game consoles are also made easy with DEVANT’S multiple choice of terminals. Just select the right terminal, be it an HDMI, USB, VGA and connect instantly. DEVANT TV is simply the answer to every gamer’s dream of a fast ‘plug and play’ device.
For Tony Toni staying home means catching up on his favorite movies and TV series “I love my 55-inch DEVANT TV and whether its catching up with the latest episodes of Suits or having a DVD marathon of Friends or Entourage, I don’t have to worry about high electricity costs because of DEVANT’s energy efficiency features.”
“DEVANT TVs are built with cutting edge LED technology that is a key energy-saving component and has been proven to consume 20% to 30% less power than conventional and plasma TVs.”
DEVANT SMART TVs also makes it possible to browse the web, watch clips from YouTube, view images with Picasa, and even engage in social networks like Facebook and Twitter. All these and more by simply pressing the “Smart” button. What seemed to be just an ordinary TV experience can actually turn out to be a long list of possibilities courtesy of Devant Smart TV’s advance features.
The Boys Night Out crew recently renewed their endorsement with the leading TV brand and the trio says it was one of the easiest decisions to make.
“When they first approached us several years back, we were actually surprised,” says Tony Toni. “But just like BNO, DEVANT is also known for believing in innovation. They have been one of the early adaptors of the latest LEDTech TV technology and stands out for making the dream of owning a big screen TV a reality for many Filipino consumers.”
“DEVANT was one of the first brands that trusted us and we were very happy with the partnership,” Slick Rick enthused.
“We were very fortunate to be chosen by an A-List brand like DEVANT that is recognized for providing quality audio-visual experience through their range of affordable products,” ends Sam YG.
MEMORABLE ENDORSEMENTS:
With their popularity and loyal following it comes as no surprise that the BNO are one of the most effective celebrity endorsers.
“We just don’t sign up to make money, because we have this responsibility to our listeners. So we make sure that the products we endorse are stuff that we actually use and believe in, says Slick. (Sam then stands up to show his Hanford undies to prove his point).
“We are also fortunate enough that the products we endorse are all A-List brands like Adidas, Devant. DEVANT was actually one of our first endorsements,” Sam recalled.
“When we went to their office for our first meeting, they let us try the products first so we would know what we would be endorsing,” he adds.
“They took a chance with us and we are thankful that they still support us.”
What are their dream endorsements?
“For the team, we’d love to have either Jollibee or McDonalds commercial or any local food brands,” says Slick Rick. “Personally thought I’d like BENCH—Imagine seeing yourself on those giant billboards like Paolo Roldan! Kahit di kilala, imagine ilan ang dumadaan sa EDSA –or kahit ano pa basta may billboard sa Guadalupe!”
Actually yun [billboards] ang nagpapaganda sa ilog Pasig,” Sam YG chimes in, “dahil sa billboard lahat nakatingin ang mga tao tapos naka-underwear pa!”
Slick Rick also wants the same food brands for the group adding; “Coke also would be awesome!” Maybe also a Condo, because all the endorsers are women and if you think about it, it’s the bachelors naman who buy condos. I remember us doing a spiel one time and someone asked me if we really lived there because he’d want to get a unit there as well. For solo, may be a car manufacturer like Toyota or something.”
“Maybe San Miguel Beer for the group, dahil imagine mo ka level mo na sila Michael V at Derek Ramsay!” For myself I also want a car endorsement.”
GETTING PERSONAL:
If your life is a movie, what would its title be? Sam YG says his would be; “Nindian: The Adventures of an Indian Ninja.” Tony Toni’s would be “How to be a Bachelor,” while Slick Rick says his life’s movie would most likely be named; “Up.”
Sam YG: Nindian…The Adventures of an Indian Ninja
He may not have the powers of elongation of his favorite superhero Lastikman, but Sam YG boasts of a different power; “I can eat polvoron and whistle at the same time,” which has proven to be quite useful at parties and impressing girls.
He wishes to be good at chess, maybe perhaps to help him plan more moves in advance, and if he wasn’t a DJ, Sam YG said he’d probably be a lawyer or put up his own vulcanizing shop.
His most embarrassing on-air radio moment: “I told the world that potatoes grow on trees.”
Sam, believe it or not has been single for almost 6 years now. His top three local celebrity crushes are Angel Locsin, Shaina Magdayao, Marian Rivera but wants to ask Eugene Domingo, or AiAi delas Alas out on a date. “I find them funny and very intelligent and I’d like to find out how they think.”
His favorite part of the house is his living room and spending the day with his crush, a nice movie and MOMOL weather will make him forget about any party.
He notes “more than just function, a living room should speak for itself—and the owner’s sense of style. I’d like to keep it simple and put bold accents where it should be—and the centerpiece of my living room—my 55” DEVANT DEVANT WIZ831—style savvy, sexy and sophisticated, just like me.”
Tony Toni: How to be a bachelor
Perhaps the most serious of the three, DJ Toni shares a bit of the self healing powers of wolverine– but with more dance moves than his favorite superhero.
His self-healing prowess probably a result of all the audio books and healing workshops he has attended. “I usually spend my weekends with a lot of self development and spiritual stuff,” which probably explains why he is always most calm and relaxed.
Already one of the most sought after event hosts events, Toni says he’d probably be organizing events if he hadn’t been a DJ.
Also single, he confesses on having a crush on Heart Evangelista, Sam Pinto and Rufa Mae Quinto. But if given the chance to ask anyone on a date, he says he’d choose Kris Aquino. “I’d like to get into her circle of friends, he says with a laugh. “I want to pick her brain with questions. Seriously though I’d like to get to know the side of her outside showbiz and when she is not in front of the cameras.”
A movie buff, Toni prides himself with having the best DEVANT HD TV entertainment system. A wide-screen 55” Devant LEDTech TV. “With its amazing HD visuals and superb sound, all you need is some popcorn to complete the cinema experience.”
Slick Rick: Up!
Slick Rick can match anyone song for song in any karaoke bar or point by point on the tennis court, and if he didn’t turn out to be a successful DJ, Slick Rick says he would have pursued his other passion of becoming a pre-school teacher and use his vocal skills educating children or get them more involved in sports.
When they are not out partying or hosting gigs, he spends his free time reading; “I just got the whole box set of Calvin and Hobbes, and I haven’t even finished book one, I also enjoy reading sports books like the about Larry Bird and Magic Johnson and the first Dream Team.”
His top three local celebrity crushes are Carla Abellana, Anne Curtis and Jasmine Curtis Smith, and wants to ask KC Concepcion out on a date. “I’d like to know how it feels to be the mega daughter, does she feel the pressure of growing up with such famous parents and was she destined to be in showbiz or if she has other aspirations.”
His other passion is playing video games, “There’s always a lot of good games coming out and after a hard night of partying I retreat to my headquarters—my pimped-out gaming room.” His room is equipped with booming speakers the latest consoles and the comfiest couch built especially for the gamer, and at the middle of it all is the monolithic 50” inch DEVANT LEDTech TV. “The visuals come alive and the game becomes more immersing and fun to play when you’ve got the right TV like DEVANT.”
Because of the fun nature of their show, people have this misconception that DJs Tony Toni, Slick Rick and Sam YG are just boys who refuse to grow up, but because of their passion for their craft, creativity and desire for innovation, Boys Night Out has created a buzz-much like DEVANT– putting them front and center of every conversation-keeping everyone talking and anticipating their next show.
* BNO IN NUMBERS:
2006: The year when it all started. Boys’ Night Out started as a small segment of Magic 89.9 called Radio Tabloid hosted by King DJ Logan and CJ the DJ. Sam joined a year later after King DJ Logan left to pursue other interests. Comedian Ramon Bautista joined the group as a regular guest host in 2011 and Jojo the Love Survivor last year.
14: Years, DJ Tony Toni has been single—by choice. It’s not you, it’s him. Literally.
“I don’t think I’m ready to be fully responsible. I don’t have the heart to go on air and do what I do and have a girlfriend. It won’t be fair to the girl.”
45: Percentage of the audience share that listens to them during their time slot.
70: Percentage of their listeners that are women.
6: Total number of serious relationships between the three of them (two each), with Sam both local celebrities.
7,500: Number of pesos salary per month on their first job in radio. “You don’t do radio for the money, you have to do it because you love it,” Tony explains.
9.5: Their shoe size. They all have the same shoe size, and they all stand between 5’8” and 5’9”.
500,000+: Pesos. Accumulated fines from the KBP. “It has somehow kept us in check talking about some of the crazy topics we’ve thought of, but has also made us more creative in managing the discussions,” says Slick.
0 (Zero): Listeners they met and dated. Call Me Maybe?..Please! With the amount of direct messages they get Tony says some people can get really crazy! “They’d say, ‘here’s my number call me’ and you’re not sure if they are just kidding or really serious. But it the past seven years we’ve never used the show to find dates.”
DEVANT TV: GATHERING FAMILIES BACK INTO THE LIVING ROOM
A typical Filipino home, no matter how big or small, grandiose or reserved, is never without a place where each family member gathers together—the living room.
Aside from being the favorite backdrop of family pictures, the living room or the “sala” as we call it, is also the center of family activities. It is one of the most used venues for family gatherings; from special celebrations down to daily family routines—fathers reading the paper in the morning, moms entertaining her visiting kumare and children, doing what they do best; playing. Most often, the living room is the area where families spend their time together, glued to their favorite teleserye, never to miss an episode.
Each time you open a door to a home, there are stories waiting to unfold. It is a place where strong relationships are built, where dreams are realized and where memories are made.
With the advent of “me-gadgets” however, what was once a place heaving with family members has eventually turned into a vacant spot. Equipped with laptops, tablets and other personal devices, we have kept ourselves isolated, away from the living room. Over time, we also learned to seek for other entertainment options outside our homes—cinema houses, arcade games, amusement parks even concerts. The more we indulge in the luxury that the “me-gadgets” and the outdoor entertainment offered, the less we pay our sala a visit.
It was the cycle that most Filipino families have been accustomed to until DEVANT’s resounding entry. Our home is, after all, not a just a place we live in, but a place we return to. With this in mind, DEVANT makes it a point to offer Filipinos TVs that are worthy to reclaim its place as the centerpiece of entertainment and eventually, bring families together back into the living room.
Born of style and function, DEVANT TVs were designed with the sleekness and cut that speaks of modern design, enhanced with the finest home entertainment technology. It is, without a doubt, the ideal main attraction of the living room—whatever the personality of its owners.
For a household of movie buffs, watching movies has a whole new meaning with DEVANT TV’s cutting-edge technology and innovative TV features. Set with top-notch video, picture quality and surround sound speaker system that produces rich and full audio precision, DEVANT TVs are definitely the answer to every movie lover’s need for an outstanding movie experience. Gone are the days of simple TV viewing—DEVANT changes how movie marathons are seen.
For a brood of gaming fanatics, DEVANT TVs give the living room a power-up. Never again will a gamer have to go to an arcade mall, now he can simply plug his game console to a Devant TV and take a plunge into a supercharged gaming experience. In just a plug away, the Devant TV can easily turn a normal living room into a bustling game hub.
For a group of internet savvies who are in constant need to be online, DEVANT TVs also have it covered. DEVANT SMART 3D INTERNET TV allows the user to check Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and even Picasa albums in just a click of a button away. Through its wide screen, DEVANT TV makes online surfing and social network browsing a grand experience.
More than just having a living room TV that satisfies our need to be entertained, DEVANT TVs also make the dream of owning a wide screen TV a reality to everyone. Priced within the means of a typical Filipino family, DEVANT TV is clearly the best pick to be the main attraction, the pride and joy of every Filipino sala.
The Filipino living room has indeed gone a long way and has evolved with the changing times. From a simple place for the family to gather, it has become a dynamic space that transforms according to our needs. With DEVANT TV front and center, the conversation starts buzzing, everybody starts talking, and the living room is once again, everyone’s favorite part of a home.
Source:
* A night out with the Boys 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT … By Bianca Gonzalez | Philippine Star January 15, 2012 | http://www.philstar.com/sunday-life/767477/night-out-boys