V81 Radio, an online radio that connects Filipinos all over the world through original Pinoy music, has reached a major milestone. The People’s Choice Awards Council, headed by Dr. Jonathan Navea, recognized it as an “Outstanding Internet Radio Station” during the awards proper held at the AFP Grand Theater in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on May 14, 2017. The award aims to encourage companies and organizations to maintain the quality of their products and services and, ultimately, serve “the best interest of the consumers and the general public.”
Filipinos definitely love music and they carry such love whichever part of the world they go. Radio DJ Rally “Papa Gio” Vargas witnessed this first-hand when he moved to the United States. He saw how overseas Filipinos ease their homesickness through listening and singing along local hits. With his desire to provide an accessible station that will cater to Filipino sensibilities and to spread the glory of Pinoy music to the rest of the world, he created V81 Radio.
Today, the V81 Radio team is led by Rally “Papa Gio” Vargas (CEO / Host), Jet Jason Gromea (Program Director / Host), and Marieto “Papa Tolits” Laureno (Marketing Executive / Host) who have all worked at reputable radio stations under ABS-CBN and GMA networks in the Philippines.Their valuable leadership has made V81 Radio has reached a whopping 6.8 million Filipinos who are yearning for sounds and news from back home.
From established singers like Sam Concepcion, Kris Lawrence, and Luke Mejares to household names like Glaiza De Castro, Aicelle Santos, and Kiray Celis; famous OPM artists and celebrities have graced the V81 studios with their presence. The station has also featured and, thus, helped propel the careers of budding artists, independent musicians, and international acts like the Moonlit Storytellers, RJ dela Fuente, Pop Girls, Introvoys, and the Vengazo Sisters.
There’s no stopping this station’s boom as it is now set to expand its broadcast to Los Angeles, California. Plus this recognition, the station will certainly touch the lives of more Filipinos abroad.