New DZRH station manager

Deo Macalma

Congratulations to Deo Macalma, who’s been appointed VP-Station Manager of DZRH, the oldest surviving radio network. Macalma is known for his “Espesyal Na Balita” over DZRH.

Also known as “Lakay” to listeners, he has been with DZRH since 1980, after finishing his journalism course at Lyceum of the Philippines. He made his mark as a field reporter during the 1986 EDSA Revolution, primarily chasing tanks as instructed by then news director Rey Langit. Through the years, he evolved into a radio commentator, tackling current issues with his inimitable comic flair.

But it was with his lighthearted guessing game on “Espesyal Na Balita” that Macalma and his bubuwits gained legendary status, with firsthand reports on clandestine activities of showbiz celebrities and political figures coming from roomboys, waiters, security guards, and hospital personnel, with his tipster crew later expanding to include senators, congressmen, generals, and cabinet members themselves.

Since the death of DZRH top honcho Joe Taruc, Macalma has filled a void no other radioman could possibly do so, valiantly steering the news and public affairs team amid the oft-turbulent seas of radio broadcasting. His appointment as VP and Station Manager is certainly well-deserved.

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LAKAMBINI NG LAS CASAS QUEENS (from left): Reina del Oriente Christine Torres, Lakambini ng Las Casas 2018 Trisha Martinez, and Reina Occidente Alyssa Nojadera

Beauty and heritage

The Lakambini ng Las Casas was chosen recently by Las Casas Filipinas at its heritage house in Bagac, Bataan. The Lakambini ng Las Casas beauty pageant, now on its second year, aims to pay homage to the fabled Carnival Queen search.

The 19-year-old Lakambini ng Balanga Trisha Martinez was crowned Lakambini ng Las Casas 2018. Christine Torres of Mariveles was named Reina del Oriente while Bagac native Alyssa Nojadera got the Reina Occidente title. The special awardees were: Lakambini NLEX (Miss Congeniality) Alyssa Nojadera, Lakambini Fotographia (Miss Photogenic) and Lakambini Ruel Rivera (Best in Long Gown) Martinez, and Lakambini Victoria Skin Care Clinic (Best in Swimsuit).

Among the judges were Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Angola Helen Ong, Ambet Nabus and Fashion Designer Association of the Philippines president Gil Gardana.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 23, go to Daisy Reyes, Lady Valerie, Dr. Sol Alvarez, Manny Parlan, Mitzi Regala, Tommy Reyes, Rudy dela Pena, Harold Chris Orpilla, Paco Pili, Aileen Eusebio, Jason Valdez, Cara and Manu D.C. Alegre, and Ansel Beluso…June 24: Ruffa Gutierrez, Johnny Dayang, Christian Patrick Castillo, Janet Susan Rodriguez, Lily Lim, Rica del Rosario, Kristine Fernandez, Cornelia Gomez, Ria Mauricio, Abraham de Vera III, John Vargas, Nina Teotico Bravo, Cecille Villareal, Palmolive Palma, Marbee Shing Go, Susana Ancheta, Mabel Acosta, Juanita Galang Trinidad, and John Lloyd Cruz…June 25: Efren Reyes, Nene Chipeco, Jennifer Nicolas, Ryan Joshua Belen, Nestor Cuartero, Raymund Isaac, Chocoleit, Dr. Jojo Lomitao, Cora Zabala, Jayjay Pumaren, Gianne de Perlata, Apples Segubience and GMA’s Philip Yalong…