HITMAN Hittin' the Questions (Archie Zapanta as interviewed by JTF Solivar)

photo by Archie Zapanta

What got you into disc jockeying? I mean was it your dream to become a DJ someday?
When I was young, I often listen to the radio while dreaming of becoming an ASTRONAUT at the same time (but faith wouldn't let me). I just told myself to settle with the idea of becoming an announcer. More doable I thought!

photo by Archie Zapanta

 You first worked as a DJ in Angeles City. Now how did you get into DM95.5?
I heard over the air that they will be holding an audition for aspiring jocks. I gave it a shot and auditioned. Luckily I got the job!
Yabang nito! Ha ha. Eh bakit nawala ang DM95.5?
The  plan was to upgrade the old transmitter. Then the management decided to reformat. Now it's back on-air as Pinas FM 95.5.   

 Is it hard being a DJ?
Not really! If you have the charisma and can blab your mouth, then you're in!

Ang DJ ba dapat male?
Not really.

Why HITMAN? Who gave you this moniker? Hitman as in tira ng tira? He he he!
The Triggerman of Campus Radio LSFM and me sounded alike, so the programme director of DM 95.5 (Richard Steele who is with DZMM now) decided to give me that name.
May idol ka ba na DJ?
Mr. Perry Anthony (Perry Pangan of RW 95.1), former station manager of GVFM 99.1.

photo by Archie Zapanta

Can you tell me why?
He is my mentor, he started my radio career. He accepted me with open arms when I told him that I wanted to be like him.

Tell me about your salary. Malaki ba?

It used to. Not until piracy, mp3, internet, and bluetooth came out.

So why did you leave DM 95.5 in 2000?
I left because of the re-format.

What about?

Because we were not part of it.

I know you have met a lot of singers, and many other celebrities. Kanino ka na star-struck talaga?
Manny Pacquiao!

photo by Archie Zapanta

 Eh si Aling Dionisia?
No hindi pa. But I would love to meet her!

Bakit hindi ka na nag d-dj?
Fate wouldn't let me.
You are also a host or emcee. By far, what is the grandest event that you have hosted
aside from my birthday at the Araneta? JOKE!
So far it's the Pambansang Muziklaban of Red Horse Beer last January 2011.

Red Horse Beer's Pambansang Muziklaban

Intrigues among among DJs?

It depends if your status is “celebrity”.

Like what?
Hmmm, jealousy, palakasan sa management.

What is the usual retirement age of a DJ?
No age, as long as people still listen to your show and the station is still making money out of you. Go!
Have you done something outrageous inside the DJ’s booth? Booth ba ang tawag? Aminin!
Yup! Dj's booth. You wouldn't wanna know. Hahahaha!
Bulong mo mamaya ha. So how do you take care of your voice?
By drinking a lot of ice cold water!!! Serious!
Naku hindi ka puwede maging singer! Anyway, what made you decide to take up nursing?
First, wifey is an RN. Second, it's a backup plan when things go out of their way.

photo by JAVES CONSUL

So there should be two nurses in the family?

 For abroad purposes.   

How did you meet your wife and how many kids do you have?
Two kids and so far no one is claiming to be my other child yet. How I met wifey? She's a neighbor. And she saw all the girls I’ve loved before, who travelled in and out my door…………

Kanta yan ni Jose Mari Chan ha! Did you also travel in and out of their……………………

Any message for aspiring DJs?
Practice! Read aloud! And please stop listening to baduy stations where most of their jocks talk nonsense and laughs a lot trying hard to crack a joke.
What are your other activities? Any hobby?
Well, I do host weddings and do corporate voice overs. Hobby? I collect rare matchbox and hotwheels for my son. And i have an old car currently going through restoration.   

Cai-Guico Wedding at Tagaytay Highlands

What is the greatest lesson in life that you have learned so far?
"Do unto others, before they do unto you!"

If your son tell you that he wants to be a DJ, will you encourage him?

Sure! In fact, I even named my youngest DJ-REDD (david-jean redd).

During our Philo of Man class you mentioned that you are an only child. Now tell me what it's like.
It’s fine, for  everything I see inside the ref is mine.

Favorite song?
I will always stay in love this way Baron Barbers.

What's the nicest or best position in disc jockeying? Yun matinong sagot Archie ha!

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MORE POWER TO YOU ARCHIE!