On Monday, DZRH concluded its 85th Anniversary with a special dinner at the Aliw Theater, to celebrate the people that has stayed with and vouched for the name of MBC Media Group (MMG) throughout its existence.
The program was hosted by Ms. Karen Ow-Yong of DZRH and Mr. Rico Panyero of Yes! FM. Prior to the beginning of the program, the room's atmosphere oozed with a dream-like feeling, with several important personalities roaming the premises.
For its 85th Anniversary, executives, reporters, news writers, producers, technicians, production crew members, and many others, were seated to commemorate the station's long and fulfilling journey.
Being the longest established radio station in the country, DZRH has produced various voices and personalities in the industry throughout the years that it has been active.
One of Ms. Karen Ow-Yong's most unforgettable memory was getting to work alongside and learning from multi-award winning broadcasters. She likened the dynamic to how a teacher is to a student, adding that she's constantly inspired to reach higher and become something more because of them.
The night continued with Mr. Rico Panyero highlighting what the company is best known for—Public Service. Through Operation Tulong, the phrase "Pagtulong at serbisyo, pangunahin sa sambayanang Pilipino" came into fruition.
With that, Mr. Rudolph E. Jularbal, Vice President for Legal & Compliance Regulatory, Corporate Secretary, shared how they are trying to get DZRH as a national historic commission, as it has been part of Philippine history since its establishment in 1939.
"DZRH is nothing without the people. Ang DZRH, hindi 'yan makakarating kung nasaan tayo ngayon, kung hindi dahil sa ating Chair Person (na) si Mr. Fred J. Elizalde," he added.
He also emphasized how change is inevitable, applying it to the transitions made within the company. They are placing MMG back on the mainstream, as it expands across digital platforms. With that, they are working closely and in full force, with listeners and viewers from morning till night.
DZRH will never be where it is today without the people working behind the scenes.
As a step forward towards the changes being made, MMG made sure to recognize outstanding and dedicated media personnel through the Fred J. Elizalde Journalism Awards.
The list of winners for the Fred J. Elizalde Journalism Awards are as follows:
Citation for Excellent News Writing
Jecelle Ricafort
Aliah Icatlo
Special Coverage Citation for West Philippine Sea Coverage
Edniel Parrosa
Best Technician
Heth Delmoro
Best Drama Program
Love Story
Provincial Reporter of the Year
Jun Dimacutac
Best Reporter for Senior Category
Leonilet Narciso
Best Reporter for Junior Category
Edniel Parrosa
Posthumous Award
Reginald Espiritu
Salvador Royales
From a small operation towards the end of World War II, the company's roots emerged back in the 1940s during the inauguration of the third Philippine Republic under Manuel Roxas—a signal of Philippine Independence and the years leading to radio's golden age.
Since then, MMG has continued to prosper, serving numerous people in the country. Everyone's collective effort made MMG withstand all odds, fulfilling its vision as one nation, one station.