DWRR-FM

DWRR-FM (101.9 FM) – branded as MOR 101.9 For Life! Manila – is a 24-hour music radio station of the ABS–CBN Corporation, and is also the flagship FM station of My Only Radio Network in the Philippines.

Originally founded in 1956 as one of the radio stations of Chronicle Broadcasting Network (ABS-CBN), revived in 1986 and reformatted several times, it is broadcast live throughout the Philippine archipelago as well as throughout the world via The Filipino Channel (TFC). The studios are located at ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center, Sgt. Esguerra Ave., Cor Mo. Ignacia St., Diliman, Quezon City and its 22.5 kW transmitter is located at the Eugenio Lopez Center, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City, Rizal.

History

DZYL-FM, DZYK-FM, DWWK and OK 101 BBC Radio 101.9 FM (1956–1986)

DZYL-FM 102 MHz, later named DZYK-FM 102.1 MHz, is the first FM radio station in the Philippines and sole FM station of the former Chronicle Broadcasting Network (CBN). DZYK-FM was originally founded in 1956 and played oldies music of the 1960s and 1970s. In 1957, CBN bought Alto Broadcasting System (ABS) resulting in a merger under the name Bolinao Electronics Corporation, later named ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation in 1967. Manned by eight DJ's, DZYK-FM 102.1 MHz was popularized to listeners in Metro Manila area even the introduction of The Beatles era to beat. DZYK-FM remained as the FM radio station of ABS-CBN until the station was forced off the air by Ferdinand Marcos under martial law. When martial law was declared in 1972, DZYK-FM along with ABS-CBN's two TV channels and six AM radio stations in Manila were shut down under strict censorship as the FM station takes over to Roberto Benedicto and changed to DWOK-FM (as OK 101.9) of the Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation originally aired in 1979 (as DWWK, a jazz format radio station). Manned by Jing Magsaysay, Wayne Enage, Ed Picson, Dody Lacuna, Ronnie Malig, Pinky Villarama and Ronnie Quintos. DWOK is an AM-formatted FM station which features news and public service programs even music from the 1950s to the 1970s came from the former DZYK similar to those from AM counterparts. However, DWOK, DWAN and BBC-2 had been dissolved since the government-controlled radio and TV stations were stormed by reformist rebels and it was returned and re-aired to ABS-CBN after the 1986 EDSA Revolution as DWKO.

Knock Out Radio 101.9 DWKO-FM (1986–1987)

The fall of the Marcos Regime brought about the return of ABS-CBN. In July 1986, then newly formed Presidential Commission on Good Governance turned two radio stations, DWWW (under 630 kHz) and DWOK-FM, over to ABS-CBN from Marcos crony Roberto Benedicto. DWOK (the former FM station of Benedicto-owned Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation) was renamed DWKO and resumed broadcasting four months later. Lito Balquiedra Jr., Vice-President for Radio, spearheaded the return of the giant network to the local broadcasting scene. The station's former disc jockey Peter Musngi (then known as Peter Rabbit has worked Knock-Out Radio 101.9 and Zoo FM 101.9) is the network's voice-over from the reopening in 1986 to present. The slogan of the station is "Panalo Ka Talaga!" who voiced by Peter Musngi known as Peter Rabbit during his days in DWKO and DZOO.

The network started recruiting both experienced and new employees and DJ's. Prior to the adoption of masa format, all FM stations are English based with the use of the English language during the 1980s and 1990s. After days of careful planning, DWKO was born – the first ever FM radio station with an AM format, carrying the name Knock-Out Radio 101.9 in October 1986 (a month after the re-airing of ABS-CBN on channel 2) and playing the best hits during that time. Since then, KO-Radio airs Pinoy hits from singers of the 1970s and 1980s such as Rico J. Puno, Yoyoy Villame, APO Hiking Society, and more when it was debuted, even OPM stars like Gary V, Regine Velasquez, Janno Gibbs and Donna Cruz, and Christmas songs are also debuted there. DWKO-FM was re-changed after its broadcast ended on February 28, 1987 as DZOO.

Zoo FM 101.9 (1987–1989)

Less than a year later on March 1, 1987 (following The Star Network era), the station reformatted and became known as Zoo FM 101.9 (DZOO-FM) Hayop Talaga! (manned by a group of eight DJ's) which is best known for its diamond logo and a slightly uptrend pop sound led to the introduction of OPM music and disco hits. It was also served as the home of OPM stars like Gary V, Randy Santiago, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid and others. Due to its popularity, Zoo FM 101.9 introduced OPM songs both in disco and love songs which were used after the implementation of Executive Order No. 255 by President Corazon Aquino and made as requested favorites among listeners from morning to evening, because Zoo FM is being competed with other FM stations such as 97.1 WLS-FM (now Barangay LS 97.1), 99.5 RT (now 99.5 Play FM), Magic 89.9, 89 DMZ (now Wave 89.1), NU 107 (now Wish 1075) and more. But because of a massive competition from the rival DWLS, Zoo FM 101.9's DJ's and staff are decided to end broadcasting having faltered from DWLS's dominant listener ratings (and with GMA-7's TV ratings uprisings, despite the uprising being cut short in 1988 by the resurgence of ABS-CBN and the network being catapulted to first place in the TV industry) in January 1989. Two years later, DZOO-FM was signed off as it ended its broadcasting on the night of July 31, 1989 (at 11:00 PM), in order for the station to change its call letters to DWRR-FM. Listeners and DJ's bade goodbye to Zoo FM which gave its final broadcast, and with the last song Farewell by Raymond Lauchengco.

101.9 Radio Romance (1989–1996)

On the morning of August 1, 1989 (at 6:00 AM), it reformatted again and this time it became popularly known as 101.9 Radio Romance, hence the initials RR, playing all easy-listening love songs, manned by all-female jocks (fewer male jocks are also added). That year also signaled the station's first nationwide reach when 103.1 MHz Baguio simulcasted its signals, ensuring travelers from Manila to as far north as Ilocos Sur, uninterrupted listening of its programs. At the same time, OPM songs are also played on DWRR to produce its weekend OPM program every Sunday.

"Radio Romance" became a title of the movie as well as a theme song of the station composed by Jose Mari Chan during its popularity, On April 28, 1996 Radio Romance finally signed-off due to give way to its station reformat.

WRR 101.9 All the Hits, All the Time! and WRR 101.9 For Life! (1996–2005)

On April 29, 1996, WRR regenerated itself into a mainstream pop music station branded WRR 101.9 All the Hits, All the Time! in response to growing trend of "masa" radio or FM radio for the masses launched by 102.7 Star FM a year earlier. This format plays not only love songs, but also dance and rock hits. In 1998, it changed to WRR 101.9 For Life! giving life to listeners with entertainment.

Alam Mo Na Yan! 101.9 For Life!, and Bespren! 101.9 For Life! (2005–2009)

In 2005, DWRR-FM's on-air personalities had dropped the station call letters (WRR) and would just say Alam Mo Na 'Yan! 101.9 For Life! (You Already Know It! 101.9 For Life!) lasting from 2005 to 2008. In late 2008, the station went another rebrand as Bespren! 101.9 For Life! (Bestfriend! 101.9 For Life!).

The station had its last broadcast under the 101.9 For Life! brand on September 19, 2009 and underwent a transition period playing automated music in preparation for a relaunch of DWRR-FM's new branding on October 1, 2009. However, due to the onslaught of Typhoon Ondoy in Manila, the station rebrand was postponed for almost a month. For the time being, DWRR-FM temporarily went under the name "ABS-CBN 101.9 FM" or simply "101.9".

The postponed relaunch was set on November 4, 2009. Prior to the announcement of the launch date, the station's DJs began providing live spiels again every top of the hour since October 12. But as part of the ongoing transition, the disc jockeys had limited their use of the neither the "Bespren" nor the "For Life!" slogan and no longer mention the format of the station's SMS syntax except the text hotline itself.

Tambayan 101.9 (2009–2013)

The former logo of Tambayan 101.9 from November 4, 2009-May 2013.

Some logo used in Tambayan TV when the station was named as 101.9

On November 4 at 9:00pm, there was a broadcast about the history of DWRR. After that, it relaunched as Tambayan 101.9 (tambayan is the Tagalog word for hangout) starting with the theme song & live debut at a venue in Makati. Tambayan 101.9 launched its video streaming called Tambayan TV where your favorite jocks are seen live from the booth. In between songs playing, some information plugs were seen (such as Tambayan's Slumbook). Just like DZMM Teleradyo, plugs were also aired during commercial gaps. Tambayan TV is aired 24 hours over the Internet.

The station was also launched via HD Radio technology.^[1]

On May 2013, ABS-CBN decided to drop the Tambayan brand and revert to the name "ABS-CBN 101.9 FM" or simply "101.9", due to management decision and signifying another rebranding of the station.

MOR 101.9 My Only Radio For Life! (2013–present)

On July 8, 2013 at 12:00mn, 101.9 rebranded as MOR 101.9 My Only Radio For Life!.^[2] Regular programming began at 5:00am, with Joco Loco, Maki Rena & Eva Ronda as the first jocks to go on board. The rebranding of this station now creates a unified brand for ABS-CBN's FM radio stations nationwide, which are under the MOR station brand. This also reverts the slogan of the station's second incarnation of "For Life" which was first used during the WRR 101.9 For Life! era.

The rebranding proved to be hugely successful, as the live concert of the station during the Grand Kapamilya Weekend on October 5-6 as part of ABS-CBN's 60th anniversary was crowded by many people, and with the rebranding, the station posed as very serious competition to many masa stations in the Mega Manila market. Within the first 6 months from July to December 2013, the station ranked as the No. 1 FM station in Mega Manila based from the Kantar Media and KBP Radio Research Council survey, battling competitor stations– including 90.7 Love Radio and 101.1 YES! FM (both owned by Manila Broadcasting Company; ranked as No. 1 and 2, respectively)–into the top FM stations in the market.

MOR has also organized special events, including the MOR Pinoy Music Awards and launching new books as popularised by MOR's top-rating programs Dear MOR with Popoy and Jasmin (which became the first radio drama to be aired on FM radio, and setting the trend of broadcasting radio dramas on the FM band) and Heartbeats with Chacha Babes.^[3]

Awards

• 16th KBP Golden Dove Awardee, Best Radio DJ for Martin D.
• 14th KBP Golden Dove Awardee, Best Variety Show Host for Laila.
• 13th KBP Golden Dove Awardee for Outstanding FM Radio Station.
• 13th KBP Golden Dove Awardee for Texter's Choice FM Station – Luzon
• 12th KBP Golden Dove Awardee for Best Radio Station.
• Recognized as the Number 1 Radio Station in Metro Manila based on the 2002 KBP-RRC Survey.
• Station of the Year in the 2002 Dangal ng Pilipinas-Consumer's Choice Awards.
• Best Public Service Ad (Pinoy, Ang Galing Mo!) in the 2002 Catholic Mass Media Awards.

Theme music

• As Radio Romance 101.9, the jingle was composed and sung by Jose Mari Chan.
• In 1998, the "For-Life" jingle was launched. This was sung by Jolina Magdangal-Escueta and Jimmy Bondoc. This also had other shorter versions by various recording artists.
• A re-hashed version was used from March 8, 2004 to September 18, 2005 by Heart Evangelista-Escudero and Erik Santos.
• On September 19, 2005 the station launched a new and hip station jingle courtesy of Vhong Navarro on vocals using the slogan Alam Mo Na 'Yan! in the lyrics.
• Patti Austin sang a shorter version of the "For-Life" jingle.
• On September 1, 2007 the latest 101.9 "For-Life" jingle was launched. This newest station theme was composed by Raimund Marasigan of Sandwich (former drummer of The Eraserheads) and interpreted by Itchyworms and by Yeng Constantino of Pinoy Dream Academy.
• As Tambayan 101.9, the 1st version jingle was popularized by Skabetche Band and Empoy Marquez.
• In December 2010, the theme was remixed and sung by the DJs for the station's Christmas 2010 jingle.
• In January 2011, the 2nd version of the jingle, which is a DJ-like mixed jingle, was used by the station which was done by the station's resident DJ Martin D.
• In February 2012, the 3rd version of the jingle was a remix of the 2nd jingle which was heard on the Budots Budots program. This was the jingle used by the station until March 4, 2012.
• In November 2012, the 2nd Christmas jingle was sung by KZ Tandingan Feat. Loonie.
• As of March 5, 2012, the 4th version of the jingle is sung by Jovit Baldivino, Yeng Constantino, Gloc-9 and Phylum Band.
• On July 7, 2013, together with the rebranding of station as MOR For Life 101.9 Manila, a new jingle & music video was launched on ASAP 18 and was performed by various artists. The new jingle is recorded by Toni Gonzaga, Vice Ganda, and Daniel Padilla. This also serves as the official network jingle, especially for MOR's provincial stations, replacing the former jingle with various rendition from numerous artists (although it continues to be aired on several of its stations outside Manila).
• The 1st version of the MOR Christmas jingle in 2013 is sung by Angeline Quinto and Juris.
• The 2nd version of the MOR Christmas jingle in 2014 is sung by Michael Pangilinan and Morissette Amon.
• The MOR Valentine's Day Jingle in February 2015 was used.
• The 3rd version of the MOR Christmas jingle in 2015 is sung by Marlo Mortel and Janella Salvador.

ABS-CBN FM Radio Network

MOR is also broadcast to 19 provincial stations in the Philippines.

Further information: Regional Stations

See also

• ABS-CBN
• ABS-CBN Sports+Action
• DZMM Radyo Patrol 630
• DWWX-TV
• MOR (ABS-CBN's FM radio station)

References

External links

• Official website

Radio stations in the Metro Manila market By AM frequency DZXL 558 DZBB 594 DZMM 630 DZRH 666 DZAS 702 DZRB 738 DWWW 774 DZRJ 810 DZRV 846 DWIZ 882 DZSR 918 DZEM 954 DZIQ 990 DZAR 1026 DZEC 1062 DWAD 1098 DWDD 1134 DWBL 1242 DZRM 1278 DWXI 1314 DWUN 1350 DZJV 14581 DWSS 1494 DZME 1530 DZUP 1602 DZBF 1674 By FM frequency DWJM 88.3 DWAV 89.1 DWTM 89.9 DZMB 90.7 DWKY 91.5 DWFM 92.3 DWRX 93.1 DWKC 93.9 DWLL 94.7 DWDM 95.5 DWRK 96.3 DWLS 97.1 DWQZ 97.9 DZFE 98.7 DWRT 99.5 DZRJ 100.3 DWYS 101.1 DWRR 101.9 DWSM 102.7 DWKX 103.5 DWBR 104.3 DWEY 104.71 DWBM 105.1 DWLA 105.9 DWET 106.7 DWNU 107.5 DZUR 107.9 HD digital radio 90.7-1 91.5-1 93.9-1 93.9-2 93.9-3 95.5-1 98.7-1 100.3-1 101.1-1 101.9-1 101.9-2 101.9-3 Internet radio WXB 102 89 DMZ Defunct callsigns DWCD-FM2 DWCS2 DWNU2 DWRT-AM2 DWST2 DWXB2 DZFX2 DZMZ2 DZWI2 KZKZ DZCA DWAN DZTV-AM DWBC-AM DZHH DZST2 DZMC 1Transmitting outside Metro Manila. 2Technically still active, but with new call letters and different intellectual property.

Radio networks in the Philippines Major networks Aliw DWIZ 882 97.9 Home Radio Bombo Radyo ABS-CBN DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 MOR 101.9 Brigada News FM RGMA Network Barangay LS 97.1 Super Radyo DZBB 594 MBC DZRH Love Radio Cebu(Easy Rock) Pacific(Aksyon Radyo and Yes FM) MBSI PBC(UNTV) UNTV Radio La Verdad 1350 Wish 107.5 Quest RBN RJ 100.3 DZRJ 810 AM RMN DZXL 558 93.9 iFM RPN SBN TV5 92.3 News FM UBSI State-owned networks PBS Radyo ng Bayan 738 IBC Minor networks EBC DZEC Radyo Agila 1062 Pinas FM 95.5 MBNI Religious networks CMN Radio Veritas 846 CEBSI INC Radio 954 DBSI FEBC Philippines NDBC SMNI DZAR 1026 Sonshine Radio UCB Philippines(The Edge Radio) ZOE Broadcasting Network DZJV Regional networks ABS-CBN My Only Radio Radyo Patrol RGMA Network Super Radyo Barangay FM GV Pampanga MBC Hot FM Radyo Natin MBI PBC Palawan PBN Bicol RadioCorp RPN Radyo Ronda TV5 RADYO5 Viva/Ultimate Oomph! Radio Campus radio networks Adamson University Falcon Radio Station Ateneo de Manila University Magis Radio De La Salle University DWSU Green FM Silliman University Silliman NetRadio University of the Philippines DZUP DZLB DYUP UP-FM Radio University of Santo Tomas UST Tiger Radio Internet networks Campus Radio Online Dream FM Network MBC Aksyon Radyo U.S. My Only Radio Live Streaming Radio Pilipinas Sutton Radio Shortwave Radio Veritas Radyo Pilipinas HD Radio iFM 93.9-2 FM Top 40 Hits iFM 93.9-3 FM Classic Hits MOR 101.9-2 Hits MOR 101.9-3 Easy Listening DTH satellite TFC Direct DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 MOR 101.9 Defunct Baycomms Broadcasting Corporation