It has been over 30 years since DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 debuted on the airwaves.
The flagship AM radio station of ABS-CBN first arrived on the air on July 22, 1986. Like ABS-CBN which struggled to survive the early years of its comeback, DZMM had to endure some growing pains as well, due to the network’s retention of aging facilities that were used by MBS-4 during the latter years of Ferdinand Marcos’ presidency.
From there, DZMM evolved as technology improved, not only serving the millions on the AM band, but also on television (as DZMM TeleRadyo) and online (as DZMM.com.ph). Charitable efforts were also established, from its TLC (Teaching, Learning, Caring) program to its Takbo series of marathons.
Along the way, DZMM’s Radyo Patrol stable of reporters was born. Given a specific number, these men and women serve the station by reporting various news as it happens, from on-the-spot incidents to ongoing news coverage of important events.
For those who grew up listening to DZMM, they will forever recall these names. Older folks may remember the voices of ‘Kabayan’ Noli de Castro, Ted Failon, Korina Sanchez, the late Ernie Baron and Tiya Dely Magpayo, and even former personalities such as Mel Tiangco and Jay Sonza during the formative years of the station.
For younger folks in the TeleRadyo era, names such as Julius Babao, Karen Davila, Vic de Leon Lima, Gerry Baja and Anthony Taberna may ring a bell. Heck, even the voice of ABS-CBN Peter Musngi continues to make his presence felt on DZMM programming.
Today, DZMM is considered among the ‘Big Three’ in AM radio, which includes MBC’s DZRH 666 and GMA’s Super Radyo DZBB 594. It is also the no. 1 AM radio station in the country according to Kantar.
Indeed, DZMM had come a long way from its first broadcast in 1986. While it is the youngest among AM’s ‘Big Three’, its rise and the many accomplishments it received in such a short time will forever be cherished by listeners, hosts and reporters alike.
And to commemorate the said occasion, ABS-CBN will air a special documentary entitled ‘DZMM: Kwento ng Tatlong Dekada’. The documentary will focus on the rich history of DZMM, from its roots as a fledgling station that rose from the ashes of the EDSA Revolution, to its ascendance atop the AM radio hierarchy.
Several of DZMM’s current and former voices will be invited to tell their storiess. For all who have witnessed the rise of DZMM into the station it is today, this is the documentary to watch.
This documentary will air this Sunday after ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’.
From the Tube 
Unfortunately, there will be no simulcast on the DZMM platforms, because usual sign-off na sila. But there will be replays on DZMM, TeleRadyo and com.ph on Oct. 10 at Oct. 15.
To be exact, 5:00 p.m. tomorrow (Pasada Sais-Trenta will only air for 30 minutes), then 6:00 p.m. on Oct. 15 (preempting SOCO sa DZMM & first 30 mins of Teka Muna).
Aside from the special, there will be a new noontime newscast called “Headline Pilipinas” which features regional news. It will be aired tommorow at 12:30pm on DZMM TeleRadyo (pre-empting the MMK drama on 630 kHz)
That, along with the NCA programs, makes TeleRadyo unique from its radio counterpart. It will also mark the return of Tony Velasquez to TeleRadyo; before today, he had been used exclusively on ANC programming.
The ‘Taxi Patrol’ concept would work best at providing traffic updates.
Meanwhile those behind this documentary failed to establish contact with Jay Sonza for the occasion. Where is he now?
His whereabouts are unknown, though it’s rumored that he’s with a private company that’s not related to his past job as a newscaster. Anyway, the Taxi Patrol became the inspiration to Radyo5’s Taxi Squad. Still, when DZMM implemented it, modern technology such as the internet didn’t exist, thus it was a difficult attempt. And though it would work best in providing traffic news, traffic then isn’t as heavy as it is now.
As far as i concern, Jay Sonza is now semi-retired in Philippine broadcasting. Last time i heard about him, nagkaroon siya ng gamefarm para sa mga manok na pangsabong sa Davao….
No wonder he’s no longer that visible.