Mr. Fu Leaves Energy FM, Plus A New Jock for Barangay LS’ Wanted Sweetheart

An unlucky break strikes 106.7 Energy FM.

Just as the station added Papa J (formerly 90.7 Love Radio’s Papa Jack) and Chico Loco to its roster of DJs, one of their more popular jocks decided to leave for good. After weeks of speculation, Mr. Fu announced on social media that he will officially depart from 106.7 Energy FM in order to pursue other interests.

Mr. Fu (or Jeffrey Espiritu in real life) had been part of the Energy FM team for parts of seven years (three with 91.5 Energy FM, four with 106.7 Energy FM). At the time of his departure, he was the host of Energy FM’s morning program ‘Ang Tagabulabog ng Buong Universe’.

The departure of Mr. Fu was a huge blow to 106.7 Energy FM, who had been poised to rise in the ratings game thanks to the additions of Papa J and Chico Loco. Now that a possible ‘Big Three’ of Mr. Fu, Papa J and Chico Loco was formally aborted, what chances does Energy FM have in contending against more established competition?

Speaking of competition, Barangay LS 97.1 FM recently announced that a new DJ for its ‘Wanted Sweetheart’ program is on his way. Replacing the now-retired Papa Dan in the program is a long-time jock for sister station Barangay 102.3 General Santos, Papa Bol.

The Iloilo-based Papa Bol (Benjur Evangelista in real life) is no stranger to love advice talk radio shows, having hosted one for several years on Barangay 102.3 General Santos. However, as he steps into the shoes of the legendary Papa Dan, hosting a radio show with a national following will not be an easy task.

After all, the primetime scene on ‘masa’ radio is a competitive one. With 90.7 Love Radio’s Lloyd Cafe Cadena, 101.1 Yes the Best’s Rico Panyero and Lala Banderas, MOR 101.9’s Cha Cha and now 106.7 Energy FM’s Papa J all vying for the top spot, ‘Wanted Sweetheart”s newest jock will have his hands full in capturing the hearts of listeners.

It will be interesting to see how both 106.7 Energy FM and 97.1 Barangay LS will be able to cope with the changes in their roster. That said, expect a more heated summer in both booths as their quest for No. 1 continues.

Advertisement

In 100 Words: Papa Jack (or Papa J) Joins 106.7 Energy FM

From Love to Energy.

After taking a break of over two months, the DJ formerly known as Papa Jack (John Gemperle in real life) officially announced his comeback on Facebook with a simple photo. In it came news that he will join 106.7 Energy FM as Papa J.

It can be recalled that John unexpectedly resigned from 90.7 Love Radio last December without citing a reason behind it. Following his resignation, John’s vacated timeslot was given to newcomer Lloyd Cafe Cadena (formerly of 93.9 iFM).

Papa J’s debut on 106.7 Energy FM will be on March 20. Still, despite his overwhelming popularity during his tenure at 90.7 Love Radio, it remains to be seen if he will help 106.7 Energy FM turn things around.

In 100 Words: Love Radio’s Replacement for Papa Jack

There is a new DJ who will run Papa Jack’s vacated slot.

90.7 Love Radio announced this week that former 93.9 iFM DJ Lloyd Cafe Cadena will take over the 9:00 p.m. timeslot in lieu of the departed Papa Jack. Following the announcement, LC made his Love Radio debut last night.

The arrival of LC to the 9:00 p.m. slot will be a huge test to Love Radio’s supremacy. With Papa Jack having turned the station’s 9:00 p.m. slot into must-listen radio, it will be up to LC to fill in those shoes and maintain these expectations.

LC may never replicate Papa Jack’s style, but one can only hope that he can be just as good as the popular DJ he replaces. Good luck.