Anchors Fernan Gulapa and Orly Trinidad

Like movie or TV stars, radio anchors are celebrities in their own rights. Take Orly Trinidad and Fernan Gulapa, anchors of Super Radyo DZBB.

It warms the heart, says Orly, when people tell his children that they listen to him. He is his children’s claim to fame. Orly’s wife, now a columnist for Opinyon, used to work at the Malacañang Press Office.

Orly, who used to cover Malacañang when he was still with Bombo Radyo, hosts "Ratsada Balita" from Monday to Friday, 2-2:30 p.m., "Buena Manong Balita" with Carlo Mateo every Saturday from 5-6 a.m., and "MMDA sa GMA" every Sunday from 9-10 a.m.

He wanted to be a rock star, he revealed but instead he made it as a "radio star." He started in Iloilo but his job took him to Manila a few years later. He joined DZBB in 1994, "nung kinuha ako ni Sir Mike (Enriquez)."

Like Orly’s children, Fernan’s kids also listen to his radio programs. Fernan started out with DWBL and then DZAM and DWWW. He’s been with DZBB for the last 14 years. His Sunday program, "Sunday Guwapo," from 4-7 a.m. started in 2001 and is still going strong. He spends segments of histogram to common news, concerns of senior citizens with Lolo Jose as sidekick, health issues, and "Pulso ng Bayan" where he airs calls and text messages.

Interestingly, Fernan met his wife through his program. "She called me and then came over to visit, so nagkita kami," Fernan recalled during our recent interview at DZBB.

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Northern Philippines Cultural Fare Slated At Manila Hotel

The cultural heritage of northern Philippines will be showcased in an event at the Manila Hotel’s Fiesta Pavilion on March 17. Dubbed "Treasures of the North: A Global Presentation," show will feature global and local performers from the three regions of northern Luzon.

The event is the first project of Kultura ti Amianan (kulturatiamianan@gmail.com), organized by regional writers.

"This event is a refreshing development in the Philippine cultural front and a great way to bring us all Filipinos and our foreign friends together in a joyous gathering," said former president Fidel V. Ramos.

"This cultural show was conceived as an initial attempt to promote the idea of cultural tourism in the contiguous areas of Region 1, Region 2 and Region 14 (CAR)," added Leonardo Belen, project director.

Apart from native performances from the three regions, Noel Cabangon, Joel Macanaya of The Rainmakers, Samiweng Singers, Danggoan Pangasinan, Lasam Dance Troupe, Prince of Ilocano songs Vhen Bautista, Melo Santiago, and Elmer Tadeo will be featured.

"This can be a template to sell the unique cultural treasures of other regions in the country," said Juan S.P. Hidalgo, Jr., the event’s chairman.

The cultural show is open to the public. Text ticket reservations to 0928-674-4910.

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Gab Makes A Career Out Of Producing Music

Gabriel Valenciano arranged some of Jericho Rosales’ songs which include the theme song of "Green Rose," "Bumuhos Man Ang Ulan," "Kayang-Kaya" – theme song of the hit reality show "I Dare You!," and "Naalala Ka" which is included in the soundtrack of the Aga Muhlach-Angel Locsin film under Star Cinema, "In The Name Of Love." Gab also arranged a duet of Marie Digby and Jericho Rosales entitled "I Do."

He recently shared his expertise as a performer on the top-rating variety show "Showtime" for the entire month of January.

Gab is one of Sarah Geronimo’s co-hosts on "Sarah G Live," alongside Luis Manzano.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 14, go to Louie Reyes, Paolo Contis, Dindi Gallardo, Remy Aquino, Marilen Nolasco-Espiritu, Linda Buenviaje, Carmelita Salvador, Elenita Bolipata, Jhing de Leon, Angelo Gabriel "Gabe" M. Pizarro and Percy Lapid... Happy wedding anniversary to Lito and Ligaya Fernandez and Carlo and Mina Martinez of GMA, Cavite...