PH radio programs now available to Filipinos in US via mobile phone

By: 10 years ago

• Access to English and Tagalog broadcasts from PTV, Radio Veritas, Radio Maria, Spirit FM, others

• Philippine Embassy first foreign mission to use call-to-listen platform for public diplomacy

WASHINGTON, DC—Filipinos in the United States can now listen to radio broadcasts from the Philippines on their mobile phones with the launching of the second phase of a public diplomacy initiative to connect them with the motherland.

The availability in the US of broadcasts from six leading Filipino radio stations, including the Catholic-run Radio Veritas, was announced by the Philippine Embassy and AudioNow, the world’s leading call-to-listen platform, on the occasion of the 116th anniversary of Philippine independence.

“Today, we bring our kababayans here in the US closer to home with the launching of AudioNow’s call-to-listen service that would allow them to hear radio broadcasts from the Philippines with their mobile phones,” Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said.

With the service, Filipinos may now access the following radio stations by calling their assigned telephone numbers: Radio Veritas (Manila): 231.460.1846; People’s Television Network (Manila):231.460.1000; Catholic Media Network (Manila): 712.432.7150; Spirit FM (Antique): 712.432.7197; Radio Maria (Tarlac): 231.460.1020; and D’Ultimate (Clark Free Port): 712.432.6999. The calls have no surcharge and use only mobile minutes.

“With this next phase, it is our goal to continue serving the Filipino Community in the US with as many resources as possible from home,” said Cuisia, adding that the six stations broadcast in both English and Filipino.

“AudioNow extends the reach of our broadcasters into the United States and we applaud Radio Veritas, PTV, Radio Maria, the Catholic Media Network, Spirit FM and D’Ultimate for recognizing this and invite other leading Filipino broadcasters to join this effort,” Cuisia said.

Since the end of last year, the Embassy has been working with AudioNow and utilizing its call-to-listen-platform as a new avenue to reach out to members of the Philippine diaspora in the US.

With the launching of Radyo Tambuli, which was developed with the assistance of AudioNow, the Embassy is the first foreign mission to utilize the call-to-listen platform for public diplomacy purposes. Radyo Tambuli can be accessed by calling 415.628.5777.

“After Radyo Tambuli, adding radio stations from the Philippines was the natural next step,” according to Elan Blutinger, chairman and chief executive officer of AudioNow, adding that more Philippine radio stations are expected to take part in the initiative in the next several weeks.

“We are honored to provide a bridge home to the Philippines during this important time,” said Blutinger. “With the support of the Philippine Embassy here in Washington, we look forward to working closely with Radio Veritas, PTV, Radio Maria and other Filipino broadcasters.”

Radio Veritas, ranked as the No. 1 faith-based station in the Philippines, brings news advocacy and social concerns, religious programming and public service for the poor with inspirational music in Tagalog to its audience. Featured programs include “Veritas Pilipinas,” which provides in-depth coverage of advocacy news in Mega Manila and around the world, as well as “Barangay Simbayanan,” which features the Catholic Church responding to the needs of the community.

Veritas846 “Kapanalig” also brings nationally renowned healer Fr. Fernando Suarez on the air every Sunday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays (PH time). Listeners may access Radio Veritas by calling 231.460.1846.

The government-run PTV, which was established by an act of Congress in 1992, showcases educational programs on science and technology, the arts, culture and sports, in English and Tagalog. PTV can be accessed by calling 231.460.1000.

As the largest radio station network in the Philippines, the Catholic Media Network’s mission is to “bring the message of hope through media.” Listeners can now access their Manila-based flagship station, CMN, by calling 712.432.7150. CMN’s top program “CMN Pilipinas” covers news and public affairs issues of national importance while “CMN Sagipbuhay” aims educate listeners on public health issues.

Spirit FM network — another Catholic Media Network brand — broadcasts in English and Tagalog from San Jose, Antique. To listen to programs such as “CMN News,” “Mega Morning,” and “Kulitan Calls,” listeners should call 712.432.7197.

D’Ultimate 105.5 FM broadcasts live from the Clark Free Port in Pampanga and offers the latest music hits from around the world in both English and Tagalog. It can be accessed via 712.432.6999.

Radio Maria, established in 2002, broadcasts daily from Tarlac City and features informative and encouraging programming such as “Alay Buhay” that gives on-going reconstruction efforts updates in the affected areas of Typhoon Hayian. Listeners may call 231.460.1020 to access Radio Maria.