On Air with DJ Nikki

Posted by Manilakid , On April 6, 2012 , in People

Have you every tried speaking non-stop for more than 10 mins, with topics just being thrown at you randomly? You have to remain poised as difficult people and awkward topics erupt from a seemingly regular Sunday afternoon. It’s like going into a battle with only your instincts and guts to guide you. In Nikki Viola’s case, the battle is on the airwaves. Nikki’s choice of weapon? Her chica voice, quirky personality and vivacious spirit. Off air, the battle has just been won after graduating from St. Paul QC with a degree in Mass Communication last March. Nikki is the perfect example that work and play can be blended into one perfect mix, and she does it live on air.

1. What are the perks that come with being a Radio1 Student Jock?

A LOT! Being able to represent the Best FM station as a student jock is already a perk. You get to learn from the best DJ’s and hosts. I believe that if you want to create your niche in the industry, you should learn from the best. Being a Radio1 jock also gave me instant barkada because we get along so well! I also got to meet new people. In a way, we are slowly getting recognized because they hear us on radio and we get hosting gigs! The best thing is we get to encourage the youth to turn their passion into a reality, since it’s exactly what we are doing.

2. How did you apply for the position?

I was an intern for RX93.1 last summer, but ever since, I’ve always wanted to try radio. People in school saw my potential and they pushed me to audition. After finishing my internship, I took the risky plunge and auditioned! Sir Jude Rocha recorded my voice and I swear, he was so scary! Thing is, right after my recording, he told me I sounded very “chica” AND GOT IN! That moment was surreal.

3. Tell us about your usual day at the station.

Radio1 jocks have their training schedules. Mine is Sundays since I’m swamped with schoolwork and other stuff on weekdays. A typical training would be talking for 3 hours, then they teach you boarding. I love my buddy AM! He gave me a segment on his show, which is to report sports news and I love it! Since I want to be a courtside reporter, I might as well practice on-air!

4. What was the initial reaction of your family and friends?

They were all proud of me! During my first board, almost all of them tuned in and people texted me to greet them on air! They say that I sounded very different on Radio. Basically all of them are happy for me.

5. You’ve been a radio jock for a couple of months already. What’s the most interesting experience that happened to you?

Each day that we spend on RX is an experience. The senior DJ’s and student jocks combined is like one big happy family! Everytime I board, it gives me a sense of fulfillment because I get to do what I love. Most memorable right now would be the recent Radio1 relaunch party in Fiamma since the whole team worked so hard for the event to push through.

6. How about the weirdest experience? The most embarrassing?

It would be one of our hosting gigs! It was a party and I got so drunk I didn’t get to host the entire thing! Lesson learned: drink responsibly! Haha! Mispronouncing words are also part of it.

7. You’re still a student so how do you balance your work, social and academic life?

I do it with time management plus positive thinking and prayers. You need energy! Know your priorities first, but keep your eye on your goal. Don’t let other things distract you. Having a planner is also a big help. I jot down my plans everyday and check if I’ve accomplished what I have to do.

8. Which song would describe:

a. your friends?- Young, Wild and Free- Wiz Khalifa
b. your love life?- Sarap maging Single- Eevee
c. your current state?- Drive- Incubus
d. your plans in the future? Fame- Naturi Naughton
e. our country? Kaleidoscope World- Francis M

9. Competition is very tight among radio stations. How does RX93.1 make sure that they remain ahead of the game? What’s your competitive advantage?

The way they do things “the RX way”. We balance work and play but we never lose our focus. We are not just after the profit, but after the service we give to our dear listeners.

10. What do you think of the current state of the OPM industry?

I must say that it is booming! There are many new talents out there, and it is very refreshing to see that the industry has been very supportive of them. A lot though has disbanded, but the power of OPM never stops. I am a big fan of the industry and I believe that OPM still has a taste of its own that you can’t get in international artists. We still got that flavor.

11. Without any bias, do you think media is more responsible or leaning towards more deceptive?

Despite network wars and other issues, I can say that the media is still responsible in terms of influencing people. They just tend to focus more in making money, hence being deceptive.

12. What advice can you give to students who dream of becoming a radio jock?

Nike’s tagline never fails, JUST DO IT! A dreamer shouldn’t be afraid to take risks to make their dreams into reality. You may found yourself down in the dumps, but always believe that God is on your side. Tried and tested!