New Filipino FM Radio Station Launches Programs

By Carlota Hufana Ader

In this day and age, social media is a vital tool in today’s highly competitive business world. Billions of pairs of eyes constantly scroll through apps and computer screens for bits of information and services.

Surprisingly, the good old-fashioned radio station is still one of the most effective ways to market your product and reach both new and existing customers. With 92% of Americans tuning in to AM/ FM radio stations, one is still able to get the message to a very broad audience. Radio stations are cost-effective, a proven and valuable local resource, absolutely vital during emergencies, and accessible 24/7.

Award-winning entrepreneur Imelda “Emmie” Collado Ortega Anderson launched 104.7 FM in April 2023, joining a very short list of Filipino ethnic radio stations. It is currently the only station that plays Filipino music.

A former Mrs. Hawaii Filipina Pageant winner, Anderson founded Pinoy Power Media in 2007. Her business acumen and drive to succeed led to her receiving several impressive awards. In 2009, she was recognized as one of the Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Abroad (TOFA) and one of the 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the U.S.

In 2017, she received the Tally Award for Excellence in Cultural Broadcasting. In 2022, she won the Gawad Award in Business and Entertainment, which was presented by the Philippine government.

Hawaii Filipino Chronicle was granted an exclusive interview with Anderson. The following excerpts have been edited for space and clarity.

Q: What made you decide to join the radio station industry?

A: Radio is a powerful tool for Filipinos to express and verbally share their voices which all too often go unheard. Radio is also an effective vehicle for overall community empowerment.

Q: What is the purpose of your radio station?

A: The mission of this radio station is all about the 5 E’s—Enriching, Enlightening, Educating, Entertaining and Empowering the Filipino community. And to always give respect and listen to what our listeners have to say. We will always play good Filipino music and entertain with good shows and programs.

Q: What kind of Filipino music will you be playing? Will it be mainly songs in Tagalog? Who is your target audience?

A: We want to appeal to and attract a wide range of listeners from all types of ages and backgrounds, but mostly those who originally hails from Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. We pride ourselves in playing hit songs and wellloved OPMs (Original Pinoy Music).

Q: How many employees have you hired? What are (continue on page 10)

By Elpidio R. Estioko

Whether in the United States, the Philippines, or any part of the globe, Philippine Independence Day must be celebrated annually. It must be taught not only in the classroom but in all gatherings and meetings all over the world.

The Philippine Independence Day traces back over a century ago when the Philippines – after three centuries under Spain’s rule – declared independence on June 12, 1898.

Then, it took years for the Philippines to gain independence from the United States, but after one last setback to World War II and the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, the Philippines was finally declared independent on July 4, 1946 through the Treaty of Manila.

For 15 years, the Philippines celebrated its independence annually on July 4 until 1962 when Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal officially changed the date back