DEAR KUYA: MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES

            Heart-broken, frustrated, weary, sorrowed. Are you one of the millions of people experiencing these deep and unresolved feelings? According to the survey last 2011 of the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 93 suicides cases for every 100,000 Filipinos. This means that the country suffers from intense depression. On the other hand, a 2012 World Happiness Report claimed that the Philippines ranked 103^rd in 155 countries they surveyed in Southeast Asia. Some of the lives were wasted because they were not given the attention, they were hardly noticed. Because there are instances that these people had no one to turn to or there’s no shoulder to cry on for them. Now, people seek counseling so that they can air the problems they have in life. But there are some who finds it quite expensive, so they find an alternative medium. The answer to their dilemma is to seek for good advice from their favorite disc jockeys. You do not have to pay for a high price, what you need to do is just call, alongside that; they will also play the music that perfectly suit your life’s situation.

Last January 14, 2013 Kuya Daniel , known as Mr. Public Service and CEO of UNTVChannel,  started the new radio program Dear Kuya which is aired every Mondays to Fridays at 9:00am to 12nn. DearKuya is aired over UNTV radio La Verdad 1350kHz.  Various stories are sent through emails or letters which are delivered to the radio station’s address. The main objective of the program is to give advices responding to the different problems of people. The difference of DearKuya from other radio programs is that the advice given prior to the problem is biblically based. From 9am to 11am, there is a Q and A portion, wherein Kuya Daniel will throw a frequently asked scenario and then Bro. Eli will answer in Biblical basis. When the clock strikes at 11am till 12nn, the next segment is the live drama, using the story that also came from the audience. Afterwards, Bro. Eli will answer the question of the sender and he will read verses that are applicable and appropriate to the story. The actors are from La Verdad Christian College-Caloocan, they are composed of Meryll Lopez, Jerolf Acaba, Macky Libradilla, Angeline Casil, 3rd year students of La Verdad Christian College-Caloocan. Some staffs are also students, Mae Cortez and Reena Ritz Dela Cruz; they are in charge of the production. One of the voice talents is an instructor from the said school named Mr. John Erick De Ocampo, also now as Teacher Jeck. There are also times when some students from the 1^st and 2^nd year were invited to be voice talents. When listeners give their feedbacks about the story, there are also people who request copies of the Holy Scriptures and Kuya Daniel will grant their request by giving the Bible to the house of the ones who have requested a copy. One of the aims of the program is for the people to learn reading the Bible and see it as a manual of instruction for everyday life.  The chosen story will serve as “letter for the month”, wherein the sender will won a worth of P10, 000.

The stories mostly played were really touching. There is a story about a boy who seeks for his long lost father, only to found out that his father is his grandfather. His mother was raped by his biological father that is why he hated his son so much. As I listen to these stories and hear the answers from Bro. Eli, I was really amazed on how he relates it in the words of the Bible. This new program helps people in need and those who experience shortcomings in their lives. It gives the listeners and supporters a thought of not losing hope. So, if you are one of the million people who needs a shoulder to cry on. Try sending your stories to Dear Kuya and you will feel the contentment of Bro. Eli’s answers from the Holy Scriptures.