It was showbiz reporter MJ Marfori who commented: “[Ito] ang tunay na Plot Twist!” (“This is the real plot twist!”). I guess that’s a way to put it. I was sure I closed the chapter on Artist Relations late last year. It was a decision I made with a heavy heart, coupled with the vow to start showing up for myself, for a change. Consequently, that meant almost closing the chapter on the Home Network altogether – again and, at the time, probably even for good. But, to put it rather tritely, things have a peculiar way of falling into place. All it took was one late night Zoom call with my colleague, Menchie Villavert.

Touching Base

It wasn’t the trajectory I expected. Having been a tarot reader for ten years, I was content with keeping it a secret hobby, even if my reach did later expand to friends of friends and it did segue into a pandemic hustle. Still, I never intended to go public with it, much as being a public figure was once a pipe dream. Then came that phone call from Menchie, which subsequently led to her booking a session. That reconnection would prove to be critical.

Being highly intuitive herself, she opened the meeting with “Lagi kitang naiisip lately” (“I think about you a lot lately”), suggesting a deeper reason behind us touching base. Well, I believed as much. And what followed was the most substantial conversation we had to date, compared to our past common stints where we were limited to hi-hellos and ambush selfies. Before we knew it, the reading escalated into a lengthy and insightful debrief. Long story short, I picked up a lot too that night, and I will never forget how she closed with: “Let’s help you reinvent.”

Since then, our catchups became more frequent than ever, and it didn’t matter whether she was en route to an ocular or bored in the dead of night. We kept hearing from each other. So, to no surprise, she became my most trusted confidante outside my team during that time – particularly, when changes were once again looming. As the tail-end of my consultancy inevitably approached, that’s when she delivered the update. A radio show was in the works.

Off-hand, I could only think of two options, granted I chose to join the fray. Either I continued guest coordination duties, which was then part of my function, or returned to my writer/producer roots. At that point, I was open to anything, and I ended 2022 mulling it over.

    The Inquiry

Good Vibes premiered in January 2023, three weeks after my second exit. As the straightforward title suggests, the show runs on fun topics and on-air pleasantries every weeknight, with a talk format that requires regular guests. It can be anyone, from celebrities, musicians, influencers, or business owners. As long as they thematically jive with the program. As for me, I was still enjoying the slowdown – a slowdown that would cease in two weeks.

By mid-February, I finally heard from Menchie again. More specifically, I was about to enter the cinema when I answered the call.

“Hello Chuckie, can we guest you?”, she began.

I checked if I was standing on a dead spot.

Going On Board

My guesting fell on February 23, 2023. Coincidentally, that’s exactly one year after I kicked off my comeback with astronomical hopes and, well, I’ve shared how that one panned out. But the parallel indeed offered a fresh take. In a matter of minutes, what-ifs would no longer be necessary and better memories were about to be made. It was time to restart.

It helps that I already know the hosts, seasoned journalist Laila Chikadora and stand-up comedian Stanley Chi. It’s a tidbit neither hesitated to share as they returned from gap. As I candidly confessed my nervousness, the latter’s introduction meant everything:

“Dati, siya iyong sumasama sa mga artista, siya iyong taga-document. Ngayon, siya na ang guest.”
(“He used to accompany celebrities to their guestings. He also used to document. Now, he’s the guest.”)

But while the rapport was a breeze, the true challenge was in the nature of my guesting: How do I conduct something intimate on broadcast level? At that moment, I only had half an hour to figure out.

In hindsight, the stage fright, or should I say, booth fright, was still evident. Nonetheless, I was still invited back. Picking up from Round One’s bottlenecks, we devised a way to streamline the queries: Only “Yes” or “No” questions would be read live, and only three cards would be drawn for each. The new format allowed for a more fluid and upbeat pace. Moreover, it’s more energizing and more conducive to banter.

As I arrived in the waiting area for Guesting #3, Menchie stepped in to announce:

“You are now a weekly mainstay.”

“I’m what?”

No accidental on-air S-Bomb could taint my elation that night. And as the episode wrapped up, Laila shared a friendly tip: “Say ‘CHEF’ next time.”

New Weekly Habit

It sure came in precious timing. Two days after that episode, the radio station unveiled its new image, replete with new brand name and new official jingle. What a thrill to come in during that milestone.

Now, four months and twelve appearances later, I’m now at home with the format. I’ve also grown familiar to the regular listeners who frequent the comments section, some thanking me for the advice, some confirming the accuracy of certain reads, and some simply chiming in, even just for a quick “Good to see you back”.  

I was also allowed more airtime on occasion. During those instances, I had the pleasure of sounding off on those episode’s given topics and even interviewing select guests. And, while we weren’t in the same segment, being on the same episode as APO Hiking Society is now a highlight.

It certainly feels full circle, how I started the hobby as a Home Network employee, and now here I am, given this platform by the very same employer – even just for 20 minutes a week. To many, it was an utter jaw-dropper, the general consensus being “Oh, wow. Now, YOU’RE the talent.” To be honest, it still surprises even me. But to colleagues who witnessed the start of my tarot journey, it makes perfect sense, or so they insist.

Sometimes, the paths we never intended to take reveal the most exciting routes. Perhaps, it’s why I was led back: not to unearth a role long buried, but to be reintroduced. I neither know where this is headed, nor do I intend to be known solely for this. So, this is where trusting the process comes in. One thing’s for sure, though. After years of building a career out of letting famous voices take precedence, it’s an honor to finally be heard.

Tune in to GOOD VIBES from Mondays to Fridays from 7:30PM to 9:00PM on 92.3 RADYO 5 TRUE FM, Livestreamed on its Facebook Page