Starting your day with Mama Violet
' I had listeners who would send some food or goodies. Some would send some sweet messages. We appreciate them, treat them with respect and make them feel at home. None of them, so far, has gone overboard'
Irene Ortigas aka Mama Violet.
Every seven to nine in the morning, a young lady with the gift of gab sits in with DJ Jingo Magic in a program called "Unang Sirit" over GMA Radio. She is no less than Mama Violet or rather, Irene Ortigas, who plays the hottest hits and answers "sirit" questions with Jingo Magic. This program perks up one's day because Mama Violet and her partner let the listeners participate through sharing of views and opinions in their discussion.
Get to know more about Mama Violet in this interview.
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): How did you end up as a broadcaster?
Mama Violet (MV): A few months after my graduation, I was watching Ratsada, a GMA local news program. I saw an ad poster during a commercial gap that Campus Radio is in need of a lady announcer. Still mourning about being rejected from the first job I applied for, my mom encouraged me and convinced me to take the risk again. Thank God I got the job. I was thinking it might be a good start of my career in mass communications. At least, I can put my chosen field into practice and develop my communication skills.
Guesting at Arangkada.
KMV: Why are you called Mama Violet?
MV: The "mama" thing ... I think it's more of an endearment. Since the program Talk to Papa took off, the guys at the station are often called Papa while the girls are called Mama. "Violet" was coined out of the blue. They asked me to say "violet" many times the day I was about to start working on board. It has been my airname since then.
KMV: How was your first day as Mama Violet like?
MV: Nerve wracking. Having a lot of things to say in my mind before going on board. But as soon as I opened the mic, words just got stuck in my throat.
KMV: Any memorable blooper?
MV: During a morning program with another DJ one time, there was an instance where I really need to laugh out loud to acknowledge the joke. I laughed but I was reprimanded for laughing in silent mode. I forgot I'm on the radio! The following days, I tried to do a "thinking funny" exercise. Starting to think funny about myself until I got more comfortable doing spiels.
With Jericho during his visit at the station.
KMV: What is it about being Violet that you like?
MV: Her being sisterly but not the serious type.
KMV: What are the qualities of an effective DJ?
MV: For me, one has to have a pleasing voice quality, creative, friendly, sensitive and has to have a sense of humor.
KMV: Do you have male listeners who became your admirers? How do you deal with them?
MV: I had listeners who would send some food or goodies. Some would send some sweet messages. We appreciate them, treat them with respect and make them feel at home. None of them, so far, has gone overboard.
KMV: Apart from DJ-ing, what else do you do?
MV: At night, I'm working for the local morning show "Arangkada. That's my outlet for writing. At home, during free time, I do sewing. I create fancy bags, kikay kits and blouses and this helps me cope with stress.
With her dog Ferdie.
KMV: Speaking of sewing, do you have plans of becoming a designer?
MV: There's no opportunity yet because I've been busy with Campus Radio and Arangkada. Actually, I'm planning to open my own shop later but there's not enough capital yet. I'll just start small. I already have a name for the shop and it's registered with the Department of Trade and Industry as Snug 'n Comfy but I'm planning to make it Violet Closet.
KMV: If there's something you want to change about yourself, what is it?
MV: I think I really need to slim down a bit (laughs).
KMV: What principles do you live by?
MV: In everything I do, I must do it well. Do it excellently as if you're working for the Lord.