Last Goodbye to NU107... 2 Days After

Today, is the second day since the last broadcast of NU107 and it's my turn to tell you my NU story.

"Once upon a time, there's this guy who walks into a bar, sits down next to another guy and immediately notices the guy has a very large Bic cigarette lighter..."

Ok, not that.

I blame my dad and that brand-spanking new karaoke machine (with sweet digital dials) he brought home as a valentines gift to my mom in 1994 on how I discovered NU107 and how it played a special part in my life. (Ang haba ng sentence)

Unlike most kids during that time, I have parents who listen to rock. We have cassettes and old records of the Beatles, Asin, Ang Banyuhay, Journey, the Eagles among others - basically the videoke playlist staples. I remember my mom used to hum/sing "Something" by the Beatles to us as a lullaby.

Before, the only radio station I listen to was LSFM. I don't know why but maybe because bands like the Dawn, Introvoys, AfterImage get ample airtime. One afternoon, I toyed with the karaoke machine, accidentally tuned in to NU107 and heard my first Pantera song: "Cowboys from Hell".



More songs followed, louder and edgier than the previous one. The more I listen to NU, the more I ask "What else have I not listened to?". It was also convenient because Pinoy rock music was at its peak. I get to listen to songs from bands even before they were played on pop radio stations. I was already listening to other Yano songs even before "Banal Na Aso, Santong Kabayo" became well-known. I became the relatively popular rocker kid back in gradeschool. It helped that I know a lot of old rock music and name-dropped underground bands like Tribal Fish, Electric SkyChurch (before they dropped the "Electric"), Datu's Tribe, Keltscross, etc. like I live at Mayric's and goes on vacation at Club Dredd.

Except for Baron Barbers, Donna Cruz and Raymund Lauchengco, they played most of the songs I used to check on other stations so I did not bother changing frequencies.

It took me almost 4 years before I had the guts to call the station and request for a song. The show was Zach and Joey in the Morning and I requested "Sunog" by Rivermaya. It was embarrassing. I end up singing "wala si nanay, wala si tatay nasususnog ang bahay" because I forgot the title of the song. I thought I peed my pants and threw up in my mouth.

Late night drives around the metro with NU on the radio has been a ritual since 2006. Whenever I need to think or just get away from all the stresses in the world, I hop in my car, start the engine, turn on the radio and just drive to nowhere. My car instantly turns into a haven of peace, calm and quiet. That is why late night and graveyard shifts DJs have a special place in my heart.

DJ Shannen and other NU Jocks
photo taken from here

Last Saturday, I did just that, for the last time. I just drove and listened to DJ Shannen play her last sets of songs for her program. Sayang, nagpunta sana ako sa station noon, kahit na shawarma man lang, na-alok ko man lang siya as a sign of my appreciation. Not going there is, for now, my only regret in life.

Then Sunday.


I was there in front of the AIC Gold Tower. I listened to NU as DJs bid their goodbyes and play their farewell songs, songs that I'll probably never gonna hear be played on Manila radio for a long time or never again. It was like attending a funeral of a dear old friend. NU has been a part of my life for 16 years that is why it was really heartbreaking.



Many were emotional while the last song of NU, Ang Huling El Bimbo was playing until the Lupang Hinirang was over. We waited for another song... and I hoped for another song. But nothing else followed.

I drove home trying to recall what it feels like to drive while listening to NU with white noise on 107.5.