*Originally known as 99.5 RT from 1976 to 2006, as Hit 99.5 from 2007 to March 19, 2008, and as Campus 99.5 from March 23 to August 14, 2008. On September 1, 2008, the frequency reverted back to the 99.5 RT brand.
99.5RT back then was Manila's answer to Los Angeles' KPWR Power 106 and KIIS FM.
*It was in 1976 when 99.5 RT first went on the air. It was then operated by Trans-Radio Broadcasting Corp. (now GVM Radio/TV Corporation, currently operating
Rock 990, Cebu's
Y 101 & Butuan's
Majik 97.5, RT's original sister station). Controlled by the Tuason
family, since its inception until 1996, 99.5 RT then transferred ownership to Real Radio Network.
Its studios were located for most of its existence on
Ayala Avenue in the central business district of
Makati, at one time in Pacific Bank Building, then later moved to Royal Match Building. In April 1999, it was moved to its present location at the Paragon Plaza Building, along
EDSA,
Mandaluyong City.
*99.5 RT was considered as one of the FM radio stations to set the trend in using the Contemporary Hit Radio format first popularized in the United States, commonly known as "Pop" or "Top 40". RT first began broadcasting in 1976 under the helm of Emilio Tuason, who also became one of the deejays (his on-air name was "ET"), until personal problems forced his retirement from the station i
n the 1980s.
*Most of Metro Manila's legendary deejays honed their skills in RT, including Mike Pedero, who initiated the Top 40/CHR format of the station, Joppy, Al W. Leader, Dr. John Madness, Eric Caine, Adam Kite, Brian Panty, Joey Pizza, The Kaizer, Johnny Ceasar (now with RJ 100), Jeremiah Junior, Bob Kcurry, The Mighty Thor, Paul Reno, North Andrew (now Program Director of MTV Philippines), Jake Swann, Boo Kyler (now with 103 1/2 Max FM), Jiggy, OB Hollywood Andrew, Dick Rees, Joe Schmoe, Mark Cross, Joshua and Vince St. Price. The RT deejay became the gold standard for all other deejays in the Philippines.
The shows of Eric Caine, North Andrew, Boo Kyler and Vince St. Price namely my faves as they have the best playlist.
Incidentally,
Eric Caine is my mom's cousin, which makes him my second-degree uncle... hmmm... just suddenly realized why I have this great passion for music, DJ'ing/mixing and radio. A big thanks to
The Boy Wonder of
The Vault for giving me the opportunity to be in radio even though in an indirect way via my mixes/remixes/music archives being broadcasted via
The Vault on Live 365.
*RT was also ho
me to some of America's popular hit countdown shows like "American Top 40" and the "Rick Dees Weekly Top 40". In the early 80's (specifically 1983-1984), RT also ventured into the music-video business. As one of the pioneer music video shows in the Philippines, "Rhythm Of The City" which aired on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm on then government-owned MBS Channel 4 (now
NBN Channel 4), showcased then ground-breaking videos from artists such as Men At Work, Naked Eyes, Real Life, Michael Jackson, and some of the best acts in North America during a time when then-fledgling MTV had not yet established its presence in the Asian region.
It is also known for one of the best oldies shows in Philippine radio,
24K Friday playing the hits from the 70's, 80's and 90's.
It was also the first radio station in The Philippines to have ventured into having a home on the World Wide Web, launching its bulletin board in 1995.
Enjoy today's mix set c/o of yours truly, which is a sample of RT's playlist back in the day, when it was still in its heyday and playing the best music indeed. More music, less talk. I've compiled most of the tracks all heard from 99.5 RT, which usually accompanied me on my way to school or work and served as the soundtrack of my younger days.
*Special thanks to Wikipedia for the 99.5 RT info. Tracklist:
1) Better Than You - Lisa Keith
2) Baby Baby - Amy Grant
3) Hold You Tight - Tara Kemp
4) Really Into You - Around The Way
5) Close My Eyes - Jordan Knight
6) Human Nature - Michael Jackson
7) My Lovin' - En Vogue
8) Looking Through Patient Eyes - PM Dawn
9) You Gotta Be - Des'Ree
10) Vibe - Zhane
11) I Wanna Love You - Jade
12) Am I The Same Girl - Swing Out Sister
13) Connected - Stereo MCs
*Click on the RT LOGO for the DL LINK.
*Click PLAY for a sample of the MIX.
Been quite a while since my last mix of this genre, so here's a little bit more; one more time. A Christmas treat to all Totally Mixed Up visitors. Happy Holidays!
