This is one of the hardest stuff I’d have to write….I’m going, but I promise you, I’ll be back – seriously!

I started Deejaying in the early 90’s in Manila. It’s really a privillege just to be able to be one of the Radio DJ’s at home knowing that there are more capable and qualified talent there.  I thought of it as, how many people really do their job with a lot of happiness and doing stuff that they really like – talk about their favourite tunes, interview celebs, get loads of free CDs, get invited to the hottest events and parties in town, get paid well by simply reading a 3-page script for opening ceremonies and by simply reading a line of your favourite shaver or car or favourite snack!  My buddies thought “That’s Wicked!!” When I was still in my 20’s, it’s really cool to have all these perks. Back then, in my hometown, seems like no one wants to make me pay when I go to my favourite “tur0-turo stall” or more like the hawker stall there! I’d get a full plate of all my favourite dishes and the owner or server won’t make me pay.  I felt good and bad coz that means, If I have some sort of decency, I have to space out my visits to that stall or I’ll be branded “cheap bloke!” Then, one day, I decided to fly out of Manila and pursue my radio career overseas.  It landed me a couple of jobs in Sri Lanka (Colombo), Dubai (U.A.E), and here in Singapore. Mind you, my first radio name in Singapore was “SERGIO STRONG HEART!” I hated that name but even my old radio listeners still call that way to date haha!  It’s even harder for people to remember me as just “MARIO” coz people would pronounce it in various ways like “maya, maryah, mah – what?!!! That’s when a former Boss @ POWER98 told me, just go on-air as “SUPERMARIO!” It then became more simple, everyone knows what and who is SuperMario! Well, not me but the original nintendo game character that they’d remember more probably!  But it works, the name’s easy to remember and it’s easy to identify with although a lot of folks thought that “Mario” isn’t my real name. From having “THE SUPERMARIO SHOW” for some years and then moving on to “YOUR DAILY DOSE” and rocking the airwaves with “ROCK REVOLUTION” I really had some fruitful years here @ POWER98.  I’d be lying to you If I tell you that everything’s been smooth and no downs, but all in all, there’s a lot of wonderful things that I’ve learned and will carry with me as long as I live from working with my POWER team.  More than the lights, the fame, and the fash parties – being a radio personality is a job and working alongside people means you gotta work with your team and going the extra mile to learn, to earn, to gain, to achieve whatever your goals are.  4 years ago, I was able to release my debut-double-CD album here. The satisfaction that I had above all the harwork that I’ve invested in it was well worth it! I can’t explain the high of just being able to listen to my songs and knowing that even overseas sites have reviewed and feature my work! I told myself while looking up at the skies “God, you’ve been really good to me and knowing the flaws I have, you still have blest me with so many unbelievable breaks and blessings!”

More than the industry players, more than the media buyers, more than the media agencies, more than the talent scouts, more than the record label managers and executives, more than our station clients – that’s what you are and what you’ve  been to me in all honesty.  Thanks to the emails, to the comments on my blog, to simply listening to my show when at times I’m really not that listenable.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I’m in the process of making an EP. The songs are all in place and you’ll hear from me again – soon!! I’ll be at Esplanade on 21st June for the AIR GUITAR event, so do come by:)

Big, big hugs to you from your Bro – SUPERMARIO. Visit me on www.myspace.com/marioocampolajarcajr or find me on facebook.com and look for mariolajarcajr

God Bless You!