It all started with Pokemon Go
It was all because of Chico and Markki’s shared love for Pokemon Go that landed him the spot as a TMR host. We all know that Markki is no stranger to the entertainment industry, dabbling as a performer and corporate host in that field but it wasn’t until 3 years ago that Markki added another career title in his resume.
Prior to being a part of the show, Markki has guested on The Morning Rush twice - back in 2012 with Chico, Gino and Delamar to promote the Cosmo Bachelor Bash and his album and in 2017, this time with Chico, Gino and Rica on the show. This was also the time when Chico and Markki have become Pokemon Go buddies and according to him, “travelled the Pokemon world and went on crazy adventures as Ash and Misty (or maybe, Brock. Lol!)” Markki also became a guest DJ on TMR back in 2018 and eventually a regular DJ when Chico advised Markki that a spot opened up due to one of the TMR hosts leaving which gave Markki that motivation to join the team and, well, it’s been 3 years (and counting), since we’ve been hearing his nonstop kulitan and bonding moments with Chico, Rica and Hazel, on and off air!
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On screen and stage to on air
Markki has a number of experiences being on screen and on stage as an actor, performer and also as a corporate host. He definitely is used to the spotlight and in putting himself out there. But what makes being on air special for Markki is how he can just let loose, be more of himself and basically have fun along the way. It’s a different side to Markki when he’s on radio, despite not actually seeing him but just hearing him talk and letting out his real, goofy side is what makes Markki so authentic when we hear him on The Morning Rush. “The more we withhold, the less fun it becomes. The more open we are as people, the more entertaining our show becomes.” It’s really all about just having fun on the show and with his co-hosts that makes listening to TMR an experience.
Markki has been a mainstay in The Morning Rush since day 1 of him being on the Monster. He also did a short stint on the afternoon show Wild x Wicked along with MJ before the pandemic. For Markki, it was an enjoyable experience being on both shows. Because of Wild x Wicked, Markki learned how to board on the station but he is still learning day by day. It is a constant process for him.
Markki works a full-time entertainment job, having other commitments besides his radio job. He is currently working on a series and doing a TED Talk about mental health. “I try to do as much as I can in different settings in the entertainment industry so I can incorporate that into my hosting as a DJ.” Markki has come in full circle, taking all of his experiences and bringing it to the TMR table.
With the pandemic, Markki actually seizes the new normal opportunity because of the video components that TMR does. Since last year, The Morning Rush has been going on video live streams every day and as someone who has a knack for being on screen, it gets more exciting for Markki. It’s a new way to interact with the listeners and Rushes as the live stream makes the connection between the hosts and listeners more genuine.
A Chico Garcia stan
“I’m a fan. He’s an institution.” Markki has expressed his adoration and amazement for Chico, not just as a friend but someone he does look up to and sees as mentor-like. Markki was actually Chico’s Pokemon Go mentor while the latter is Markki’s radio mentor. Markki, just like the rest of us, has been a longtime fan of Chico and The Morning Rush. He used to listen to the program back in his high school days, even enjoying the Top 10 segments. But look at him now! Not only does he get to work on the show that he loves with the radio DJ that he looks up to, he also found a lifelong friendship with Chico! (and Rica and Hazel too, of course.)
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Monster highlights
The thing about RX and its staff is that they’re not just all work, but they also love to have fun! Trips within and out of the country are the RX bosses reward to its staff. One of Markki’s highlights in RX is the recent trip to Vietnam, months before the pandemic started. Markki recalls the trip as an experience where everybody just got to enjoy, get to know each other more and bond outside of the work setting. It was a special time for him and for everybody in RX as well.
Besides the fun of the RX trips, everyday is a highlight for Markki as for him going into work and being on the show is a therapy session. Spending hours just talking, laughing and even sharing things that matter most with his co-hosts who he also considers his closest friends and of course, the listeners is what keeps him going. Especially now with the pandemic, it’s more crucial to talk, share life moments and feelings just to keep each other sane.
With The Morning Rush, no days are the same. There’s always something to keep the hosts laughing and having a good time. “It’s just our harutan and our kulitan every day with Rica, Hazel and Chico. It’s just such a blast working with them that everyday is funny.” We can totally agree with Markki! The Morning Rush is always a blast that fuels mornings with hyper moments, laugh out loud instances, kwentuhans, occasional kalat and smiles on faces.
The Morning Rush wouldn’t be complete without Markki’s charm, no filter jokes and awareness topics. He has been a staple of the show and in RX and we hope it stays that way for a long time! Markki, you are part of what makes our days bright and we’re happy to have you on board here at the Monster!
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You can get your daily dose of Markki on The Morning Rush. More facts about him on his jock profile here.