JC Tevez moved from California to the Philippines in 2015, and not long after, his Monster story began. Now, he’s known by the RX listeners as the charming host of The Daily Survey, Heard On Thursdays, and Faces of Indieground!
How this Manila newcomer found his way to the Monster
The year was 2016 and JC was a fresh face in Manila, looking for a new direction. When a friend told him about the Monster Jock auditions, it was almost too late. Luckily, the deadline for auditions was extended and JC got his chance to try out! Soon after, he was asked to come to the station for an interview. “I was so surprised at how quick it all went. So I came in, I think [the] next day. And I met with my competitors, who I defeated,” JC joked (but where is the lie, though?) “And I got the job not too long after!”
One very memorable thing about JC’s jock audition: He admitted that he hadn’t heard of RX before! “I won’t lie to you. I told them that! During the audition process.” (You know what, we’re not mad, he’d just moved here from the States anyway!) “But I’ve always kinda taken that to heart, that they took me because they liked me for who I was.”
It’s safe to say that JC has gotten to know the Monster well since then, and has found his voice here, too. “Ever since they took me in, I kinda fell in love with the station. I fell in love with everything that they stand for,” he said. “How they wanna entertain people, and make people’s lives better through music and through entertaining.”
Another thing JC’s been grateful for is how he was always encouraged to be himself on the Monster, and allowed his personality to really shine. “I like who I am, and they never made me pretend to be somebody else. So, I think that’s what makes the learning process here really just the best, if you ask me!”
Learning from the best
During his early days at RX, it was the longtime jocks who inspired JC’s growth. “I was like, ‘Damn, they talk so fast! They’re not reading anything! How do they do that? Their minds are so fast!’ So it was incredible to see the professionals that were the team, the jocks that have been here, even the jocks that have left.” He’s learned lots from some of the best in the business, and not only did they become mentors and colleagues, but friends as well. “Every single DJ here has in a way taught me something.”
“My first ever mentor was Alven, who later on ended up becoming my partner! And we really clicked, we had some great memories together.” JC remembered when he and Alven went to Singapore to interview Jason Mraz, one of the highlights of JC’s RX career. Some other lessons from Monster jocks that have stuck with JC: Chico Garcia’s professionalism and preparedness for every morning, Rico Robles’ guidance and insights in the progress of every DJ, and from his current partner Ria, her enthusiasm online (in other words: TikTok). “Just simple things like that, I’ve been able to learn from every jock.”
JC’s taken every lesson learned from his co-workers and worked to become the DJ he is now! And his career growth shows how much that effort has paid off. “Ever since I got in, everything kinda went up for me in my life, professionally.” he said. “I always like to think that I’ve given my best.”
The silver lining in tough times
Adjusting to the changes brought about by the pandemic wasn’t easy – the way JC and the rest of the Monster jocks work has shifted almost completely. From bonding with your show partner in the booth to connecting over a computer screen, remote work has been a challenge, but one that JC’s open to. “So far, I think we’ve been able to make do. I take solace in the fact that we’re still here, and we’re still able to entertain, no matter what part of the city we’re in.”
Like the rest of us, he’s looking forward to when everyone’s back in the station, from DJs, to staff, to visiting listeners. “I can’t wait for the day where we can come in here, high five each other, you know, no masks.”
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We don’t know if you believe in destiny, but JC moving to Manila and finding a new home in RX feels like it was meant to be! His anniversary message for the Monsters: “I’m really thankful for the last six years that I’ve been here. I’m just very thankful that the Monster has existed and has accepted me as part of their family. I hope to continue giving my best here, and giving my best to all of you loyal listeners who have been here from, you know, Day Chico to 2021!”
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You can catch JC Tevez on The Daily Survey, Heard On Thursdays, and Faces of Indieground! See his jock profile here.