Three decades of broadcasting, leadership, mentorship, and youth empowerment
On August 12, 2026, the Voice of the Youth Network will celebrate a historic milestone: its 30th AnniVOICEsary.
For three decades, the organization has opened doors for young broadcasters, voice artists, writers, advocates, volunteers, trainers, producers, organizers, and community leaders. More than an anniversary, the celebration is a homecoming for generations of young Filipinos who found their confidence, purpose, friendships, and opportunities through the movement.
It honors every young person who once stood nervously before a microphone and discovered the courage to speak.
At the heart of the celebration is one powerful belief:
Every young person has a voice, and every voice deserves to be heard.
A Movement Built for the Filipino Youth
Voice of the Youth Network, also known as VOTY, is a national youth media and empowerment movement founded by Pocholo “The VoiceMaster” De Leon Gonzales in 1996.
Its mission is guided by four principles: Inform, Inspire, Involve, and Empower.
VOTY encourages young Filipinos to recognize their abilities, develop confidence, take responsibility for their lives, participate in community development, and use their voices to create positive change.
The organization believes that young people should never be treated as mere decorations during events, token representatives in meetings, or passive audiences in programs created entirely by adults. They deserve real responsibilities and genuine opportunities to organize, communicate, create, decide, serve, and lead.
Young people should not simply wait for the future. They should help create it.
From One Microphone to a National Movement
The story began in 1996 when Pocholo Gonzales became one of the champions of a voice acting and dubbing competition on the youth radio program Radyo-Radyo, Tinig Kabataan.
That opportunity introduced him to radio, broadcasting, performance, voice acting, and youth communication. His early programs included Radyo-Radyo, Awit-Tawanan, and Sey Mo, Sey Ko.
Awit-Tawanan aired over DZMM 630 kHz every Sunday from October 1996 to December 2000. Sey Mo, Sey Ko later aired over DZRH 666 kHz from March 2001 to March 2002.
At first, these were radio programs filled with music, humor, stories, performances, and youthful conversations. Behind the entertainment, however, something much bigger was taking shape.
Young Filipinos were discovering that their stories, struggles, talents, dreams, and opinions mattered. They were learning how to communicate and beginning to understand the power of their voices.
What started inside a radio studio eventually became a national movement.
Why August 12 Matters
The 30th AnniVOICEsary will be celebrated on August 12, 2026, which is also International Youth Day.
The date carries special meaning for a movement that has spent three decades promoting youth participation, leadership, education, media, and empowerment.
In 2021, VOTY celebrated its 25th anniversary through the Voice of the Youth Virtual Media Summit. Five years later, the network is entering its fourth decade with a renewed mission.
The celebration is not only a time to remember the past. It is also an opportunity to ask an important question:
What kind of future will the next generation of Filipino voices create?
Connecting Young Filipinos Before Social Media
Long before Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Spotify, podcasts, livestreaming, and generative artificial intelligence became part of daily life, Voice of the Youth was already bringing young Filipinos together through radio programs, websites, forums, workshops, conferences, community projects, and national youth networks.
Members of Tinig Kabataan developed an early GeoCities website at a time when internet access in the Philippines was still limited. Through technology and traditional media, the network connected young people from more than 78 provinces.
VOTY became a national network, a platform for self-expression, a resource for opportunities, a forum for youth participation, and a training ground for future broadcasters and communicators.
It created a space where ideas could become projects and where young people could transform their potential into action.
The Youth Empowerment Project
From 1997 to 2000, VOTY organized the Youth Empowerment Project, which served approximately 1,000 children and young people in Metro Manila.
The project sought to improve educational opportunities, develop leadership and communication skills, expand community education, and give young people genuine participation in real projects.
VOTY members were later invited to participate in local, national, and international conferences. They appeared on television and radio, were featured in newspapers, and spoke at schools, organizations, community gatherings, and youth events.
The project demonstrated a truth that would continue to guide the organization:
When young people are trusted, trained, and given real opportunities, they can create extraordinary change.
Radio as a Classroom Without Walls
One of VOTY’s most significant achievements is the development of more than 20 radio programs across different stations and platforms.
These programs were not created only for entertainment. They became classrooms without walls where young people learned research, scriptwriting, interviewing, news delivery, broadcasting ethics, radio drama, program development, teamwork, production, and public-service communication.
Some participants entered the studio as shy students. Many left with the confidence that they had something valuable to contribute.
VOTY did not merely teach young people how to sound good on the radio. It taught them to have something meaningful to say.
Its programs included Radyo-Radyo, Awit-Tawanan, Sey Mo, Sey Ko, Voice of the Youth Radio, Tinig Kabataan Radio, Lakas Ka Bataan, Tinig Ka Bataan, Radyo KaBataan, Generation Y and Z Radio, Youth Power Radio, Kabataan On Air, Voice of the Children Radio, Voice of the Teachers Radio, Brigada Kabataan, Aksyon Kabataan Asia, School of Life Radio, Paaralan ng Buhay, Kabataan Night Live, The Microphone Club Radio, EntrepRadio, Call Center Radio, Author’s Voice, Wazzup Pilipinas Radio, and VG8 Radio.
Each program served a different community, but all shared one purpose: to give people a platform where their voices mattered.
Lakas Ka Bataan, Tinig Ka Bataan and Radyo KaBataan
Lakas Ka Bataan, Tinig Ka Bataan became an important part of the VOTY movement. Through discussions, music, youth news, advocacy, public service, and community involvement, it carried the concerns, dreams, and aspirations of young Filipinos.
Among the personalities associated with the program were Emcee Reyes and Ion Gonzaga. Their participation reflected the original VOTY spirit, where young people were not invited merely to listen. They were encouraged to become part of the broadcast.
Radyo KaBataan provided another space for young people to discuss education, leadership, student life, public service, national issues, and youth opportunities. Its personalities included Dennis Paule, Andrew San Fernando, also known as DJ Bonjing, Irish Salinas, and Elaine Apit, popularly known as Sister L.
These programs taught young broadcasters that success behind the microphone required more than a pleasant voice. It demanded research, preparation, timing, teamwork, discipline, responsibility, and respect for the audience.
The VOTY Radio Broadcasting Academy
To provide more structured training, the network established the VOTY Radio Broadcasting Academy.
Aspiring broadcasters received practical instruction in radio programming, scriptwriting, news writing, interviewing, research, production, voice performance, broadcasting ethics, and youth empowerment through media.
They were not limited to classroom theories. Participants entered real broadcasting environments and learned from professional broadcasters, trainers, mentors, and VOTY alumni.
Among those who later helped train new broadcasters were Ada Cuaresma, Andrew San Fernando, and Jana Abuyuan.
The academy embodied one of VOTY’s strongest principles:
Do not merely tell young people to dream. Give them the training and opportunity to begin.
The Voices Developed by VOTY
The greatest legacy of Voice of the Youth cannot be measured only by radio programs, conferences, awards, websites, or partnerships. Its true legacy is found in the people it helped develop.
Many entered the network as students, volunteers, scholars, trainees, or aspiring broadcasters. They eventually became radio personalities, news anchors, voice artists, writers, program directors, producers, reporters, hosts, trainers, content creators, educators, entrepreneurs, advocates, and community leaders.
Klariz Magboo, popularly known as Gandang Kara, became a recognized radio personality, singer, performer, host, and dubbing artist. Her journey showed how raw talent, when supported by mentorship, discipline, and opportunity, could grow into a professional career.
Elaine Apit, also known as Sister L, started as a young volunteer broadcaster. Through programs such as Radyo KaBataan, Voice of the Youth Radio, and Generation Y and Z Radio, she developed into a professional broadcaster, news anchor, public-service host, and entertainment presenter.
Jana Abuyuan, popularly known as Jana Banana, became involved in broadcasting, news writing, reporting, radio drama, public speaking, and training. She also helped teach broadcasting ethics to future youth broadcasters, demonstrating VOTY’s tradition of preparing former trainees to mentor the next generation.
Dan Capucion entered the movement while studying Broadcast Communication. A challenge to perform different voices during a school talk led him to training, scholarships, voice acting, radio drama, event hosting, public speaking, youth training, and VOTY Radio. His story proved that a young person does not always need a perfect plan. Sometimes, all they need is an opportunity and the courage to say yes.
Andrew Nacino, also known professionally as Drew Nacino, developed experience in radio broadcasting, public affairs, news delivery, and voice-over work. His journey reflected the importance of real broadcasting exposure, continuous practice, and professional mentorship.
Andrew San Fernando, popularly known as DJ Bonjing, became a broadcaster, program leader, trainer, and director connected with Radyo KaBataan, Generation Y and Z Radio, Youth Power Radio, Tinig Kabataan, and the VOTY Radio Broadcasting Academy. His contribution went beyond being heard. He helped create systems that allowed other young broadcasters to be heard.
Kelvin Lumibao, also known as Papa Jerry, brought humor, energy, personality, and relatability to programs such as Brigada Kabataan and VOTY Radio. His development reflected the network’s open-door philosophy. VOTY did not search only for polished voices. It looked for potential.
Emcee Reyes and Ion Gonzaga became part of the movement through Lakas Ka Bataan, Tinig Ka Bataan. Their participation gave them opportunities to express ideas, develop their communication skills, and connect with listeners.
Dennis Paule joined the VOTY broadcasting family through Radyo KaBataan. His experience taught him that broadcasting required preparation, teamwork, timing, confidence, responsibility, and genuine respect for the audience.
Jexy Reyes became one of the youthcasters and anchors of Voice of the Youth Radio, developing her abilities in broadcasting, writing, photography, hosting, performance, and youth leadership.
Ada Cuaresma became one of the network’s broadcasters, organizers, youth leaders, and trainers. Her work reminded aspiring broadcasters that communication is not only about speaking. It is also about listening.
The VOTY family also included Duane Umali, Karla Relis, Irish Salinas, Nikko Paciben, Audry Vallejo, Richmon Manalo, Roy Roberto, AK Cruz, Vhanz Cruz, Khyz Soberano, Rhyan Malandog, Eunice Valebia, Dominic Bolo, Joshua Bilolo, Ynah Quirante, Mico Gracilla, Mico Buay, Ara Gonzales, Jonnel Tupas, Neil Caronan, Patrick Gabriel Gonzales, Peter Breboneria, TJ Alfelor, Louie Joy Lique, David Chaingan, Gerald Galang, Alvin Lorena, Josh Castro, Shine Madoro, Jake dela Cruz, Charlene Ara Gonzales, Sarahlyn Felix, PapaLem, and many more.
Some became familiar voices on the air. Others worked behind the scenes as writers, researchers, coordinators, technical volunteers, production assistants, and organizers.
Every role mattered because a successful broadcast is never created by the person speaking alone. Behind every voice is a team.
From National Participation to Global Engagement
VOTY members participated in major youth conventions, summits, consultations, leadership programs, peace initiatives, human-rights activities, media forums, and educational conferences.
These included the National Youth Parliament, Pambansang Ugong ng Kabataan, National Day of Prayer and Fasting for Reconciliation, Youth Summit on Human Rights, YES PEACE Youth Empowerment Summit, SSEAYP International Philippines National Convention, UP Diliman Student Leaders’ Convention, Asian Film Forum Manila, and several youth leadership consultations.
Members also joined international programs such as the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program, International Youth Parliament, ASEAN Student Leaders’ Summit, APEC Future Leaders’ Forum, Asian Youth Forum in Taiwan, Melaka International Youth Dialogue in Malaysia, Arirang Youth Camp in South Korea, and leadership conferences in the Czech Republic.
These experiences allowed Filipino youth to participate in global conversations while remaining connected to the needs of their own communities.
From Radio to the Digital and AI Era
The media landscape has changed dramatically since 1996.
Young Filipinos can now create podcasts, produce videos, host livestreams, build online communities, publish independent news, develop educational content, create virtual presenters, use synthetic voices, and reach international audiences through a mobile phone.
However, access to technology does not automatically produce responsible communicators.
Young people still need values, mentorship, discipline, critical thinking, media literacy, emotional intelligence, respect for truth, and responsibility toward their audiences.
That is why the mission of Voice of the Youth remains relevant. The organization is no longer limited to teaching young people how to use a microphone. It must now help them use their voices responsibly across every available platform.
A New Generation Takes the Microphone
Harlem Jude Ferolino, Bryan Dave Perez, Jac Cabuga, and Navi Garcia represent a new generation helping redefine the VOTY identity in the digital and artificial intelligence era.
Harlem brings a thoughtful and socially aware youth perspective to discussions about education, identity, leadership, technology, society, and the future.
Bryan represents the modern communicator who moves between traditional broadcasting and digital production. His generation must understand social media, video production, audience engagement, personal branding, multimedia storytelling, and online responsibility.
Jac brings a relatable, creative, and contemporary perspective. His participation reflects the importance of allowing young communicators to develop authentic voices instead of forcing them to imitate broadcasters from the past.
Navi helps introduce artificial intelligence, digital tools, and emerging technologies to younger audiences. Through AI Talks with The VoiceMaster, he explains new developments in ways that ordinary Filipinos can understand.
Together, they help shape the modern Boses ng Kabataan, tackling artificial intelligence, education, digital citizenship, media literacy, Filipino identity, career opportunities, responsible innovation, and the future of work.
The first generation of VOTY fought for access to media. The new generation faces a different challenge: learning how to use almost unlimited access responsibly.
The Mission Continues Through AI Talks
AI Talks with The VoiceMaster represents one of the newest chapters in VOTY’s continuing history of education and public-service broadcasting.
The program introduces Filipino audiences to artificial intelligence, robotics, digital tools, creative technologies, responsible innovation, AI ethics, entrepreneurship, freelancing, and the changing future of education and work.
The technology may be new, but the mission remains the same:
To inform people about change.
To inspire them to learn.
To involve them in the conversation.
To empower them to act.
Paying Opportunities Forward
Mentorship has always been at the heart of Voice of the Youth.
Those who received opportunities must create opportunities for others. Those who were trained must train the next generation. Those who were given a microphone must help another person discover their voice.
The journeys of Klariz Magboo, Elaine Apit, Jana Abuyuan, Dan Capucion, Andrew Nacino, Andrew San Fernando, Kelvin Lumibao, Emcee Reyes, Ion Gonzaga, Dennis Paule, Jexy Reyes, Ada Cuaresma, and countless others are more than personal success stories. They are proof that investing in young people works.
Harlem Ferolino, Bryan Dave Perez, Jac Cabuga, and Navi Garcia now carry that legacy forward.
Different generations. Different voices. Different platforms. One mission.
The Greatest Achievement of Voice of the Youth
The greatest achievement of VOTY is not an award, radio frequency, trophy, certificate, or the number of programs it has produced.
Its greatest achievement is every young person who entered the community without confidence and eventually found the courage to speak.
It is every volunteer who became a leader.
Every student who became a broadcaster.
Every trainee who became a trainer.
Every listener who became a creator.
Every Filipino who finally realized:
“May boses ako.”
“May halaga ang sinasabi ko.”
“May magagawa ako.”
The Challenge of the Next 30 Years
Thirty years ago, Voice of the Youth began with a microphone and a dream.
There was no Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Spotify, or generative artificial intelligence. Today, the microphone has multiplied. It exists inside every smartphone, podcast, video, livestream, online classroom, and digital platform.
The challenge is no longer simply to give young people access to a microphone. The challenge is to help them understand what to do with it.
Will they use it to spread anger, misinformation, and deception?
Will they use it only in pursuit of fame?
Or will they use it to educate, inspire, encourage, serve, and create positive change?
As VOTY enters its fourth decade, it must prepare the next generation for artificial intelligence, automation, misinformation, changing careers, global competition, climate challenges, social division, emotional pressures, and new responsibilities in the digital world.
From radio to podcasts.
From websites to social media.
From voice acting to AI voices.
From local communities to global audiences.
The Voice of the Youth will continue.
Thirty Years of Voices, Hope, and Service
On August 12, 2026, Voice of the Youth Network celebrates everyone who became part of its extraordinary journey.
To the pioneers, thank you for opening the doors.
To the alumni, thank you for bringing the mission into your professions and communities.
To the mentors, thank you for believing in the potential of young people.
To the volunteers, thank you for offering your time, energy, and talents.
To the new generation, the microphone is now in your hands.
Use it wisely.
Use it bravely.
Use it responsibly.
Use it to help others.
Thirty years of voices.
Thirty years of hope.
Thirty years of service.
Thirty years of creating opportunities for the Filipino youth.
One Voice. One Network. One Nation. One Future.
Mabuhay ang Kabataang Pilipino!
Mabuhay ang Voice of the Youth Network!
Happy 30th AnniVOICEsary!
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