It was a year following the historic 1986 EDSA revolution when a talented, truthful, and God-fearing journalist graduated with a degree in Mass Communications, major in broadcasting at the Centro Escolar University in the Philippines. It can be said that it was because of him that Philippine journalism gained someone with innovative ideas and a taste for truth.
Daniel Razon’s debut in the industry was disc jockeying for a local FM station in Angeles City, Pampanga. But even at a young age, his talents made it apparent that Daniel was destined for greater things. “I don’t need you here. You should be in Manila using your talents,” said one of his station managers.
From Voice to Visual
And so armed with God-given talents and a dream, Daniel decided to follow his destiny in Manila. He worked for Mabuhay Broadcasting System’s KYFM, and Manila Broadcasting Corporation’s DZRH and DWST, popular now as YES FM, where Daniel took on an on-air persona named Dr. Clark.
It was when Daniel was working for Capitol Broadcasting as a station manager that he decided to shift career gears and move to the great audiovisual medium – television. He started as a news presenter for Channel 4’s Balita Ala Una with Luella de Cordova and eventually became the host of public affairs program Dakila Ka Pinoy.
Playing with the Big Boys
After six years of excellent journalistic work in Channel 4, the Filipino public noticed Daniel’s strong broadcasting qualities. And so did network magnate ABS-CBN that offered Daniel a job hosting Gising Pilipinas in 1997. Waking the Philippine audience with his beautiful “Gising Pilipinas, lahing kayumanggi” line, Daniel or “Kaka” became endeared by all.
But that was only the beginning of Daniel’s great broadcasting career in ABS-CBN.
He graced TV screens in hard-hitting shows like Compañero y Compañera, Abogado de Kampanilya, Pulso Aksyon Balita, Hoy Gising!, and Pasada Sais Trenta. His face also became popular amongst Filipinos all over the world with The Filipino Channel’s Kamusta Kabayan.
Well-known for his full-bodied voice and intelligent views, Daniel was then offered a job hosting Unang Hirit, a morning newsmagazine show of GMA 7. He was also a regular among the station’s news and public affairs programs like Saksi and FrontPage.
But now more than ever, Daniel’s career is at its peak. Daniel, who has become known as “Kuya Daniel”, is making waves not just for being an excellent journalist but also and more importantly, for being a stellar public servant.
The Emergence of Mr. Public Service
UNTV 37, the Philippines’ first and only public service channel, is where Kuya Daniel currently hosts and produces original and intelligent shows like Good Morning, Kuya! – a TV magazine show, national and international news broadcast, and public service program all rolled into one.
Showcasing his creativity and love for public service, Kuya Daniel’s Good Morning, Kuya! is popular for its one-of-a-kind, free medical, dental, optical, legal and even job-opportunities assistance for everyone. Adding to the list of public service being rendered are the free bus rides, MRT rides for senior citizens, free jeepney and multicab rides, and medical missions to the most far-flung provinces in the Philippines.
Kuya Daniel grants the meek wishes of the Filipino people with his program Munting Pangarap; and together with Aida Gonzales, he hosts Spotlight a program that features outstanding Filipinos and their inspiring stories. Being a firm believer of God’s words and inspired by Bro. Eliseo Soriano, the presiding minister of Members Church of God International, Daniel hosts Mapalad ang Bumabasa (Blessed is the Reader), a program that aims to promote Bible-reading.
Daniel also started the world’s first free store, where anyone can get food, clothes and other necessities without paying a single cent. He also has started the Philippines’ first free college education program, providing free uniforms, books, and even meals to deserving nursing and mass communication students in a college in Pampanga, the La Verdad Christian School. Currently, his free college program supports hundreds of scholars while a bigger school of the same name is currently under construction in Manila.
Acting and Directing a Movie
Daniel directed and acted in blockbuster hit independent film Isang Araw Lang: The Movie, a story about an honest ex-military officer turned jeepney driver who adopts street children and inspires others to do good in every way. Co-starring in this film are Emilio Garcia, Rey “PJ” Abellana, Robert Miller, Natasha Ledesma and Arnel Ignacio.
Much-acclaimed for introducing biblical values to modern digital filmmaking, the movie has been shown in and outside the Philippines. Fans of the broadcaster-turned-actor in different parts of Asia, America, and Europe watched as Daniel played a real-life hero role.
And in this case, life doesn’t imitate art. It’s the other way around.
As always, this cinematic endeavor is for the benefit of the poor and the needy. Proceeds of this runaway success went to the many charitable services of the Kamanggagawa Foundation, and Kuya Daniel’s free college education in Manila.
The success of Kuya Daniel’s directorial and acting debut promises his fans, supporters and friends to expect more creative and charitable projects to come their way.
