10/10/2023
Choy Torralba: A Maverick Voice in Philippine Radio
In the dynamic world of Philippine radio, where careers can be as fleeting as headlines, Choy Torralba stands as a steadfast figure, his voice echoing through the airwaves for over three decades. His journey from a struggling entrepreneur to a radio stalwart is a testament to his unwavering determination.
Torralba's foray into radio was anything but conventional. Faced with setbacks in his business ventures, he took a bold leap into the intricate realm of broadcasting in the early 1980s. Long before the late Serge Remonde gained radio fame, Torralba was already making waves as a co-anchor on the nighttime talk show "Tug-ani Ang Lungsod" at dyLA, alongside Attorney Geronimo 'boy' Creer.
When Remonde extended an invitation to join the audacious morning show "dyLA Interaction," Torralba dove headfirst into discussions of public affairs. Alongside fellow hosts Boy Kiamco and Atty. Dave Ompok, they became a household name, dominating the airwaves.
During this time, fate wove the bonds of camaraderie between Torralba and Remonde, creating a friendship that would endure a lifetime. In their heyday, known as the 'Columbus of the Night,' they reveled in life's highs and lows. Despite facing marital challenges, they embraced their freedom, exploring the realms of flirtation.
One fateful day, Torralba's mettle was put to the test. Armed with nothing but his resolve and a handgun, he faced down a lone gunman, emerging victorious. "A scarless soldier is unworthy of a medal," he mused, a sentiment echoed in his legal battles against prominent figures.
Torralba, a self-proclaimed non-writer, shuns offers to join esteemed publications. Writing, for him, is a matter of personal taste, a realm he'd rather not navigate. His unwavering loyalty to Marcos remains a defining aspect of his identity, viewing the late dictator as a visionary with unparalleled achievements.
Credibility, Torralba insists, is the lifeblood of a broadcaster. He imparts wisdom to newcomers, emphasizing that persuasion through credibility carries more weight than rhetoric. In the age of the internet, where information flows freely, Torralba recalls the days of door-to-door interviews and makeshift reporting.
Today, Torralba continues to broadcast at dyRF, lending his support to political figures he considers friends. Beyond the political arena, his relationships are rooted in a deeper understanding of character. His moral compass guides him, anchored in a belief that goodness begets goodness.
Torralba may not possess the booming voice that dominates the airwaves, but when he turns his scrutiny on a subject, expect skeletons to rattle in the public square. His moral transformation serves as the bedrock of his being, encapsulated in a favorite saying: "Make God the center of your life. For he is a just God. And whatever you do always remember the golden rules of doing or not doing things to others. Good things can happen to good men...lastly... your foolishness will always go back to your body."
Panky So Torralba
