Ever heard of DJ Sam YG? Yes, he is Magic 89.9's jock who completes the crazy trio of the popular radio program the Boys Night Out or BNO which airs Mondays to Thursdays, from 6 until 10 in the evening. Ever since its conception around three years ago, BNO has been the talk of the town as this program is filled with lots of talks on the birds and the bees, flawlessly delivered (and usually green) jokes, tasteful playlist of pop and party songs, and not to mention the spur-of-the-moment kind of humor and charisma of DJ Sam YG and his fellow troublemakers, este, DJs Slick Rick and TonyToni. The show garnered positive reviews especially from its young listeners but also got a share of bad commentaries from its more conservative listeners. All the same, there is no stopping Sam as well as the two other DJs from conquering the Philippine airwaves.
"I'm happy with my job right now," says Sam. Who wouldn't love a job where you could get a lot of perks, meet a lot of people, and be sort of a celebrity? He gets lots of freebies, from clothing to food to vacation trips. He gets to meet a lot of people, from celebrities like Rihanna to ordinary people, not to mention the chikas (girls or chicks, in BNO terminology) like magazine cover girls and starlets.
But when asked if there is one thing he hates about his job, Sam says, "(it's) being misunderstood." As one of the masterminds of the controversial, closely guarded show by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines), Sam is usually perceived as a ladies' man, a maniac, and a party animal. In short, people see him as good for nothing. Sam's image in radio which makes the show interesting comes with a price to pay. "People think that we (DJs) are really maniacs, playboys...that we just talk and talk and make bola (flatter)...people forget that we're real people," he says. People are constricted to the nature of the show that they couldn't separate DJ Sam YG from just plain Sam. They don't know that there's more to this 25-year old than just being the charming Indian dude who seems to live up to a famous BNO tagline, "The boys are up to no good."
No one would really expect this guy who talks about sex and all sorts of foolishness on air to actually have had an education. But Sam YG, Sam Gogna in real life, graduated from the Ateneo where he took up Legal Management. Believe it or not, he was (and still is) planning to be a lawyer. He even took a corporate job right after college before finally deciding to be a full-time DJ and host. "It's not that I am not interested in law anymore but I just love what I'm doing right now," says Sam who started his radio stint in his junior year in college. This self-confessed nerd in fact has brains and substance.
Despite his charm and playboy image that exude most especially when he asks BNO's female guests and callers, "Are you single and ready to mingle?" (saying this as if having interest in the girl), Sam actually hasn't dated anyone for the longest time. He couldn't care less to get in a relationship or even check girls out that come his way for he is too busy and very much focused on his career. Aside from his regular DJ stint, he hosts two shows in MTV channel, Hanging with the Boys and Man and Machine. Sam could also be spotted anywhere around the metro in his hosting gigs. From proms to concerts to weddings, he got them all covered.
Too busy for love, Sam jokes, "I date my mom instead." True enough, he really does date his mom more often than go out with girls as he confesses that he's a mama's boy. Sam is even very vocal about his love and appreciation for his mom that he even said one time on air, "My mom's happiness is my happiness."
This naturally funny guy could actually be serious if he wants to particularly when it comes to his job. "Our show seems spontaneous, but I really prepare for it," says Sam who adds that he prepares for his show for at least three hours and even does research to come up with new ideas that will spice up BNO.
Sam's bad boy image, in-your-face kind of wit and intimidating looks matched with his usual get-up of branded shirts and flashy, top of the line Adidas sneakers give the impression that he's boastful and arrogant. Apparently, these impressions don't last long once people get to know him better for he is really a nice guy. Sam never ignores his fans unlike other proud media personalities. Whenever someone approaches him and asks for a picture with him, he gladly accepts the request and flashes a smile while gesturing the Boys' famous number three-like money hand sign. Sam even jokes around his fans and invites them to drop by Magic 89.9's station during the Boys Night Out timeslot.
Despite his rising popularity, growing fan base and thriving career, Sam still keeps his feet grounded and remains approachable. He does not choose who to talk to, whether it's Chris Brown he's interviewing or security guards and waiters he's greeting back. He makes it a point to actually greet the people on air who requested him to have them greeted. Sam also says that the perks aren't the things that he loves best about being a DJ. "It's all about making people happy...touching people's lives that make me happy," he says
BNO's mischievous nature goes hand in hand with Sam's radio jock image. However, Sam argues, "It (the show) doesn't have to reflect my values." His job as a DJ of a program like BNO requires him to put up an image that doesn't necessarily make up his entirety or even represent who he is in real life. DJ Sam YG on air is different from plain Sam off air. He is naturally funny and can sometimes be green-minded just like any other guy but it's not like he's a maniac or he's really up to no good. Underneath the up to no good impression is a boy who is actually good. So to the ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, for the millions and millions listening who have a twisted idea of Sam and who despise him, "Don't hate. Appreciate," as the Boys would always say.
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