Meet The Reporters

Collectively, Mabuhay Radio Japan – Worldwide’s team of reporters are known as the Senbatsu Patrol. The name was coined by Stephen Perez and formulated during the Christmas broadcast of 2020. The team started reportorial duty on January 10, 2021

Although the term senbatsu is more prevalent within the AKB48 system of Japanese showbiz, the same term itself is the general Japanese word for “selection” or “choice”. All in all, this team of reporters took up the choice to serve and were selected because of their inherent skills and commitment. As the CEO Edmar Estabillo puts it, “hindi sila dyas-dyas (basta-basta) lang” (They are not just picked up for the sake of being employed).

        Each Senbatsu Patrol has a designated badge number. They are not the movable numbered ranks like AKB48’s formerly held annual senbatsu sousenkyo but are an homage to the Philippine AM radio tradition where reporters are given military style patrol numbers that are permanently removed from circulation when a reporter retires or moves to another organization.

#1 – Edmar Estabillo

  • The founder and CEO of the radio station, serving as chief anchor and the team captain of the Senbatsu Patrol
  • Former RH 24 during his time at DZRH
  • Prior to establishing MRJW, he has also worked for Pinoy FM Radio Tokyo from 2017-2019
  • Happily married to Love Grace Gracias with their daughter Harumi
Patrol #2

#2 – Stephen Zaraspe-Perez

  • He was the very first reporter to be hired by Edmar-san and had been his understudy even during Edmar’s previous tenure at Pinoy FM Radio Tokyo
  • Primarily handles the Batangas Regional News Desk but has since evolved to become an all-around reporter, SB19 specialist and de facto Chief Field Correspondent similar to the likes of the late Jun Ricafrente of DZMM through additional overseas and sports beats
  • Government clerk during the day and also part-time columnist for a regional newspaper in Batangas
  • Legal Management bachelor’s degree holder and graduate of Masters in Business Administration
  • Favorite celebrities: Miyawaki Sakura/AKB48
  • Influences in broadcast: Edmar-san, Neil Ocampo, Renz Belda, Miyawaki Sakura

#3 – Maylyn Taruc-Agcaoili

  • Cagayan Valley deputy reporter
  • Also known as Mayyang Pasyadora
  • Roving areas: Claveria, Sta. Praxedes and Sanchez Mira, Cagayan

#4 – Andy Vital

  • MRJW’s inaugural digital infrastructure manager
  • Another of DZRH’s legends, formerly designated RH 15 before it was transferred to Jana Abejero upon his retirement
  • Also served as blocktimer with PTV 4, DWBL and DWIZ

#5 – Richard Gamiao

  • Deputy Cagayan Valley Correspondent
  • Tourism and human interest beat
  • Current youngest Senbatsu Patrol reporter

#6 – Reden Gapusan

  • Chief Cagayan Valley correspondent
  • Also a teacher for DepEd Region II before immigrating to Toronto, Canada in 2023