Dec. 2, 1998

Philradio International brings Filipinos together worldwide

SANFORD/ORLANDO, FL.-- PhilRadio International, an internet radio station which broadcasts live worldwide via WTRR Radio and Real Networks, has successfully filled the void for Philippine programming on the Internet.

PhilRadio International, features a variety of Filipino music and talk programs and primarily targets the millions of overseas Filipinos worldwide while also attracting Filipinos in the Philippines because of its fresh approach to Philippine radio and the growing interest of Filipinos in the internet.

Kathy Llamas, President and CEO of KLComm, a communications and marketing company based in Orlando, FL. put the concept together after it was suggested by WTRR Radio's General Manager, Joe Episcopo, who saw the success Llamas, who is Filipino, had with the station's local Spanish programs. WTRR's format is centered around international programs, mostly Spanish and ethnic programming and broadcasts LIVE worldwide through Real Networks.

PhilMusic Radio, which was the first program produced by PhilRadio International, has been the most successful Filipino radio program on the Internet, receiving over 4,000 hits on its audio file, the first day it broadcasted LIVE and it's file archived on the website. To date, it is the only Philippine music radio program originating from the U.S.A. and broadcasting LIVE worldwide.

"I think we touched a very emotional nerve, particularly in overseas Filipinos who have been away from the Philippines for some time", says Kathy Llamas, host of PhilMusic Radio and herself a 16-year radio veteran. "I certainly did not expect it to be this successful. We decided to use a grassroots approach, speaking in Taglish and just delivering good old Filipino music and trivia including requests and dedications. Even radio stations in the Philippines don't sound like this anymore.We started experimenting with the idea last Sept. 14, 1998 with the audio files. Then I went home to the Philippines for three weeks and did not go full blast into the project until I got back last October 13th and started the LIVE worldwide broadcast of the show". Since then, PhilRadio International has been averaging 7,000 hits per day and is the highest rated program on WTRR Radio.

"I receive an average of 50-60 emails a day from Filipinos all over the world who are sending their greetings, dedications and requests to their loved ones and friends worldwide", adds Llamas. The listeners are coming from all over including the Philippines, other Asian countries, the Middle East, Europe, Canada, Africa and of course, the United States.

Llamas goes on to say,"The advantage we have is that I have a radio station which gives full support to PhilRadio International. We are not considered a "stepchild" as is the case in most Filipino programs around the country who have to buy blocks of time from a local station to be heard locally. We have transcended the local market by going worldwide".

PhilRadio International's future plans include expanding its Philippine programming through the addition of another radio station affiliate and inviting all Filipinos who currently have Filipino programs or would like to have Filipino programs to partner with PhilRadio International and share in its success.

PhilRadio International's website can be accessed at http://www.philradio.com PhilMusic Radio broadcasts LIVE worldwide, Monday-Friday, from 8PM-10PM (EST) over WTRR Radio at http://www.wtrr.com Kathy Llamas may be reached by email at kllamas1@philradio.net.