When in Manila, or any big city in the world, the events can tell you so much about the town! In a vibrant city like Manila, big events happen every second of the day. Despite the perennial traffic and the busyness of life, there are just some events that we would never dare miss! An event may last only for a few hours, but staging a successful event requires so much time, effort, and attention to details. Naturally, one of the most important factors when staging an event is finding the right person to lead and guide the big occasion for you. Selecting a professional events host who has the perfect mix of professionalism, charm, and wit is essential for any big event to succeed.
WhenInManila.com has been to countless events around the metro that feature the next big gadget, the next cool fashion trend, the next important person or simply the next set of “I DO’s.” From our extensive event attendance record, we gathered and interviewed some of the most professional and smooth hosts about their journey towards their hosting careers. They also shared the qualities they think every great host should have.
If you’re an entrepreneur or an events organizer looking for an events host, this list might help you find the one. If you’re a new host hoping to learn from the pros, we’re sure you’ll learn a lot from them. After all, experience is the best teacher—and here, they share what they learned through years of experience!
Here are 22 professional event hosts in the Philippines we recommend (in no particular order).
22 Event Hosts in Manila We Recommend
22.) Bogart the Explorer
Bogart is an explorer extraordinaire from Davao City who captured our attention via his funny viral YouTube videos. Bogart is also a TV show host on CNN, a drummer for a band, a voice talent, and an accent specialist.
What do you love about hosting?
I love to meet, socialize and entertain people. I get to do that whenever I host parties and events. Plus, not only do I get free party food, but I also get paid! How awesome is that!
How did you become an events host?
To tell you the truth, I don’t know. I don’t even know how I ended up doing half of the things I’ve done in my life. But whenever life gives me an opportunity–whether it be interviewing Hollywood celebrities, selling pandesal or hosting high profile events–I just try to enjoy the moment. And so far, it’s worked for me quite well.
What are the qualities that a great events host should possess?
Not every crowd is the same. I try to feel the audience as I go along to see what kind of humor would best work for them. Humor probably isn’t a requirement since I know plenty of good hosts who are not too funny but can carry a crowd well. But being funny will help break the ice and get everyone in the mood quicker and easier. However, good communication skills is very important to begin with.
Photo from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhihnyQg1XU
21.) Rico Robles
Rico Robles is a DJ for Monster Radio RX 93.1Â and a former housemate of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition. If your heart is ever broken, you can run to Rico to fix that as he’s also a registered nurse.
What do you love about hosting?Â
The ability to connect the product to the people, the ability to entertain many ,that for even for a few minutes, people forget their personal problems and be entertained.
How did you become an events host?Â
Started out in 1995 when I came home from Los Angeles. I would sing and host with my band in family reunions and events. In 1997, Â Kuya Germs discovered me and groomed me to be a host for our TV show then along with Aubrey Miles, Rayver and Rodjun Cruz and others.
What are the qualities that a great events host should possess?
The product or the event is the focus/star of the show. Your job is to connect the audience. Study your scripts ahead of time, memorize them if you can. Hosting is about carrying the show, not just reading onstage. Last but not the least, make it fun for everyone, from the event staff, to your co-host, all the way up to the audio people. Build relationships. It’s not all about the money. Building relationships will create your legacy with people.
20.) Karen Bordador
Karen Bordador makes up half of LIVEWIRE, a radio show on Monster RX 93.1. She plays Nikita Ponti on ABS-CBN’s Luv U, and is one of the founders of Sister Secrets, a growing online community for stylish and trendy Pinay shoppers.
What do you love about hosting?
I love being part of the biggest launches, concerts, and big happenings. It’s very flattering actually to be chosen as their host for these well planned special events. I used to be very disconnected with people when I was a lot younger because I was extremely shy and I my confidence level was very low… however hosting has really pushed me to be out there and I love it. The feeling of making people happy…makes me happy. I guess you can say… I feel “one” with the world when I’m hosting. I feel so FREE being on stage and I simply love it.
How did you become an events host?
I started as a model before doing prints and events. In one very big event… the host couldn’t perform his duties because he was extremely nervous so the organizer made me take over in the middle of the show. For the first time I hosted… and it turned out really fun. That brand has been hiring me ever since then! I’ll always be grateful for them handing me the mic and just trusting that I’ll be able to perform well. Until this day they hire me… and it’s been awesome. Now I’m not only an events host but a TV host too.
What are the qualities that a great events host should possess?
I believe a great host should be OPEN to the crowd. No hesitations…and just willing to connect with everyone. Being able to feel what the audience is feeling and knowing that you can hype things up. Also being excited and enthusiastic is a plus! Oh and most importantly… you gotta have some CRAZY in you.
19.) Gabe Mercado
Gabe Mercado is a hilarious performer and a corporate consultant. He often travels around the city hosting the funniest improvised comedy shows around town with his group called SPIT: Silly People Improv Theater. Most importantly, according to him, he “puts the pun in punyeta.”
Jay Block:Â He’s really good with cultural stuff and anything Pinoy. Â He’s a natural story teller and lends credibility as well to the event and topic at hand.
What do you love about hosting?
I love the spectacle and the ritual of events. There’s always something happening – whether it’s for your eyes or for your intellect, and there’s also always something meaningful in events – whether you a celebrating a birthday or a wedding or a product launch – it all means something special to someone.
How did you become an events host?
Ever since I can remember, I would be asked to host school events, parties and special presentations. I think I only got really good at it in the past 10 years though when I allowed myself to relax and enjoy and not try too hard at getting the attention of the audience.
What are the qualities that a great events host should possess?
A great events host listens very well to what the audience and partners on stage are saying, and a great events host is very efficient. I am not a fan of hosts needlessly prolonging an event with self-centered banter. Get your point across effectively, efficiently and in an entertaining way.
Photo by Sandro Paredes
18.) Lia Cruz
Lia Cruz is a Filipina television host, magazine columnist, endorser, and sportscaster in the Philippines. Lia is now with TV5, where you could catch her on Aksyon Alerts and Aksyon Tonite regularly on weekdays and week nights.
What do you love about hosting?
Everything! I grew up doing theater and dance, so I love the element of putting on a show, but I also love the spontaneity and improv quality of hosting, that’s my absolute favorite. I love the challenge of having to adapt to situations, audiences, interviewees, co-hosts. I love the exchange of energy that goes on, and the high I get after a show.
How did you become an events host?
I started out hosting on TV, and the events hosting just sort of came with it. Clients and agencies would contact me to host their events. I have been fortunate enough to have been on cam for a decade now, and I have been hosting events for just as long.
What are the qualities that a great events host should possess?
The ability to think on your feet is very important. Hosting is not merely about reading from a script. Also, the ability to read situations and people, so that you steer the program and show in the right direction while still being appropriate. Humor, of course, is a huge plus. As a host, you have the responsibility of putting on a show, running it, yet you are not the star, and you need to remember that.
17-15.) Boys Night Out
The “boys,” TonyToni, Slick Rick and Sam YG, together host an evening talk show that airs on Magic 89.9 called Boys Night Out. They are one of the most popular trios and radio DJs in the country. You could also watch them on CNN Philippines with their new show, Boys Ride Out.Â
17-15.) Boys Night Out
Sam
Sam has branched out from being a familiar voice on radio to being a familiar face on television. He is one of the hosts of Eat Bulaga, the country’s longest-running noontime variety show.  Sam experienced discrimination and racism when he was growing up. But instead of letting these drag him down, he incorporated these Indian stereotypes through Shivaker, the comedic persona that has made thousands of Filipinos laugh through their confusing hurdles with love. 2015 is proving to be a great year for Sam. Apart from being handpicked by E! Philippines to host Top 5 earlier this year, Sam also graced the cover of Men’s Health Philippines for July 2015!
What do you love about hosting?
One thing that I love about hosting – whether on TV, radio or live events – is the chance to add spice to whatever it is that’s going on. I feel fulfilled whenever I put smiles on peoples faces.
How did you become an events host?
Believe it or not, I started out hosting Org General Assemblies back in college. From there I joined radio which branched out to hosting on TV and events as well.
What are the qualities that a great events host should possess?
I think some of the more important qualities a good host should posses are:
1. Crowd Recognition – know your audience so that you connect with them.
2. Ability to adlib and “stretch” – things could go wrong along the way  (tech problems, etc) yet despite that, the show must go on and a good host should still be able to carry through.
3. Be a good listener – in as much as a host talks a lot, he/she should also be able to listen to the audience especially during interviews.
4. Confidence – being in control of the mic, a good host should also be in control of the event (regardless of challenges).
Photo from https://www.mb.com.ph/life-online/
17-15.) Boys Night Out
Tony Toni
Tony Toni is originally from Canada, where he finished a broadcasting degree at the National Institute of Broadcasting. He was soul searching in the Philippines in 1999 when he discovered his love for radio. Luckily, Filipino listeners loved him back! It was in 2006 when he became part of Boys Night Out. Years later, Toni is now an entrepreneur, a TV presenter, and a brand ambassador.
What do you love about hosting?
I think one thing we love about hosting is making people laugh and enjoying the special event.
How did you become an events host?
I started in 1999. Before radio, I was a promo boy going to different bars promoting or pushing sin products. One night, the original host for one of the events was sick so they asked if I could fill in for the host. I said, Yeah, why not!
What are the qualities that a great events host should possess?
Be able to capture the crowd! Also deliver the script very clearly. Be understandable and entertaining to the audience! Eye contact and ad-lib is definitely a must.
17-15.) Boys Night Out
Slick Rick
Being a DJ is his first job. According to him, he couldn’t imagine doing anything else. In previous interviews, he has described himself as the quiet and shy one. Slick Rick is often the voice of reason within his trio.
What do you love about hosting?
It’s the connection you get with the crowd. It’s always fun to just interact.
How did you become an events host?
It was from being a Junior Jock to event host. I learned how to be a DJ and they also taught how to be an event host. It’s related to the job and it became the way to improve my ad-lib skills.
What are the qualities that a great events host should possess?
Don’t take yourself too seriously when it’s a fun hosting job. Go with the flow. You should be able to think of things to talk about. Research on the project or product. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
