The Sound of Optimism: How Happy Radio Restored Joy

Amid the bustling airwaves of today, a different kind of signal is cutting through: a clear, consistent broadcast of optimism. That is the sound of Happy Radio. Located in Tumauini, Isabela, this station—a collaboration project with 90 Degrees North Inc.—came from humble beginnings, but it is quickly establishing itself as a beacon of positivity.

Happy Radio owners, Mr. Bong Tenizo and 90 Degrees North Inc. President & CEO Engr. Achie Denna, share the remarkable story behind the station’s mission to restore joy to the airwaves.

Defining Happy Radio

The seed for Happy Radio was planted as far back as 2011, during Denna’s tenure as consultant for the Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ) for its 21st Learning Classrooms. The idea was sparked when former UZ President Arturo ‘Archie’ Eustaquio III tasked Denna with evaluating Radyo Lipay (Radio Happy), a 10KW AM station in Ipil Sibugay.

2017 saw the birth of UZ’s Happy Radio in partnership with 90 Degrees North. This online station served as the ‘music player’ for UZ campuses and its safety arm for emergency announcements and other related public addresses. Inspired by Radyo Lipay, ‘Happy Radio’ was coined by current UZ President Abram Eustaquio, perfectly capturing its intent: to broadcast inspiring and joyful content.

Expanding Happiness to All

In 2020, Denna asked Abram Eustaqio’s permission to use the ‘Happy Radio’ branding. Denna expressed that he wanted to build on Happy Radio’s potential in spreading information that is focused on good vibes and positivity. Five years later, the Happy Radio brand expanded as Bong Tenizo renamed his radio stations into Happy Radio. Tenizo’s radio stations are powered by 90 Degrees North, which serves as a strong foundation for its radio transmission.

In that same year, Happy Radio Isabela in Tumauini was officially launched — in Denna’s home province. Now with Tenizo and UZ, the Happy Radio brand continues to spread positivity in the airwaves, one frequency at a time.

Broadening Joyful Horizons

IN PHOTO: English Broadcasting team of the Regional Science High School for Region 2 last 2022

Happy Radio continues to work in expanding its borders and extending its capabilities even further. Tenizo promised that apart from delivering more interactive programs, more listener-driven playlists, and more digital content that complements traditional radio, Happy Radio aims to upgrade its signal coverage and to build branches across the country.

This effort includes specific regional plans, such as targeting Mindanao to reach more listeners and enhance the overall experience. Denna also shared a key development: the original 2017 online station in Zamboanga is set to find its terrestrial home in early 2025 through an affiliation agreement with ALIW Broadcasting Corp., fulfilling the brand’s potential in the region where the idea first sparked.