It’s the end of an era for the many loyal listeners of Magic 89.9.
Radio personality Sam Gogna, popularly known to radio fans as Sam YG, announced on Instagram his departure from the FM station that has been home to him for 17 long years.
“To everyone asking… Yes, it is true that I am resigning from @magic899. Big decision and bigger things ahead. Will talk more about it soon. Happy weekend,” wrote Sam on Friday, October 6, 2023.
The announcement came as a shock to the listeners of the popular evening radio talk show Boys Night Out, which Sam co-hosts together with Slick Rick and Tony Toni.
First heard on air on March 5, 2006, Boys Night Out captured the ears of listeners with its entertaining, anything-goes, and irreverent topics that caught the ire at times of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).
The program tackles subjects considered taboo in daytime radio — sex, intimate confessions by callers and guests — thus explaining its late-night timeslot.
The hosts also discuss current events, gossip, and random musings about life in general.
Sam joined the program in 2007 after original co-host King DJ Logan departed to pursue a career outside radio.
AMICABLE SEPARATION
In a separate post, Sam clarified that his decision to leave the program and station was on good terms.
He stressed, “Just to be clear. Walang nag-away. Walang nagkagalit.
“I believe I’ve given my all these past 17 years and I will forever be grateful for all the lessons I’ve learned and the lives I’ve touched.”
Leaving Boys Night Out is difficult, mused Sam, but he’s also “excited of what’s ahead.”
He continued, “I’ll be staying till the end of November so till then… Let’s make every show count and do @boysnightout899 like we’ve never done before, shall we?”
Leaving the country is not in Sam’s plans and he’d still be doing hosting gigs for various occasions.
Sam also joked that he’s not planning to come out on Vivamax, the streaming platform known for its daring and provocative content.
On a more serious note, Sam turned philosophical about his impending departure, saying, “Growth is often uncomfortable, messy, and full of feelings you weren’t expecting.
“But it’s necessary.”
Sam started his radio career in 2003 at 19 years old. The YG in his moniker stands for “young guy,” a term his bosses at Magic 89.9 would call him because of his youth.
Aside from being a radio jock, Sam also dabbled in television appearing in the program Wazzup Wazzup, and shows aired on channels QTV, and CNN Philippines.
He joined Eat Bulaga! as one of its co-hosts from 2009 to 2016.
Sam is also known for his other nicknames such as Shivaker and The Original Indian Sensation.
A victim of bullying in his youth because of his ethnicity, Sam renounced his Indian nationality to become a Filipino citizen in 2010.
Despite this, Sam would embrace his Indian heritage, stereotypes included, for comic relief.
Sam is married to Essa Santos. The two tied the knot on March 12, 2022, at St. Benedict Parish sa Silang, Cavite.
