Papa Jackson

John S. Gemperle (born in September 8, 1982 in Alcala, Pangasinan, Philippines), better known as Papa Jackson, formerly Papa Jack, is a Filipino radio disc jockey and television personality. He is best known for his former, popular evening-to-late night radio programs TLC: True Love Conversations and Wild Confessions on 90.7 Love Radio Manila, which simulcast on Love Radio stations nationwide. He is also the author of two books about love advice based on his program.

Early life and career

Gemperle came from a poor family in Alcala, Pangasinan. At the age of 10, he became a farmer, a hog raiser and a vendor. He joined and won a modeling contest while in his high school years before he went to Manila for his studies, and later graduated of mass communication course at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

While working as a call center agent, he would always listen to the program of Chris Tsuper and Nicole Hyala at 90.7 Love Radio. He later auditioned for the DJ search at the said station which he finally got hired and began his career under his persona known as "Papa Jack".^[1] In mid-2007, he started launching his love advice program TLC: True Love Conversations, which became one of the most popular radio shows until now. In 2013, Papa Jack and then Yes FM 101.1 (now 101.1 Yes The Best) DJ Chico Loco (Mark Jimel Gales) collaborated for their weekly program Gabi Na, Gising Na!, which lasted for 2 years.

He later ventured into television hosting, starting off with talk show Star Box, alongside Ali Sotto aired on GMA Network. In March 2015, he later became the host of his own program Call Me Papa Jack, which is based on his radio show TLC and it was aired on TV5.^[2]

He is also a brand endorser for Motorcycle store Motortrade, with rapper Gloc 9 and Julie Anne San Jose (formerly with Denise Barbacena).

On December 16, 2016, Papa Jack made his final broadcast of his nightly radio program, and eventually resigned as a DJ of 90.7 Love Radio. He did not cite complete details about his resignation.^[3]

On March 20, 2017, Papa Jack was renamed as "Papa J" and he transferred to his new station, 106.7 Energy FM. He launched his new program, Hello... STG (Sorry, Thank You and Goodbye) every Monday to Friday from 9pm to 1am. A month later, he was finally renamed again as "Papa Jackson", to avoid confusion with actor Jak Roberto. He also served as the station manager of 106.7 Energy FM. Every Friday, "Papa Jackson" and "Kuya Chico" reunite to begin a new program called "Gabi na Umaga Na" still in existing timeslot 9pm (Friday) to 1am (Saturday) and often extend to 2am when the conversation is too long. The title of the show came from Kuya Chico where in late evening the two DJ didn't notice the time is in early morning. "Gabi na Umaga Na" tackles about giving happiness, advice and relief to the caller and also as to all listeners and viewers (Facebook Live).

Personal life

Aside from his work at Love Radio, he is also one of the instructors for mass communication students at Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila, his alma mater. On weekends, he performs as a singer at Padi's Point.

On April 28, 2013, he married Toni Rose Maniago. The couple separated around 2016.^[4]

Filmography

Bibliography

• Everything I Need to Know About Love, I Learned from Papa Jack (Summit Books, 2013)
• Everything I Need to Know About Moving On, I Learned from Papa Jack (Summit Books, 2014, also a give away for August 2015 FHM)

Awards

References