Nicole Hyala and Chris Tsuper. Image: screengrab from YouTube/Love Radio Manila
Radio personalities Nicole Hyala and Chris Tsuper have parted ways as on-air tandem after the latter left Love Radio to pursue public service.
The radio DJs announced this through their program “Tambalan” on Friday, Oct. 11, with Nicole turning emotional over the sudden departure of her partner from the station.
“Sa ngayon (For now), the path is unclear; bakit ako pupunta sa ganitong klase ng direksyon? (Why am I heading to this direction?) And for those people who are asking, I’m pursuing a new passion which is public service,” said Chris, whose real name is Adrian Policena.
“Wala po akong intensyon na umalis sa radyo (I had no intentions to leave the radio station) but there are legal requirements that we have to comply with,” he added.
Nicole further explained, “Chris is leaving because he’s running for public office… [There’s a] company policy that if you’re going to file your candidacy, it’s an automatic resignation on the part of the person who [ran].”
Nicole admitted that Chris’ decision was a “surprise” to her and to their staff, adding that she had even already thought about the 30th-year celebration of their tandem.
“Hindi ko naisip na hanggang 20 na lang pala (I did not think that our teamup would only last for 20 years),” Nicole quipped, noting that she was only informed of Chris’ plan two weeks prior to his exit from the radio network.
In an Instagram post, Nicole regarded the end of their tandem as the “most painful challenge” she has to endure so far.
“It’s hard to find the words to say goodbye to something that has been a part of us for so long,” she said. “This may be the end, but the memories will live on in each of us.”
She also clarified that she is not leaving the radio station because it is her “life.”
“Radio is my life and I cannot imagine a day without it. Hindi ko lang alam paano ang radio without Chris Tsuper,” she admitted. “[But] like all the other challenges I have conquered, this too shall pass. Pinakamasakit ito sa akin, pero malalagpasan ko din ito.” (This is the most painful [challenge] for me, but I’ll get through this.)
Chris has already filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for a councilor post in Lucban, Quezon.