For more than 15 years, Jhirber Galva “Mangu” and Ricardo Alegria have served as the voices of Hampton Roads’ only full-time Hispanic radio station, La Selecta WVXX, 103.3 FM/1050 AM.
La Selecta radio is much more than great entertainment. For Jhirber and Ricardo, it’s about helping people on a daily basis and remaining committed to the community.
Come along for an inside look at La Selecta, and meet Jhirber and Ricardo in the video above. Or, read the full video transcription below (lightly edited for clarity).
- Ricardo Alegria, CEO, Dos Media INC.
- WVXX’s Jhirber Galva (Mangu)
- La Selecta’s Community Involvement
Ricardo Alegria, CEO, Dos Media INC.
Ricardo Alegria, La Selecta – (00:18) – I’ve been working at La Selecta for 16 years and some months since 2005, when it started. We continue to work for the community. We are very grateful to help the Latino community here in Hampton Roads.
WVXX’s Jhirber Galva (Mangu)
Jhirber Galva, MGR, Dos Media INC. | La Selecta (00:45) – I am from the Dominican Republic. I’ve been here since 1996. Being a leader in the Hispanic community involves a lot of responsibility. It takes for you to to handle yourself in a different way when you go out in public or when you’re helping somebody out in the community, the way you treat other Hispanics.
RA (01:12) – I met my friend Mangu 15 years ago when he got into radio. We have the same objectives for the community. I feel great that we have worked together so long. Now that we’re co-workers, we are trying to make our dreams reality – grow the radio station and grow together now as owners.
La Selecta’s Community Involvement
JG (01:51) – We have a lot of relationships with businesses around, but to us it’s more than just having a relationship with the businesses. It’s figuring out how to also help and using the Hispanic community to help. That’s why we have a great partnership with St. Jude Hospital. We have a very good relationship with all the nonprofit organizations around the area.
RA (02:11) – Our vision is the same, but we are now more committed to the community. We will continue to fight to give them the most opportunities to grow so that people know we came to this country to work, to succeed, because this is the country where you can achieve your dreams.
While it’s clear the two are passionate about their Hispanic community Mangu finds for him it’s the best of both worlds. He’s pursuing his lifelong dream of being an entertainer.
JG (02:44) – I’ve always been in love with radio. So I figured that in 2006, 10 years after joining the military, it was time to get out and do what I really wanted to do, which was entertain people.
Mangu describes his afternoon time slot as therapy on wheels.
JG (03:11) – Our afternoon show… I think it calls for somebody to wind down. If you’re going home from work and you had a crazy day, you want to laugh, you want to relax, you want to enjoy. When you get home, the bad news is still going to be there on TV. So while you’re driving home, I want to make sure that you go with a smile.
The voices of La Selecta remain loud, strong and hopeful as they celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the growth of their audience for years to come.
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