'Barangay Love Stories' is first podcast in PHL to reach 50 million streams on Spotify

February 26 2025

By AEDRIANNE ACAR

The number one and popular Kapuso FM radio program Barangay Love Stories has cemented its place in the history of the music streaming platform Spotify, after its podcast amassed over 50 million streams and counting --- the first podcast in the Philippines to reach such feat.

On Wednesday afternoon (February 26), the representatives from Spotify awarded this recognition to the team behind the iconic Barangay LS Forever program.

Representing GMA Radio were First Vice President for Radio Operations Glenn F. Allona, Manager for FM Operations TJ Herrera, Barangay Love Stories Drama Director Papa JT, and the host of Barangay Love Stories Papa Dudut.

Meanwhile, attending the special event for Spotify were Podcast Partner Manager Philippe Disini, Partnership Lead Zafira King, and Head of Podcasts Carl Zuzarte.

Also witnessing the historic milestone were GMA Vice President for Comedy, Infotainment, Game, and Reality Productions of the Entertainment Group Janine Piad-Nacar, Vice President for Comedy, Infotainment, Game, and Reality Productions of the Entertainment Group Enri T. Calaycay, and Dennis Augusto L. Caharian, GMA New Media, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Augusto L. Caharian.

In a short speech, Zuzarte lauded Barangay Love Stories, “This is an amazing achievement. This is a global award, so not many are being given out across the world. And I am proud to say that Barangay Love Stories is the first award recipient in the Philippines.

“Keep it up!”, he continued, “The content speaks to the Filipino audience, right. It speaks to our users.”

For his part, Papa Dudut stated that this new milestone is a clear indication that they are able to reach their listeners not just on radio, but also online, too.

 “Sobrang saya as hosts for the show. We are the longest running for drama for FM and sabi ko nga kat JT kanina sabi ko, ‘Naka-ilang episodes na kaya tayo kung bibilangin?’

“Parang bumangga dun sa achievement natin ngayon na 50 million streams. Ganun kadami, katagal ‘yung pagbibigay namin ng kuwento pagibig, buhay, at pag-asa sa lahat ng mga listeners. Not only sa Radio, pero tumawid na tayo sa ibang platform, which is Spotify.

“At nagpapatunay lamang ito na authentic ‘yung pagiging number one at saka ‘yung goal namin na mareach out ‘yung aming mga listeners through a different platform. Nakakatuwa.”

Meanwhile, Papa JT told GMANetwork.com that this recognition that their FM program received is an added drive for him to continue to push and beat the competition.

DJ JT  explained, “Yung ‘yung drive ko lahat ng babangga magigiba. Meron tumapat sa amin ginawang 12 nn, binaba sa 8 pm. Pero guys, guys, giba! I’m just trying to break the ice, pero ang akin kasi that’s my mentality. That’s my drive.”

“Tsaka magkakakilala kami niyan.”

From left Sir. TJ Herrera, Papa JT, Papa Dudut and First Vice President for Radio Operations Glenn F. Allona / Source: GMA Network

GMA Radio big boss Glenn Allona reminisced the challenges their team encountered in bringing their content on FM to the digital space.

He stated,  “It’s both challenging and inspiring for us. It’s challenging because were used to and we were trained for the traditional broadcast media, which is radio. The digital space was new to us, but we were able to breeze through with success.

“It’s an honor to be recognized among the many record-setting shows on the platform.”

Allona added, “I’d like to congratulate our team of course, TJ Herrera our operations manager. And [Papa] Dudut our host and [Papa ] JT, our director and everything.”