Do you remember the widely beloved DZMM radio program “Knowledge Power”, hosted by the legendary Ka Ernie Baron?
Even during the Martial Law era, long before the advent of tele-radio or YouTube, Ka Ernie already had millions strong audience eager to have their health and general knowledge questions answered.
Known as "the walking encyclopedia," Ka Ernie always seemed to have the perfect answer. Many speculated that there must have been an encyclopedia or prompter hidden behind the microphone, especially since there were no cameras in the booth back then.
Ka Ernie first gained fame through his “Gintong Kaalaman” show on DZAQ and DZAS radio, before being invited to serve as a weather presenter on ABS-CBN's TV Patrol. His weather forecasts had a famous closing spiel, "Konting Kaalaman Lamang" (A Little Knowledge), which was later adopted by Kim Atienza.
Herbs and Cosmic Energy
This lean-and-lank man from Cavite was also regarded as a herbal expert, championing lesser-known plants like “tawa-tawa” and “pancit-pancitan” and his “pito-pito” tonic, claimed to cure a multitude of ailments.
“Pito-pito” was a concoction made from seven leaves: alagaw, mango, guava, banaba, and pandan, boiled for 30 minutes with anise and cilantro, then strained into a tea. Variations of the brew could also include seven barks, seeds, and roots from different plants.
For better health, Ka Ernie encouraged his listeners to consume raw leafy greens and other specific vegetables.
Ka Ernie held health lectures for free at his Kamuning headquarters, generating income only from the herbal teas and gadgets he invented, such as the Super Antenna and the Cosmic Triangle. These, he claimed, tapped into the power of the universe for healing and enlightenment.
One of his more unusual discoveries was "Energy of Forms," which he dubbed "Ernyforms", that could focus cosmic energy to sharpen the mind and preserve food. While many swore by his discoveries, others found these ideas a bit "out of this world".
Signing Off
Ka Ernie will always be remembered for his iconic sign-off spiel: "Knowledge is power. Kung walang knowledge, walang power!"
Sadly, his broadcasting career was cut short when he passed away at age 65 in 2006 due to a heart attack. He had been suffering from kidney and liver issues.
Enter the ‘Doktor Ng Bayan’
After Ka Ernie's passing, comparisons were drawn between him and health advocate, Doc Willie.
Dr. Willie Tan Ong, an internist and cardiologist, began using YouTube and Facebook as platforms to share practical health tips as early as 2007.
Known as the “Doctor ng Bayan” (People’s Doctor), he gained prominence in 2013 for his straightforward advice on healthy living and longevity. His wife, Dr. Liza Ong, added a new dimension to his broadcasts.
At the outset, Doc Willie’s audience quickly grew into the millions, and during the pandemic, his following skyrocketed to 10 million. Today, it stands at a staggering 22 million. While he has around 9 million YouTube subscribers, his channel is ranked 15th in the Philippines.
Unlike Ka Ernie, Doc Willie always cited medical sources and studies in his broadcasts. While Ka Ernie’s show was interactive and spontaneous, offering instant answers to callers’ questions, Doc Willie’s approach is fact-based, built on his years of experience in medicine and lifestyle practices.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Politics
Like Ka Ernie, Doc Willie also turned his popularity into commercial success. With his medical expertise and online fame, he earned endorsements and eventually launched his own line of products, including medicines, supplements, and beauty items, now sold through their online store.
In the 2022 elections, Doc Willie ran for vice president alongside then-presidential candidate Isko Moreno under the Aksyon Demokratiko party.
Unfortunately, their campaign yielded for him only less than 2 million votes by the end of the count. His defeat, however, did not diminish the trust of his followers, and his online presence only grew stronger.
Health and Resilience
Recently, rumors surfaced the Doc Willie must be battling with health issues.
On September 14, he finally addressed these rumors in a live broadcast, confirming that he is undergoing chemotherapy abroad for abdominal cancer. While some netizens attribute his illness to stress, others unfairly suggest that his health advice may have backfired. But Doc Willie remains optimistic that he will overcome this health challenge.
All the same, both Ka Ernie and Doc Willie leave an indelible mark on followers. Their invaluable contributions to public health and knowledge have cemented their legacies in the hearts of many and to stay long after their broadcasts.
(email opinyon.luchie@gmail.com, luchiearguelles@yahoo.com)
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