The Mike Sounded Off

 Michael “Mike” Rogas was more than just a name on the airwaves — he was a force. A proud son of Occidental Mindoro, Mike lived his life with a sense of purpose, grounded in his love for our province and his passion for broadcasting.

Just this morning, I received heartbreaking news from his brother Milton. After two weeks in a coma following a stroke, Mike passed away. It’s hard to put into words how deeply this loss cuts, not just for his family, but for all of us who knew him, worked with him, or simply heard his voice on the radio.

Mike was in the prime of his life — still dreaming, still fighting to be heard. He was hosting Ronda Pilipinas alongside Lorenz Tanjoco on Radyo Pilipinas 738 AM when his journey was unexpectedly cut short.

He lived in San Jose, and a student leader at our alma mater, Occidental Mindoro National College. Even back then, it was clear: Mike was meant to be heard — not just by classmates, but by communities and, eventually, by the country.

People knew him as the “Mikropono ng Mindoro,” a title he earned with grit and perseverance. He made waves in Manila as a reporter and announcer for RMN-DZXL, and later, through other stations. But he eventually returned to Mindoro to launch Yantok Mindoro, his very own local station — a testament to his deep commitment to his roots and to local journalism.

What struck me most about Mike was his courage. He wasn't content to simply report from the sidelines. He got involved. He ran for office not out of ambition, but out of a genuine desire to serve. Though he never won an election, he never gave up. In his final campaign for a seat in the Sangguniang Bayan, he collapsed during the last Meeting de Avance. As ballots were cast, he was already in the ICU, fighting for his life. It was a moment that said everything about him: always in the arena, always giving his all.

I first met Mike when he was young reporter at DZVT and DZYM. He broke through provincial limits to reach the national stage — not by chance, but through hard work, curiosity, and resilience.

He studied law. He sharpened his journalism. He covered coups, presidential campaigns, and frontline stories that many would shy away from. Mike was never afraid to step into chaos if it meant getting the truth.

But more than the big stories or national exposure, it was Mike’s heart that people admired most. He stood for truth. He stood for the people. And he never hesitated to stand alone when needed specially during the Manila Grandstand incident in 2010.

Mike Rogas may have signed off, but what he stood for — honesty, bravery, service — continues to resonate. He is not a just a son of Occidental Mindoro. He was Occidental Mindoro, amplified.

Ramdam namin ang iyong pagyao.

 

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(Photo: YouTube)