Radio disc jockey and personality Papa Jackson, also known as Papa Jack, whose real name is John Gemperle, announced his departure from Energy FM after nearly nine years of entertaining listeners with his engaging persona.
The popular DJ on Saturday, January 24, shared a photo of himself inside the station booth with the caption: “I gave it my all. It was almost spiritual. It was a journey I can look back to and always be proud of. Thank you, all!”
As of this writing, his post has earned 51,000 reactions, nearly 300 shares and almost 760 comments.
Papa Jackson was a regular DJ of 106.7 Energy FM and hosted programs on the station with DJ Kara, including “Gandang Kara” through their on-air partnership “KarJack,” as well as with Kuya Chico.
His departure from the station prompted various reactions from Filipinos, including colleagues he worked with.
DJ Kara expressed her gratitude for their on-air partnership and wished him well in his journey after Energy FM.
“Today marks the end of an era after one decade… Thank you, KarJack, more than just a partnership — you truly changed my life. This journey was filled with tears, laughter, sacrifices, and countless emotions we shared together,” she wrote.
“We went through so much, and I will treasure every memory we created. I hope you will treasure them too. As painful and difficult as this is, everything truly comes to an end,” DJ Kara added.
“From the bottom of my heart, I hope KarJack brought you happiness, comfort, and memories you can look back on with a smile. Thank you to everyone who believed in us and supported us through the years. And thank you, Papa Jackson, for everything. I am wishing you happiness and all the best on your new journey,” she said.
Tita Cora of Energy FM likewise dedicated a post to Papa Jackson, describing the four years they spent together as a “rollercoaster.”
“Aaminin ko, na-miss kitang tawaging ‘kuya,’ na-miss kitang tawaging ‘manong,’ at isinusumpa ko na ang salitang ‘sir’ dahil tunay kang halimaw bilang boss kontrabida sa aming mga DJ noon, at ngayon ko lang lubos na nauunawaan kung bakit mo kailangang gawin iyon,” Tita Cora wrote.
“Dahil doon, natutunan kong mas mahalin at pahalagahan ang trabaho natin, kahit na minsan ay naging masakit ang mga desisyon mo,” the radio personality added.
“Ngayon na wala ka na sa posisyon bilang station manager, aminado akong may halong discomfort ang nararamdaman ko. Parang may kulang, kasi alam ko kung gaano mo ito pinaghirapan at kinareer. Pero sa parehong panahon, masaya rin ako dahil babalik na tayo sa pagiging tunay na magkapatid,” Tita Cora said.
“Sana sa susunod na mga paglalakbay mo, kahit hindi na kita boss, ay magkasama pa rin tayo sa ibang paraan, bilang magkapatid at kaibigan. Maraming salamat, Kuya Papa Jackson. Kapag umuulan at may dala akong payong, alam mong may espasyo ka palagi sa tabi ko. Mabuhay ka, at sana maging proud ka pa rin sa mga susunod kong gagawin,” she added.
The official Facebook page for “KarJack” also posted a tribute following Papa Jackson’s resignation.
“As a listener, this post truly broke my heart in the most beautiful way. For years, your voices were part of our daily lives, through good days, bad days, and everything in between,” the “KarJack Nation Official” said.
“You and Papa Jack were not just radio partners; you were a safe space for so many of us. Hearing this chapter end feels like saying goodbye to something deeply personal. Thank you for the love, honesty, and heart you shared with us. Those memories will never fade,” the page added.
Other listeners also took to the comments section of Papa Jackson’s post to share their reactions to his resignation.
“Kami ang thankful sayo. You have helped so many people throughout the years. And alam mo namang kung nasan ka, andun din kami. We are all so proud of you! This is not an ending, but the start of a new chapter for you, and for all of us as we move forward together. We love, loveeeee you forever and ever, Papa Jackson!” a Facebook user wrote.
“AN ICON IN THE INDUSTRY!!! Thank you for your service, PJ!!!!!” another wrote.
“You made Energy FM known and heard… Legendary PPJ,” another Pinoy commented.
Papa Jackson also served as a station manager at Energy FM but later stepped down to focus on being a regular DJ, where he could directly engage with his listeners.
The radio personality is known for giving advice on love, relationships, and life in general.
Before joining Energy FM, he spent nine years as a regular DJ on 90.7 Love Radio, where he began his career under the moniker “Papa Jack.” He rebranded as “Papa Jackson” after moving to Energy FM in 2017.
