WXB 102

The Station that Dares to Be Different

WXB 102: A Legacy of Alternative Music

A Revolutionary Radio Station

WXB 102 is a former FM radio station in Metro Manila and a current Internet radio station known for its daring music selection. The station played genres such as New Wave, punk rock, gothic rock, synthpop, electronic music, dance-punk, post-punk, and classic alternative rock. With music from the UK, US, Philippines, and other parts of the world, WXB 102 earned the nickname “The Station that Dares to Be Different.”

The Birth of DWXB-FM

DWXB-FM, broadcasting at 102.7 MHz (initially 102.5 MHz) from a house in Pasay City, was the first all-New Wave radio station in the Philippines. Since its disappearance from the airwaves on June 9, 1987, the station has achieved legendary status. Targeting the youth demographic, DWXB-FM brought New Wave music to the Philippine mainstream and became a platform for regional rock bands like The Dawn, Identity Crisis, and Violent Playground, promoting guitar-based OPM when most stations ignored it.

Early Beginnings and Evolution

Before embracing New Wave, DWXB-FM explored other formats.

• Late ’70s to Early ’80s: The station initially featured disco music and later adopted an American Top 40 format, branding itself as Cute 102.
• 1983: Influenced by DJ Mark Fournier and his Uncle Eric, the station began incorporating New Wave acts from the UK into its playlists.
• 1986: WXB 102 fully transitioned to a “new music” format, establishing a line-up of notable DJs, including The Morning Man (Inggo), Cool Carla, Julius Caesar, George Frederick (also Program Director), Fat Albert, and Allan K, who joined after an on-air search.

The Slogan and Influence

The slogan “The Station that Dares to Be Different” captured WXB 102’s pioneering spirit. The station became a hub for alternative music, even hosting block-time shows like Radio Manila and Capital Radio, which showcased the underground punk scene and avant-garde alternative music from the US and UK.

1987: The Final Year

By 1987, while New Wave was mistakenly deemed dead in the US, the genre was thriving in Manila. WXB 102 played a significant role in introducing unavailable albums to the Philippine market, often influencing local music labels to license these works.

However, political changes in the Philippines marked the end of an era. The Corazon Aquino administration sequestered properties tied to Ferdinand Marcos, including the house that served as WXB 102’s studio. Despite efforts to remain operational, WXB 102 signed off on June 9, 1987, marking the end of its terrestrial broadcast.

The Legacy Continues

Though its FM era ended, WXB 102 lives on as an Internet radio station, preserving its status as a trailblazer in alternative music and a cultural icon for generations of listeners.