Attention IOTA Hunters!
From the shores of Laguna Bay in Southeast Asia, and the western fringes of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) is proud to introduce to you new member 79DA168 Mike.
A knowledgeable citizens band technician with more than 30 years’ experience on 27 MHz frequencies, and a popular face amongst his radio colleagues in this part of the world, Mike connects with our club in mid-March, 2024, eager to cash in on the exciting DX prospects of solar cycle 25.
After some 3 decades as an independent operator, Mike is thrilled to be part of a professional radio club to support his aspirations for serious 11m DX , as well as further study as a licensed ham radio operator.
From his home QTH on Luzon Island, our newest Pilipino guy looks forward to some intense DX hunting with his new Delta-Alfa callsign and contributing to the 79 Division team’s impressive profile on the eleven meter band!
This world renowned island possesses its own reference number—OC-042—in accordance with the World IOTA Program, a system formerly managed by The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB).
79DA168 Mike lives in the Republic of the Philippines, a spectacular archipelagic country roughly 800 km off the coast of Vietnam (242 Division).
One of the most abundant sources of IOTA dxstinations on the planet, the Pearl of the Orient or Pearl of the Orient Seas as it’s sometimes known, is said to consist of more than 7000 islands and islets, stretching from the South China Sea to the Celebes Sea.
Alongside cloud capped mountains, pristine beaches and spectacular coral reefs, 79DA168 Mike can be found living on the country’s largest island, Luzon, in the streets of Biñan City.
Also known as Biniang, Biñan is located 35 km south of Manila and 52 km from Santa Cruz.
As well as the Pavilion and Biñan Central malls, 79DA168 Mike’s city is also notable for its popular summer destination, Splash Island (See pictured above and left).
In fact, it has a reputation as Philippines’ premiere water recreation themepark.
Another tourist hotspot—Tibagan Falls—is in Barangay Malamig.
This place is known as one of the locations for a film shooting featuring the Hollywood Action star Chuck Norris.
Lastly, José Rizal Monument Plaza, in downtown Biñan, is the major landmark of the city.
This tourist attraction is beside the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church which is also beside the old municipal hall, and the public market.
According to 79DA168 Mike, Biñan is “The Home of the Famous Puto Biñan in Laguna”.
This is a delicious type of pancake made from rice flour, topped with cheese or butter (Puto Biñan), with slices of savory salted egg on top to contrast the mildly sweet pancake base.
This city is also known for the production of shoes, slippers and Sumbrero hats.
79DA168 Mike has compiled a simple, yet effective, station for 11m DX work.
A President Lincoln II AM/FM/SSB Export Radio provides admirable DX proficiency from 24.715 MHz to 30.105 MHz, including prized Freeband frequencies to access the best HF DX band of them all.
Outside his shack window is a 5/8 vertical antenna which provides exceptional omnidirectional performance and delivers signals to any and all parts of the globe.
In fact, its close proximity to the waters of Laguna Bay, and subsequent ground plane, supercharge its operation.
79DA168 Mike escapes the tropical maritime climate by taking to the sea where one of his favourite hobbies is scuba diving.
He also enjoys hunting.
“I’m a retired law enforcement officer,” explains our popular Philippines guy.
“I worked for the Bureau of National Investigation—an agency of the Philippine government under the Department of Justice.”
“This agency is responsible for handling and solving major high-profile cases that are in the best interests of the nation…”
In a country famous for its abundant picturesque and sun-kissed beaches, as well as its passionate 11m DX Hunters, 79DA168 Mike monitors the international call frequency, 27.555 MHz.
He’s always up for a rag chew QSO with radio friends, but these days is committed to chasing DX and working new and rare countries outside of his Asia-Pacific region.
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