For someone who never followed or played sports growing up, Ron Manila is now fully immersed in that very world.
A sought-after disc jockey, Manila spins tunes for the Washington Commanders, Richmond Squirrels, University of Virginia basketball, and Top Golf.
“I’ve found a love for sports, and I’m sticking with that,” says the Chesterfield native.
Manila’s introduction to sports started with the Rugged Maniac 5K Run, held at Virginia Motorsports Park several years ago. He was just starting his side business when he applied for the DJ job and got the gig.
The all-day event included several different competitions, and Manila was asked to serve as host. There was only one problem: He had limited microphone experience due to a lack of confidence.
“I felt like this is the time,” he says. “If this is what I really want to do, this would be a good time to find it within myself to talk on the microphone.”
When he finished the event, Manila was unsure of his performance, but the director of the company was impressed and asked him to travel with them and DJ events across the country.
It all Started with a Pool Party
Manila’s love of music dates back to his youth. He didn’t think about working as a DJ until he attended a pool party during high school and spotted DJ equipment but no DJ onsite.
“I went to the car and got some CDs and put them in this mixer and started playing music,” he says.
A few days later, he bought his own equipment and started practicing at home. He started working as a DJ as a hobby about 15 years ago while working full-time at Philip Morris, where he has a 19-year career.
He very clearly remembers his first DJ gig for a fraternity party at Richmond International Raceway. “I got kicked out. I didn’t have enough music at the time. They paid me and said we appreciate your time, but we are doing our own music,” he recalls.
Manila started working as a DJ at weddings after his wife asked him to spin tunes at her best friend’s wedding. “Once I did that, I knew this was what I really wanted to do,” he says. “This is fun.”
About 10 years ago, Manila landed a job with UVA for a track and field event. “They wanted upbeat, high-energy music,” he says. “I was talking on the mic hyping them up.”
The athletic director was impressed and told Manila how much he enjoyed the energy he brought to the music he played. That conversation led to an audition for UVA football. “My audition was [to DJ] a live game,” he recalls.
There is a difference between spinning tunes for a pre-game session and a live game, he adds. “During a live game you have to follow a script. You have to find the right songs to play at the right time.”
After his first live game, Manila felt uncertain about attempting another. He found his lack of sports knowledge was a hindrance. His wife, Angela, encouraged him to learn more about the sports he DJ’d.
“She told me it would make me become better at my job,” Manila says, adding that is exactly what he did.
Manila has built his business through a network of event planners, word-of-mouth endorsements, quality work, and continuously learning and perfecting his craft.
“Working as a DJ is an art,” he says.
He has made a name for himself by creating remixed versions of songs. For example, he’ll play Journey’s song Don’t Stop Believin’ with a different beat.
Mastering that technique “makes you unique,” he says.
Support from his Biggest Fans
Manila’s wife and his three children, ages 10, 12 and 18, are his biggest supporters. “My wife is the MVP,” he says. “She brings the kids to all my events.”
While he admits his work as a DJ is fun, Manila does it for his children. “I tell them this could be you if you stay focused and work hard,” he says. “Just don’t quit. It gives them hope and vision. God has placed me in sports for that reason.”
And as for Manila’s knowledge of sports, it’s definitely grown. “I know what a first down is now,” he says. “Now, I feel like I could referee a game.”
