Monica Dong: Singer, Artist, Dog Advocate, and Los Angeles Based Cantonese Voice Over Talent

Take a walk with Monica Dong where Hong Kong emigres gather and be prepared to make a lot of new friends.

Monica Dong

 It seemed odd to me that a radio personality in Los Angeles would be so recognized, but this DJ has a double-platinum record credit alongside  other former DJs at the wildly popular Hong Kong radio station CR2.  When Monica was at AM 1430, her ratings surpassed Howard Stern’s in the LA market, according to Arbitron ratings, now gathered for Asia Pacific radio stations.

Monica Dong is a unique voice talent, and her warmth and sincerity come from the heart.  Outside the studio she is a  very private person, and I am happy she was willing to share with us some projects she is currently working on, including the animal portraits from her book, displayed in this newsletter.

Mimi's Cafe Interview: Ted and Monica

 

 

Ted:  Let’s talk first about what is dearest to your heart; your work with abandoned animals.  Tell us about “Dogspell” and the accompanying song “I Didn’t Know” with your daughter Megan!

Monica:  As you know I have always loved dogs and currently have three dogs.  My main goal has been to educate the Asian communities in US, Canada, Australia, and NewZealand on proper and responsible pet ownership.  While Dogspell (English and Chinese) is a book telling people that every dog is an individual and has their own unique story; my infotainment website, www.chienchien.net, serves as an easy-to-navigate online aid (guide) for animal-lovers.“I didn’t know” was Megan’s first try as a composer.  We created the song to accompany the book launch in HK and LA.

"Dogspell" The Book and CD

While I do not work with animal shelters, I do send an annual contribution to my local SPCA and when I was made aware that the dogs at the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society were suffering during the winter because there was no heating system, I was the driving force for a charity show held in Monterey Park that attracted over 2500 people and contributions exceeding $64,000.   That was the first large-scale pet show organized by Chinese with appearances by the Monterey Park K-9 unit, CCI ( Canine Companions for Independence), the true descendent of Lassie, Disc Dogs of Southern California, Guide Dogs;  we also offered  free pet training, licensed veterinarian Q&A, Pet trick and Fashion contests, plus a 2-hour stage show.  Just for fun, I wrote a song for this 2007 event.

The Alarm Clock - Yumi, Yorkshire Terrier

Ted:  I have known you as a Voice Over artist for…what….8 years?  But only recently did I come to find out that you and pop singer Sandy Lam not only were DJs at the same Hong Kong radio station  but you had a double platinum record with Sony.  The details!

 

 

Monica:  Before I left CR (Commercial Radio Channel 2, the radio station with the highest listenership), one of my jobs was to train Sandy as our full-time DJ. After I graduated from Maryknoll Sisters School, I was hired immediately and trained to host prime-time shows for CR2.   Our station was wildly popular attracting young audiences. Our DJ’s were branching out to other media such as hosting TV shows, doing concerts, and starring in movies.   CBS Sony decided to take a chance and invest on our LP (Long play) music album.   Since our CR2 team consisted of only 12 DJs and one producer, my boss named us  ‘6 ½ Pair’.   I guess our album went double-platinum .

The Dog's Meow - Annie, Samoyed

Throughout the last 30 years, Sony kept repackaging and selling 4 of the more popular songs in different compilation CD’s.   Mine happened to be one of them because the song’s melody is very appealing.   Due to our popularity, EMI had actually offered me a record deal, I passed because I left CR to further my education in Canada.

Ted: How can readers tune in to hear you these days!?

Monica:  I have a weekly radio show that airs in SF, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Australia, and New Zealand.  My LA audience can find those shows archived on my website, www.chienchien.net.

Ted: How do you like acting in commercials?   Asia Pacific Mix is targeted to Ad Agencies in the Asia Pacific Ad Market.  What interesting spots have you worked on recently.

Monica:  I am currently getting called quite often by Joanna at All In One to be a voice for Verizon Wireless.

Readers who want a demo of some of Monica’s recent ad work can call Jessica at The Mix (310-260-9838), or email:  ted@themixsantamonica.com.

Readers who want to hear Monica’s radio shows, order her book, or know more about this extraordinary personality can visit: www.monicadong.com  

Also visit  www.themixsantamonica.com