This round’s on 987FM’s Gerald Koh

SINGAPORE — He’s the old new kid on the block. Yes, we’re talking about MediaCorp Radio 987FM DJ Gerald Koh, who now hosts the night show Itchy Pyjamas With Gerald Koh.

Why that name, though?

“I wanted something fun, like Muttons. So I came up with Pyjamas, which Vernon and Justin (from the Muttons) liked,” said Koh. “And the word Itchy added an edge to the name. I took the time to Google the word. To have an itch is to have a restless desire for what promises enjoyment. So, it all works.”

Koh left his other radio DJ stint at 91.3FM in March, with the intention of pursuing a degree, but after he was approached by 987FM, he jumped at the chance.

“After consulting my family and fiancee, they said to me: ‘Gerald, you are radio’. And it made sense because even after my studies, I’d still probably be choosing radio as a career,” said the 30-year-old. “So, I just went for it. 987FM was my big break and I simply couldn’t wait any longer.”

With his new show targeted at Singapore youths, Koh is planning on embellishing his one-man show with a distinctive attribute. “I’ll be bringing my show out with me. It could be Friday nights at your house!” said Koh. “My golden rule on radio is that my phone lines are always open to the public. If you call me and the phone’s engaged, it only means that someone beat you to it!”

But when it comes to his drinks, Koh’s selection is less muted than his radio persona might hint at. “I’m not the hardcore kind of drinker, so I’d always opt for white wine over red because it’s not as strong. I really hate getting a hangover. I’m a worker and I like to be thinking all the time. Hangovers are absolutely hateful!”

Q: What was your first drink?

A: Oh man, that’s hard to remember, I’m 30! Well, I think it was just after studying in college. I had a vodka coke at a place down at Mohammed Sultan. It wasn’t too bad, I could hold it well.

Q: Is there a place you’d cross oceans for their food or drink?

A: I like this place called Skyve Bar And Bistro at Winstead Road. It’s very affordable and my favourite dish there is the luncheon meat fries. They’ve got fresh oysters there too, I’m a huge fan of fresh seafood.

Q: Have you ever been picked up at a bar?

A: Never! I’ve never ever gotten a girlfriend from a bar. I don’t like to, I don’t know why. It’s just me, I guess. I’ve never gotten hit on either. I could lie, but the truth is never! (Laughs) When I’m at a bar, my friends and I talk about our lives. All my friends are in their 30s, busy talking about marriage and stuff like that.

Q: What is your take on pick-up lines?

A: Pick-up lines have never been sexy to me! I’ve always thought they were damn cheesy. If you walk up to a girl today in Singapore and use a pick-up line, she’ll just give you a dirty look and tell you to leave her alone. The stupidest one I’ve ever heard is: ‘Do you have a map? Because I’m lost in your eyes’.

Q: Most embarrassing experience under the influence of alcohol?

A: It was when I started drinking – I was only 18. I wasn’t drunk, just a little tipsy. According to my friends, I ditched my debit card and started taking out all my coins from my wallet and tried using them to pay for my S$23 bill. All of them were like ‘What the hell are you doing? That’s so not swaggy!’ Gosh, I must have been really blur then. Laetitia Wong

Catch Itchy Pajamas With Gerald Koh from Monday to Thursday at 8pm and Friday at 10pm on 987FM.