Police cadet Koravic Jandon, or DJ Van, has just taken some time out from cadet school and won the Pioneer DJ Championship 2008.

BK: What made you want to become a DJ?

Koravic Jandon: Before I got to know hip hop, I was into rock. Then I saw that Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit had DJs in their bands. I was curious about how they managed to make that scratching sound, so I wanted to try it out.

BK: You’re in boarding school; how do you make time for DJing?

KJ: I study most of the time, but when I go home on weekends, I use that period to practice. And during the Pioneer competition it was my semester break so I had a lot of time to practice for that one. I guess that’s why I won.

BK: And what kind of music are you into now?

KJ: I think I’m best with hip hop. But I also like soul, funk and other kinds of music. You know, I’m a musician, too. I can play the saxophone, guitar, bass, drums and keyboard. I’m
not good at every instrument, though. As for hip hop, I am a DJ, a rapper and I can also beat box.

BK: Why do rappers swear so much in competitions?

KJ: It’s not good to be rude. It’s better to be sarcastic. You tend to bring out your skills when you’re not swearing.

BK: What is your strength as a DJ?

KJ: For every competition, I think I score more points on entertaining the audience. Like in my set at the Pioneer competition, I used ghostly sounds—the sound of the TV show Chomrom Kon Hua Look— then I acted like a ghost. It was fun.

BK: Do you play in clubs or go listen to other DJs?

KJ: I don’t have time to and I’m not a nightlife person. But I know DJ Jedie, he’s like an idol and a brother to me who teaches me about techniques and music. So when he performs,
I like to go see.

BK: People say a DJ drinks a lot and is a playboy. Is that you?

KJ: I’m not an alcoholic. I’m more of a social drinker. Being a playboy? If I have an opportunity to be one, I will snatch it. It’s a boy thing.

BK: Do you think what you wear is important?

KJ: No. I entered an MC battle wearing only a towel. It must have been an awkward sight for the audience. But it proved that you don’t have to wear expensive clothes to win.

BK: What’s your plan after you graduate?

KJ: I’m in my third year and will graduate next year. For sure, I will be a police offi cer and still make music. These past five years, I have proved that I can be a police cadet and hang out in the hip hop circle. That will never change.