Papa Jackson
John S. Gemperle, better known as Papa Jackson and formerly as Papa Jack, is a Filipino radio disc jockey and television personality. He is best known for his former, popular evening-to-late night radio programs TLC: True Love Conversations and Wild Confessions on 90.7 Love Radio Manila, which was simulcast on Love Radio stations nationwide. He is also the author of two books about love advice based on his program.
Early life and education
Gemperle was born in an impoverished family from Alcala, Pangasinan. At the age of 10, he became a farmer, a hog raiser and a vendor. By his high school years, he joined and won a modeling contest before moving to Manila for his studies until graduating with a bachelor's degree of mass communication at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.Career
2007–2016: Career beginnings; TLC: True Love Conversations
While working as a call center agent, he would always listen to the program of Chris Tsuper and Nicole Hyala at 90.7 Love Radio. He later auditioned for the DJ search at the said station and successfully got hired, beginning his career under his persona known as "Papa Jack". In mid-2007, he launched his love advice program TLC: True Love Conversations, which became one of the most popular radio shows in Metro Manila.In 2013, Papa Jack and then-101.1 Yes FM) DJ Chico Loco collaborated for their weekly program Gabi Na, Gising Na!, which lasted for 2 years.
He later ventured into television hosting, starting off with the talk show Star Box, alongside Ali Sotto on GMA Network. In March 2015, he became the host of his own program Call Me Papa Jack on TV5.
He also became the brand endorser for Motorcycle store Motortrade, with rapper Gloc-9 and Julie Anne San Jose.
2017–2026: Rebranding as ''Papa Jackson ''; Hello, STG
On December 16, 2016, Papa Jack made his final broadcast of his nightly radio program, and eventually resigned as a DJ of 90.7 Love Radio. Gemperle did not specify complete details about his resignation.Prior to his final broadcast on 90.7, his last co-host was DJ Kara Karinyosa ; the chemistry of both led to listeners nicknaming the tandem on-the-air as KarJack.
On March 20, 2017, Papa Jack transferred 106.7 Energy FM and launched a new program, Hello... STG . The show initially ran every Monday to Thursday from 9pm to 1am until the creation of Gabi Na, Umaga Na! on Fridays starting May 8, 2017 with the return of erstwhile collaborator Mark Jimel Gales. The duo would be later re-joined by DJ Kara on February 6, 2019.
Upon his move, Gemperle used "Papa J" as his new monicker, he eventually renamed to “Papa Jackson” on April 2017 to avert confusion and trademark issues. He also served as the program manager of 106.7 Energy FM until November 2018 when he was promoted to station manager following significant listenership ratings gains. Gemperle would resign as station manager in October 2025 but remained as a regular DJ on Energy FM until fully departing the station on January 2026.
2025–present: Petty Nights
In October 2025, amidst changes and uncertainity with his position at the station, Papa Jackson expanded his media presence by launching Petty Nights, a digital talk series on his official PAPA JACKSON YouTube channel, featuring a similar format of his earlier radio programs. Episodes of Petty Nights have been released regularly on the channel since.However, on January 23, 2026, Papa Jackson made his final broadcast through his weekly Friday evening program, and eventually resigned as a DJ of 106.7 Energy FM.Petty Nights has served as Papa Jackson’s main ongoing outlet since.
Personal life
Aside from his work at Love Radio, he is also one of the instructors for mass communication students at Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila, his alma mater. On weekends, he performs as a singer at Padi's Point.On April 28, 2013, he married Toni Rose Maniago. The couple separated around 2016.
Filmography
TV
Radio
Authored books
Awards