Mexican Radio Host 'El Mandril' Conquers LA Radio

"El Vacilón del Mandril," a radio show hosted by Ricardo Sanchez, has become the most listened to program out of 71 different radio stations in the Los Angeles area, according to a new study conducted by Arbitron.

"The news took me by surprise and I was even a little frightened when I learned about it. I cried when I heard," the radio host said.

Sanchez was born in the eastern state of Veracruz in Mexico. As a teenager he moved to Ensenada, Baja California, where at times he worked as a house painter, a school janitor and a driver as well. Young Sanchez, became close to a man who owned a local radio station and he was invited to work as a janitor there. Soon after, Sanchez worked his way up to be a salesman and when a DJ called in sick, he took up the microphone and began his carreer as a radio host. "I was offered a regional show, but I wanted to come to America, it was my dream so I got here like most of the people from my country, as an illegal," he added.

"There is still much to do on the radio, so I'm excited about what is to come," Sanchez said during a speech at a recent event to celebrate the success his program has had.

His current show, which is broadcast on station La Raza 97.9 FM is carried on 25 different US markets as well as on the internet and on television on Mega TV.

"You have to enjoy the up's and down's. Sometimes you're happier when you don't have anything. Success is difficult because a lot of people claim to be your friends and then they attack you. There is a lot of envy in this world but if you work hard success will come eventually," Sanchez added.

Sanchez also recalled how years ago he had no money, and he was sitting on the sidewalk, with a T-shirt he had gotten from charity, waiting to see the Wilmington Christmas parade. "Four years later I walked the same parade as the Grand Marshal, after I had already become a succesful radio host in Los Angeles."

"Now, this new hallmark is exciting but it also helps me keep my feet on the ground so I can entertain and help Latinos in the United States," Sanchez concluded.