Daniel Mananta

Name: Daniel Mananta
Profession: MTV VJ
Height: 180cm
Country: Indonesia
Birthday: 14th August 1981
Language: Bahasa Indonesia and English.
Hobbies: Anything about Japan, music, reading comic books, play soccer.

Barely six months ago, Daniel Mananta was a man without a career. Fresh out of Perth’s Edith Cowan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Daniel’s job hunt was littered with rejections. But life has a funny way of making things work out. For Daniel, the VJ Hunt opportunity came a-knocking and he found himself living the life of an MTV VJ. It sure beats being a banker any day!

Currently rocking the airwaves on MTV Indonesia, the affable 22-year-old has been bringing his fresh and unique personality to MTV since May 2003. To find out more about the man behind the radiant onscreen smile, LENNAT MAK got on the information highway with VJ Daniel to bring you this e-mail interview!

What were you doing before you became a VJ?

Well, I finished my bachelor’s degree in Business (Finance and International Business), which was back in Edith Cowan University, Perth. I went around to 50 or 60 companies with no luck in getting a job, except for a stint in Citibank for three weeks. So I decided to go back to Indonesia and work in my dad’s shop for a few months selling clothes. That was in November 2002… until I applied for the VJ hunt in April 2003.

Who do you look up to as a VJ?

I really like watching VJ KC from the Philippines. The jokes are really original and he kinda reminds me of Ali G.

What are some of the highlights of being a VJ?

I meet lots of artists, get free trips, meet lots of new people, get my voice used as a ring tone, people can download my face for their mobile phone wallpaper, and also play with me like a Tamagotchi on their mobile — by the way, these things never crossed my mind when I studied business — and many more experiences that I wouldn’t get if I wasn’t a VJ.

MTV fans have commented that you resemble VJ Utt. Any thoughts on that?

I personally don’t think I look like Utt. I mean he’s really cool and I can’t be compared to that! I really want to meet Utt though. See what his thoughts are about this!

You were previously in a band in Australia. What sort of music did you play?

Rock music. Something like P.O.D., Creed, Radiohead, Nickelback, Indonesian songs, Japanese songs, and lots more.

Why the urge to form a band?

Ever watched L’arc En Ciel’s 1999 Grand Cross Conclusion? Well, I really love that band, and they inspired me to sing! Even though you can’t really differentiate between my voice and screaming cats. Not that many people have complained though! One of my Australian friends, Ben, is like a master in playing guitar. He came by to my place and saw my friend’s drum kit. He told me to play the drums, but I couldn’t. Then he told me to play the guitar, and I couldn’t. So I sang!

Any plans to take the band further?

Umm, I really, really wish to, but I need to take massive lessons in singing.

What sort of music are you into?

J-Rock. Well, I really love jazz music as well when I’m in the mood. Kinda weird?

Who’s your favorite band of all time? And why?

L’arc En Ciel. Even though every member of this band has gone solo, I hope they will not break up because I love this band so much! The style and the songs just get me excited to start my day. The band members are Hyde, Ken, Tetsu, and Yukihiro. I could write a page about why I love this band, but let’s keep it short, huh?

You worked as a model while you were in Australia. Has the experience helped you in any way?

Nope! It was desperation for money. As I told you, I was running around looking for jobs, so one of my friends told me to try modeling. He said I could get millions of dollars if I made good. So I tried, but I guess I didn’t make it good enough. Though it was kinda fun to learn the catwalk and learn how to position yourself in front of the camera. Haha!

More Info:
Daniel Mananta MTV Interview
Comparison between VJ Utts and VJ Daniel

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