MANILA, Philippines — One of the things that draws Joy Barcoma to hosting is the opportunity to advocate for causes she believes in.
“It gives me joy because I’m able to utilize my voice,” she told The STAR in an exclusive interview during the recently held Kaogma Festival 2026.
“Not everyone can do that. I’m just so grateful that I’m entrusted with this kind of platform. It’s so big. There are a lot of people who are going to listen to what you’re gonna say. So, I make sure to make use of that every minute.”
Every time she has a hosting gig, Joy makes sure to get enough sleep as part of her preparation.
According to Joy, the most challenging part of hosting is knowing what to say on stage.
“You have to be careful with your words because a lot of people are listening, not just the older generation but also the younger generation (as well). So, you always have to make sure that what you’re saying onstage is something that can inspire and influence them to always do great decisions for the country,” she explained.
Asked how she doesn’t run out of witty punchlines to keep the audience entertained, Joy stressed that “active listening is key.”
“Active listening talaga is what’s going to propel you forward because if you’re not listening to what’s happening on stage and not listening to your co-host or the candidates, you won’t be able to say anything kasi hindi mo masusundutan or hindi mo masusundan yung sinasabi nila. So, I think that’s the most important part, you have to know when to listen and when to speak.”
Joy, a Miss Earth 2025 Top 8 finalist, was grateful for the opportunity to showcase her knack for hosting in pageants, such as the Miss Kaogma Philippines, where she was not only recognized for her title but also for her talent behind the microphone.
“I’ve always been keen on hosting big festivals and events. I’m just so grateful to be presented with this opportunity. What made me say yes to this is that I’ve always been close to the people of Camarines Sur. I’ve been here since 2021. I traveled frequently because of my work back then — we conducted relief operations for the people. It just feels like I have to be back here and use the platform again.”
Apart from recently hosting Miss Kaogma Philippines 2026, Joy continues to showcase her hosting skills through her appearances on GMA 7’s morning show “Unang Hirit,” her role as a celebri-peep on “The People Have Spoken” and her guest-hosting stint alongside Tuesday Vargas in Baus Rufo and Macoy Dubs’ podcast “Dogshow Divas.”
“I feel like it’s a new take or a new way of doing a podcast, that it can be fun. It doesn’t have to be so serious. You can always say random things and be just funny and be yourself and people will love you for it,” she said on why the “Dogshow Divas” became a hit online.
“I think more than the authenticity, people love it because we are free to be ourselves and they can relate to it. Sometimes, you don’t just have to sit there and talk about the conversation, you just have to be there and be present. That’s it.”
On why she’s always vocal about social issues, she said with a laugh, “Siguro dahil hindi ako lumaking mayaman.”
“I didn’t have many privileges in life from early on. And now that I get to see the real world, I get to experience a lot of things. I realize that not all people can get to experience these things in their lifetime and it makes me so sad. It makes me feel responsible and it makes me use my platform. It actually gives me more courage to talk about this because I know that I’m representing a lot of people, especially those who are underprivileged,” she went on.
She believes that “fear comes after that courage, so I’m banking on that courage first,” which is why she remains unafraid to speak out and express her voice.
Addressing her bashers, Joy chooses not to let their comments affect her. “I don’t deal with them. Haha! I just let them. No, no, no. I just make sure that whatever they say online stays online,” she shared.
“I don’t take it to heart because I value more what the people close to me are going to say about me. I value the comments and the advice of my loved ones more than anything in this world. So, whatever they’re gonna say about me, keep it online, just read it and then leave it at that,” she concluded.