The King (of Talk) and I

(Part 2 … Continued from last Saturday, March 16, 2013)

And the bottom line is…

Being part of a nationwide talk show has always been an entry in my bucket list growing up; needless to say, Boy Abunda has been instrumental in making this particular dream come true. Throughout the years before The Bottomline, I was just content in being able to observe him in his shows (firsthand at the ABS-CBN studios) learning many, many things along the way. Having him as a friend and, in a sense, as a teacher, is a big enough blessing I dared not ask for more.

One advice from him: “develop your own style; only you can be the best version of you.” And while other mentors would teach their mentees to somehow lose themselves in training, Boy would rather build on what makes you distinct (my 'hybrid accent,' which is the by-product of the English, Tagalog, and Cebuano amalgamation, is what makes me different, and I should never lose that, he would insist). 

It's been one exhilarating ride since I got that call on August 31st 2009 from Anne Miraballes of ABS-CBN (at 10:15 in the morning, I remember clearly) informing me of that small role I was to play in what now is the multi award-winning show, The Bottomline with Boy Abunda.

Months prior, in the summer of 2009, Boy shared to me the concept of a new show he was developing, one that's interactive and in depth, a format that's never before seen on Philippine television (The Bottomline, his brainchild, was developed in collaboration with other brilliant minds in ABS-CBN, including Rappler's Maria Ressa who then headed the network's news and current affairs department). I was surprised when, several months later, I was asked to join the show as a 'bottomliner.' (“Wala gyud nag saba ni si Boy,” I thought to myself in Cebuano). Fresh out of government service at the time, it was a reinvention of sorts, an exciting challenge I was more than eager to take on. Being a mainstay bottomliner is an incredible experience that Boy has so generously and thoughtfully gifted me with, and like I said, a dream come true.

The five or so minutes of cumulative airtime I would get each week as a bottomliner in The Bottomline has since translated to a myriad of other opportunities for me. From joining Boy in representing the country, the network, and the show at the Asian Television Awards 2011 (where the show bested CNN's Talk Asia as the Best Talk Show in the continent), to being asked to endorse some respected brands through print or TVCs.

Never in my life did I dream of being a commercial endorser (at least not after the wasted opportunity of my childhood when I cut my own hair right before the shooting of a Tender Care soap TVC that I was supposed to star in. I know, just stupid.).  But because of Bottomline (and of course, because of Boy), I have been in two TVCs aired here and abroad! Plus, all the cool things that come with whatever modest street cred I've attained from being a part of the show (just some examples: airline upgrades, generous offers from companies to head their PR and communications departments, gratis repairs at tech shops, and of course, being invited to write a regular column at The Freeman). 

But more than the fringe benefits, I am most thankful for the chance to contribute to the national conversation, in being able to share my thoughts on the most burning issues of our time.

When I was recently offered to do a show at another channel, Boy was very supportive, called the station manager within the very same day, and offered his services and expertise in the development of the concept and format if we were to actually pursue it, pro bono. I am just at loss for words to describe the kindness and big-heartedness of the one and only Boy Abunda.

The bottom line is, Boy is such an intelligent, real, and very generous person. He's a great friend, a mentor, an advocate who actively participates and contributes to various causes (he has never said no to any invitation we would extend for our student group in USC, TINGOG Carolinian, of which he is a very active honorary member). He respects differences in opinion. He takes the time out. Anyone who has Boy as a friend should consider themselves blessed.

Like most of you, I believe that everything happens for a reason. Suffice it to say, since that fateful evening when the universe conspired that I should accidentally dial the wrong number (and could not have been so right in making that meaningful mishap), my life is changed. From personal to professional, Boy Abunda has most certainly left his mark, an indelible impact, that has changed my life (and how I see it) for the better.

I don't know how else to pay tribute to a great friend, mentor, example, a fine human being like Boy, than to live up to his shining example of being the best he is in his field, apart of course from writing this. Maybe one day I could find another way, one that is commensurate to how much he's influenced and changed the direction of my life. For now though, I hope this would suffice. Thank you, Boy! Thank you so very, very much!

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Email: [email protected].