HOST Boy Abunda’s newest project, “My Mother, My Story,” is close to his heart.
“It’s personal,” said Boy at the show’s press con at Azador in Quezon City last Tuesday, “It emanates from my core.”
Among his many attributes, the “Tonight with Boy Abunda” host is recognized for his devotion to his late mother, former Borongan Vice Mayor Licerna Romerica Abunda. Even if it’s been more than four years since she passed on, she remains present in his life. Her portrait greets Boy in his home and he continues to have daily conversations with her. It’s really no wonder the concept of the GMA special, to premiere on Mother’s Day, May 12, came from him.
Airing every second Sunday until October 2024, “My Mother, My Story” will tell the life stories of celebrities through the lens of their relationships with their mothers. The program will air every second Sunday of the month until October 2024.
For the show’s pilot episode, Tito Boy will feature actor and host Luis Manzano.
Together, they will reminisce about the best moments of Luis and his mother, “Star for All Seasons” Vilma Santos.
“Ibabahagi nila kung paano sila pinalaking kanilang magulang, paano itinaguyod, paano nasaktan, paano naging masaya sa buhay, paanong tinuruan magmahal at paanong hindi natuto magmahal. Pag-uusapan namin lahat ng mahahalagang karanasan na humubog sa kanilang pagkatao,” he said.
He believes everyone can relate to their show and will learn a thing or two,
“This is about us and our mothers. Makaka-relate tayo dahil lahat tayo ay anak. Proud kami sa proyektong ito. I had this concept a long time ago and we’re putting this together para sa inyong lahat.”
Through the various perspectives in this special, guests and viewers will realize what they have become because of their mothers – how they turned out to be strong, independent, and loving.
Boy said twenty-five years ago, he had thought of becoming a parent.
“I was doing ‘Star Talk’ pa,” he related.
“I wanted to adopt [pero] si Bong [Quintana, his partner] ang may ayaw ang feeling. Kasi [adoption] has to be agreed by both parties.
“Ang problema namin nun, Bong was working as a flight attendant, so kulang kami sa oras. Ang sinasabi niya parati, wala na tayong oras para sa isa’t isa and then ano ang kapasidad nating mag alaga sa bata? We might be unfair.
“But I remember that time, I was insistent,” he continued, “Gusto ko talagang magkaroon ng bata. Gusto ko lang kasi maliit kaming pamilya. Dalawa lang kaming magkapatid, ngayon iisa lang ang aming pamangkin. I have an adopted nephew so we’re a very small family, pero napakalaking clan ….”
Ten years ago, it was his partner Bong’s turn to ask for a child. “Parang hindi na fair sa bata,” reasoned Boy.
“But I love children,” he continued.
He said he never felt pressured by his mom to have a child.
“I don’t know if it was love or respect na ang nanay, hindi talaga ng bukas ng conversation about having a child, about having a partner. Magkasama naman kami sa bahay, pero ‘di [sya] nagtanong.”
“My Mother, My Story” is under the helm of Rommel Gacho and airs at 3:15 p.m. every second Sunday.
