Boy Abunda admitted that it was a “very long and difficult” decision to move back to GMA Network after more than two decades with ABS-CBN.
The country’s “King of Talk” formally became a Kapuso again on Thursday, Dec. 15, via a contract-signing at the network’s headquarters in Quezon City. Top executives led by CEO and chairman, lawyer Felipe Gozon, rolled out the red carpet, virtually and in person, for the TV personality’s “homecoming.”
“I’d like everybody to know… I mean, contrary to what (others think) because I have some friends who think that it was… It was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but it was a long, long negotiation time. We’ve been talking about this for years. But I never lost contact with my friends (at GMA) like Jimmy (Duavit, president and COO),” Boy told The STAR in an exclusive chat shortly after his contract-signing.
“The primary reason why I’m moving to GMA 7 is because we lost, I lost a network. I lost a home and I’m being welcomed with so much love by my previous and present network.”
Boy, who also writes a column for this section, further opened up about his decision-making process: “I’m very deliberate. I’m very methodical. I consider so many things like ito, nagpaalam ako ng maayos.”
He shared that he had conversations with his friends and former bosses at his previous network.
“It was not an easy decision. Goodbye is never easy,” Boy stressed.
“And I don’t want to burn bridges. I value relationships in the same manner ang daming iginalang din na requests ko ng GMA 7. And they waited patiently,” he further said, confirming talks that GMA reached out to him way before the COVID-19 pandemic happened.
The return to GMA may feel like a full-circle moment not just for Boy, but also for his fans and followers because it was with the network wherein he scored his first on-cam break, leading to a long and highly-esteemed career as a television host.
He described this latest development in his life as a “new chapter” but in “familiar territory.” He’s grateful and happy that he gets to work again with people he had worked with in his past GMA shows.
To recall, Boy would jumpstart his hosting career with GMA through such showbiz-oriented talk shows Show & Tell and Startalk from 1994 to 1999.
“They found me. I don’t know what they saw. Maybe because I talk too much? Hahaha!” Boy quipped when asked how he was first discovered and deemed perfect for the medium.
At the time he was first offered to become host, Boy was already doing well as a high-profile talent manager. So, what made him say yes back then?
“Wala. Gut feel lang,” Boy honestly said.
“I was just drawn to it siguro because I knew what celebrity was all about. I was drawn to the whole concept also of fate, maybe. And it was uncharted territory. Being on cam was uncharted territory. And that was exciting to me.”
Asked about his fondest memories from his beginnings at GMA, he said it was his very first show, Show & Tell, where he was made to dance a portion of the song that co-host Gretchen Barretto would sing before they would do their opening spiels.
“You cringe at the memory but you smile with joy, alam mo yun? How did I do it? Why did I even do it? Hahaha! I went through it. I went through the wringer to get to where I am today as an interviewer. I went through it. I went through the dancing… and the musical extravaganza,” Boy laughingly recalled.
“But not everybody was happy that I was doing television. I had some friends who found that decision unwise. They found that decision dangerous to my marketing and advertising career,” he further looked back.
But here he’s now, still relevant and one of the most sought-after.
“It’s probably because of my exposure in the business as an artist manager. I’ve seen people start from nowhere, go up to the highest peak of celebrity and then go down somewhere that you know everybody’s on borrowed time. I’m also aware that the one immutable law in the business is that nothing lasts forever. And so cognizant of the ephemeral nature of the business and knowing how temporary you are,” Boy reflected.
“You humble yourself. I mean, humble, that’s personal but at the same time, you know, you fight. You fight to get your stories, you fight to go and do your exclusives. You fight to be the best you can be. In one sentence, you know why? (It’s) because I remain hungry.”
By early 2023 (possibly January), Boy is set to do two shows, an entertainment-oriented show and a public affairs program, details of which will be revealed in the days to come.