"I work very hard on my interviews but I’m not formidable. I’m a work in progress, I’m still under construction. My edges are rough. They need to be polished. I am still learning the tricks. I have yet to learn the art of ‘judicious interruptions’ of Ted Koppel. That’s one of the hardest things to do on air – to cut a guest when necessary.
"I have never been absolutely happy with my interviews. There is always a question that I miss out on, an important follow-up that doesn’t come out, a comment that’s out of sync or a question which was badly phrased. This is the reason why I always look forward to the next interview. It makes the job fun and exciting."
After three years of private conversations with politicians, movie stars, educators, priests and socialites, Boy Abunda and his staff do each conversation as if it were their first. For whatever flaws the show has, PCBA remains risqué, unapologetic and unafraid.
When it comes to Private Conversations with Boy Abunda you either like the show or not.
Cavite Represenative Gilbert Remulla: Boy has a knack for catching his interviewees off guard. I must hand it to his research team for digging up whatever old write-ups on me they could find and turning them into some really embarrassing questions (not that embarrassing me was his objective). His diverse set of questions left me no recourse but to let my guard down, almost to the point of being awkward. It was only sometime during the middle of the interview that I realized it was pointless to be stiff and that the best way to reply to Boy’s candid questions was with equally honest and candid answers. That made for a really funny and relaxed interview. It was one of the best interviews I’ve ever had.
Senator Edgardo Angara: Boy is a genius in prying from people what is supposed to be private and innermost. But he does it in a funny and human way, of course. It is only later that you realize what he did was a subtle inquisition, but while he was doing it you were totally engrossed. My interview with Boy was a combination of Larry King and Oprah, yet distinctly Boy Abunda.
Senator Joker Arroyo: Our conversation was intellectually challenging. His questions cannot be dodged. He comes to the show prepared. He doesn’t improvise. That is very satisfying to a guest.
Cecil Licad, pianist: I seldom give interviews but the one Boy conducted was memorable and well researched. As it turned out, I was able to reach a wider audience other than my usual CCP crowd. I liked his questions and the format of his show.
Raymund Isaac, photographer: Scary but exciting. Suddenly your life is an open book for all to see and judge. At the end of the day, you realize that Boy has this uncanny ability to put people at ease while slicing them in public.
Martin Nievera, actor: My private conversations with Boy are everything but that – private. Although you could swear that it’s just the two of us talking, we almost forget the world is watching. Boy’s interviews are always revealing, always exciting, always an unforgettable experience. With Boy, you want to open up, sometimes to a fault. I love him.
Bukidnon Representative Miguel Zubiri: We found Boy very witty and spontaneous and I had a great time in the interview. We were amazed my his knowledge of politics, showbiz and current events, More power to him.
John Silva, consultant, National Museum: It was absolutely wonderful. Boy had done good research and he asked good questions. I had a fun time. I thank him for giving me that publicity for the National Museum.
Ito Curata, fashion designer: I had a fabulous time. By nature, I am not comfortable in front of a TV camera. But Boy put me so much at ease that I probably said more than I should have. And by the way, he is one smart cookie.
Gaita Fores, chef: It was extremely enjoyable and heartwarming for me. Boy is tops in drawing his guests out and bringing out the best in them.
Surigao Representative Ace Barbers: I’ve observed that Boy possesses an uncanny ability to think and speak at the same time, which I think is a unique character in most hosts. He is witty and has depth and substance.