For decades, Boy Abunda has built a career around asking questions that reveal stories, emotions, and truths. But even as the Philippines’ “King of Talk,” he admits that every interview still comes with a familiar feeling: pressure.

“There is always pressure,” Abunda shared, recalling the words of tennis legend Billie Jean King: “Pressure is a privilege.”

For the veteran host, pressure has become inseparable from the work he loves. Rather than viewing it as a burden, he sees it as a reminder of the opportunities that continue to come his way.

“I don’t know what it is not to be pressured, so I ride the tide,” he said. “What I do up to this very day is critique whatever work I do. I think that’s the student and teacher in me. That one has stayed.”

After years of leading conversations with some of the country’s most recognized personalities, Abunda continues to approach every program with the same curiosity and willingness to learn.

“Pressure is indeed a privilege simply because you have work. You have people to interview. You have great guys to do conversations with,” he added.

Looking back at his long career, Abunda considers every talk show a risk especially his first.

“The biggest gamble was the very first years, the very first months, the very first week, the very first show,” he said.

At the beginning of his journey, he admitted that he was still discovering his voice and understanding the responsibility that came with being a host.

“I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t know where my very first show was leading me,” he recalled.

Despite the uncertainty, Abunda described those early days as a “happy gamble” and a “joyful adventure” that eventually shaped his career.

“To say that I wasn’t afraid is wrong. I was. Still am, but not as afraid anymore,” he said.

With countless interviews behind him, Abunda still has dream conversations he hopes to explore.

The first person who came to mind was Nanay Rovelyn, the mother of Rene Baterbonia.

“I’d love to be able to do a quiet conversation with Nanay Rovelyn,” he shared.

The question he wants to ask her is simple yet deeply emotional: “Will she ever forgive? And if she were to forgive, who is she forgiving?”

For Abunda, the heart of an interview has always been about understanding people beyond their public image.

Abunda also brought his signature energy to the OK Games event, where guests were treated to a surprise appearance by his look-alike, Tito Bhoy, before the television host himself took the stage.

During the interactive segment inspired by his iconic “Fast Talk” format, Abunda entertained the crowd while highlighting the importance of balance and responsible choices.

“I had so much fun,” he shared, adding that events like this offer a moment of enjoyment amid the noise and challenges of everyday life.

When asked about self-discipline in online gaming, Abunda emphasized the importance of personal responsibility.

“Importante. Kaya nga sabi ko kanina dapat aligned yung pananaw ko doon sa ‘your power to choose.’ Kailangan may disiplina. Kailangan you know that you have the final choice,” he said.

After decades in the industry, Boy Abunda continues to prove that great conversations are built not only on questions, but also on curiosity, discipline, and the courage to embrace uncertainty.