"I'm in a happy place. Firstly, I am overwhelmed by everything that is happening today. The management of GMA 7 welcomed me wholeheartedly." said vetera talk show host Boy Abunda on his official return to his first network GMA.
On Thursday, 5 December, he inked a new deal with the media organization during a formal contract signing followed by a media conference at Astoria Plaza, Pasig City.
Abunda was also quick to admit, however, that he will be lying if he said he doesn't feel anxious due to expectations placed on him.
The media personality began his TV career through the GMA talk program Show and Tell in 1994 and Startalk in 1995 before moving to ABS-CBN in 1999.
In his talk-show host element, Abunda gamely chattered about an upcoming show that he did not name yet and that will be released in January 2023.
When asked who could fill in the anticipated guest spot for the pilot episode, Abunda said the name of veteran news anchor and Mike Enriquez for a change of pace from the usual showbiz celebrities he features.
Abunda descrbied Enriquez as a "constant friend" although they don't always get to meet up.
"Just before we started this press conference, I can't help it, I have to call Mike Enriquez. He took my call. I will not, you know. It was a very private conversation. But I'm really hoping… he's a very dear friend of mine," he said.
Enriquez told Abunda in that phone call that he would not have forgiven the talk-show host if he had not called him.
He also mentioned celebrities like Heart Evangelista, Marian Rivera, the couple Maine Mendoza, and Arjo Atayde, Julie San Jose, Barbie Forteza, Carla Abellana, Tom Rodriguez, Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado, Paolo Contis, and Alden Richards to the long list of GMA personalities he wishes to interview.
Abunda teased that his show will offer fresh ideas and must stick to their must: the interview.
"I would like to invent interview tools, I'd like to discover interview styles, similar to how I played with my 'Fast Talk.' How it came about until it stuck to the Filipino masses. How I came about the interview tool that I use, mahiwagang salamin in Startalk," he said
Despite the show still being in the works, Lilybeth Rasonable, senior vice president of GMA Network Entertainment Group, assured Abunda will "do what he does best" and use social media platforms as part of what the show will offer.
Also present at the press event were, GMA Entertainment vice president Janine Piad-Nacar and Consultant Group Bang Arespacochaga.
Abunda said he reassessed his place in the industry and the weight of the "King of Talk" title. For now, he is "searching" as he finds his place again and said that he has no fear as this is a "familiar territory."
"I came from nowhere, I'm not afraid to start again. I'm not afraid to get into this chaotic world of social media," he added.