Boy Abunda admits sometimes holding back on difficult questions

Boy Abunda reveals why he sometimes avoids tough questions, saying restraint and empathy matter as much as fearless, headline-making interviews.

For decades, Boy Abunda has been the person asking the questions. But behind the confidence, sharp instincts, and fearless conversations is a story of uncertainty, courage, and taking a chance before knowing where the journey would lead.

Looking back at his career as a talk show host, Abunda considers his biggest gamble to be the moment he started. “Every talk show is a gamble. You don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said.

For him, the greatest risk happened during his earliest days in television: the first years, the first months, the first week, and especially his very first show. “I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t know where my very first show was leading me,” Abunda admitted.

Despite the fear and uncertainty, he described the experience as a “happy gamble” and a “joyful adventure” that eventually shaped his career.

Abunda acknowledged that fear was part of the journey. “To say that I wasn’t afraid is wrong. I was. Still am, but not as afraid anymore,” he shared.

Years later, the veteran host continues to embrace the unpredictability that comes with every conversation. For him, every interview remains a reminder that success often begins with the willingness to take a risk.

Beyond the risks he took in his own career, Abunda also reflected on the responsibility that comes with asking other people difficult questions.

Known for his bold interviews, he admitted that there are moments when he chooses to hold back not because he lacks curiosity, but because he understands the impact of his words.

“Marami naman. Maraming pagkakataon,” he said when asked if there were times he thought, “‘Wag ko na lang itanong ito.”

Abunda believes interviews should not be about confrontation but about creating a meaningful exchange between two people. While he continues to ask difficult questions, he also considers the possible consequences behind every answer. 

For him, the challenge is finding the balance between serving the audience and respecting the person sharing their story. “Being able to ask the hard questions is not always tantamount to winning,” he said.

After interviewing countless personalities throughout his career, Abunda still has one dream conversation he hopes to have.

The first name that came to his mind was Nanay Rovelyn, the mother of Rene Baterbonia.

Abunda said he would want to have a quiet conversation with her and ask a question centered on forgiveness.

“Will she ever forgive? And if she were to forgive, who is she forgiving?” he shared.

For the veteran interviewer, the most meaningful conversations are not always about controversy or public attention. Sometimes, they are about understanding pain, healing, and the experiences that shape people’s lives.

Meanwhile, Abunda brought his signature energy and wit to the OK Games campaign event, where guests were treated to a surprise appearance from his look-alike, Tito Bhoy, before the television host took the stage.

Inspired by his iconic “Fast Talk” format, Abunda entertained the audience through an interactive segment while highlighting the importance of balance, enjoyment, and responsible choices.

“I had so much fun,” he said, adding that events like the OK Games campaign offer people a chance to take a break from the stress and noise of everyday life.

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

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

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