A glimpse beyond politics

In an engaging and unmissable interview series, seasoned talk show host and renowned interviewer Boy Abunda is set to fascinate audiences with a unique glimpse into the lives of mayors from various municipalities and cities across the Philippines. Dubbed “The Interviewer Presents,” this series will air on The Boy Abunda Talk Channel — also known as the Batalk Channel — which is available on YouTube and the official @therealboyabunda Facebook page.

Eleven mayors have enthusiastically accepted the invitation to be featured individually in this one-of-a-kind series, where each prominent figure brings an exciting story to the table. Viewers can expect to delve into these mayors’ diverse political ideologies and personal journeys as they engage in candid discussions in the video streams.

Seasoned talk show host and renowned interviewer Boy Abunda takes a break from celebrity features and puts a batch of noted town and city mayors on the hot seat. They are (clockwise from top left): Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano; Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro; Lucena City, Quezon Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala; Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez; Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda; Alaminos, Pangasinan Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste; Angono, Rizal Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon; Ibaan, Batangas Mayor Edralyn Joy Salvame; San Manuel, Tarlac Mayor Donya Tesoro; and Magallanes, Cavite Mayor Jasmin Maligaya-Bautista. 

Abunda emphasizes that his primary intent in hosting these conversations is not to endorse any particular candidate but, rather, “to introduce players in the political arena to my audiences as much as I can.” Each mayor is given the opportunity to introduce themselves, shedding light on their backgrounds and values, while Abunda’s probing questions extend beyond conventional political topics.

Last year, Abunda initiated a series of online political discussions, starting with presidential candidates, which he streamed across his social media platforms. The aim was to engage voters and provide insights into each candidate’s vision for the country.

This time, Abunda specifically asks the mayors after the state of their respective towns and cities after the still recent and prolonged public health crisis that crippled the world.

Netizens can anticipate an intimate conversation with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, where she will share insights into her life within and beyond the political sphere.

Following Belmonte, the first batch of mayors featured are Alaminos, Pangasinan Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste; Lucena City, Quezon Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala; Angono, Rizal Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon; Ibaan, Batangas Mayor Edralyn Joy Salvame; San Manuel, Tarlac Mayor Donya Tesoro; Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro; Magallanes, Cavite Mayor Jasmin Maligaya-Bautista; Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez; Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda; and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano.

While Abunda remains tight-lipped about the total number of mayors participating in the second batch, one thing is certain: he invests tremendous effort into each interview.

“I do research, I call people, I speak to people around my guests,” he reveals, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to delivering compelling content.

Abunda, who wears multiple hats as a TV host, teacher and talent manager, insists that his interview approach remains consistent across both entertainment and political realms.

Notably, his unique talent lies in his ability to make his interview subjects feel at ease while addressing challenging topics. Unlike relying on a set list of questions, Abunda opts for a more organic approach.

“I know everyone has a story, and I want them to talk truly about their stories,” he concludes, promising viewers an authentic and illuminating experience in each conversation.