CinemaBravo

As the saying goes, a mother’s love knows no bounds—it’s an undeniable force that shape us into who we are in life. And what better way to honor this timeless bond than by launching a limited talk show with none other than the country’s King of Talk Boy Abunda himself? He’s excited to have guests like Bimby Aquino Yap and Andi Eigenmann. But first, let’s hear from Luis Manzano as he shares stories about his mom, the Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos, in the pilot episode of ‘My Mother, My Story’ this May 12 on GMA Network.

This Mother’s Day marks the start of a heartfelt series — the limited talk entitled ‘My Mother, My Story,’ hosted by Boy Abunda. Set against the backdrop of maternal love’s unyielding strength, this show promises to delve deep into a look into of the mother-child relationship, offering a platform for celebrities to share their intimate tales alongside their beloved mothers.

“It tells a mother’s story through the lens of the child and the story of the child. And there is that intersection… almost always that is bound by love and respect,” shared Tito Boy during an intimate interview with select media along with CinemaBravo in a cozy restaurant in Quezon City.

“Yun yung narrative arc. Do’n ka huhugot. Now how is it gonna be? It’s not an interview na parang this is investigative. Hindi. This is trying to get to know more the person, the celebrity, sa pamamaraan kung paano ang kanyang relasyon, paano siya pinalaki, or paano niya pinalaki ang kanyang magulang, ang kanyang nanay. It’s a lot more gentle, more relaxed, and very emotional.”

(“That’s the narrative arc. That’s where you’ll draw from. Now, how is it going to be? It’s not an interview like this is investigative. No. This is about trying to get to know the person, the celebrity, in the way of how their relationship, how they were raised, or how they raised their parents, their mother. It’s a lot more gentle, more relaxed, and very emotional.”)

Indeed, this serves as a personal project as it airs every second Sunday until October 2024.

“It started with me. This is my concept… My ‘Fast Talk’ family is behind this… We’re the same family working on this project. Yeah, this is very personal. Since this is very personal, I’d like to address that I am not diminishing the contribution of a father in raising a child.”

He continued, “Parati kong sinasabi that ‘Everyone: a father has a mother, a mother has a mother, you have a mother, I have a mother.’ It’s probably just a handle dahil maaga namayapa ang aking ama and I have a very strong relationship with my mother.”

(“I always say that ‘Everyone: a father has a mother, a mother has a mother, you have a mother, I have a mother.’ It’s probably just a handle because my father passed away early, and I have a very strong relationship with my mother.”)

In their first episode, Tito Boy will be joined by TV and movie actor and presenter Luis Manzano. Together, they will reflect on the cherished moments shared between Luis and his mother, Vilma Santos.

However, beyond the surface of laughter and closeness lies a deeper exploration into life’s intricacies.

“Meron kaming mga kinakausap ngayon katulad ni Andi Eigenmann. Hopefully, we’d be able to do Andi. I spoke to [manager] Erickson [Raymundo] for Julia Montes, because she has a lovely, compelling story. Jillian Ward, maybe. At sabi ko nga, pangarap ko, pero hindi ko pa nakakausap si Kris. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko ilalatag dahil priority ngayon ni Kris ang kanyang kalusugan. But it would be a dream to punctuate this first season in a very quiet conversation with my inaanak, Bimb.”

(“We’re currently in talks with individuals like Andi Eigenmann. Hopefully, we’ll be able to include Andi. I’ve spoken to [manager] Erickson [Raymundo] about Julia Montes because she has a lovely, compelling story. Maybe Jillian Ward. And as I’ve mentioned, it’s a dream of mine, but I haven’t spoken to Kris yet. I’m not sure how I’ll approach it because Kris’ priority right now is her health. But it would be a dream to conclude this first season with a quiet conversation with my godchild, Bimb.”)

Moreover, Tito Boy emphasized the personal nature of these conversations, stating, “It’s very personal to me—the emotional and revealing conversations with celebrities tungkol sa kanilang mga relasyon sa kanilang ina.” (“…about their relationships with their mothers.”)

“Ibabahagi nila kung paano sila pinalaki ng kanilang magulang, paano itinaguyod, paano nasaktan, paano naging masaya sa buhay, paanong tinuruan magmahal at paanong hindi natuto magmahal. Pag-uusapan namin lahat ng mahahalagang karanasan na humubog sa kanilang pagkatao.”

(“They will share how they were raised by their parents, how they persevered, how they were hurt, how they found happiness in life, how they were taught to love, and how they failed to love. We will discuss all the important experiences that shaped their personalities.”)

He assures that the show resonates universally, offering insights for everyone. “This is about us and our mothers.

“Makaka-relate tayo dahil lahat tayo ay anak. Proud kami sa proyektong ito. I had this concept a long time ago and we’re putting this together para sa inyong lahat.”

(“We can all relate because we are all children. We are proud of this project. I had this concept a long time ago, and we’re putting this together for all of you.”)

Through diverse perspectives showcased in this special, both guest celebrities and viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact mothers have on shaping individuals—instilling strength, independence, and love.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Tito Boy shared how his mother instilled confidence in him. He said, “Hanggang ngayon ang lakas ng loob ko dahil sa nanay ko. Nung bata ako, tuwing sasali ako sa mga amateur singing or declamation contest, sinasabi ng nanay bago pa magsimula na ‘you are my winner.’ Paano naman ako matatalo eh para sa nanay ko ako ang panalo.”

(“Until now, my confidence comes from my mother. When I was young, every time I joined amateur singing or declamation contests, my mother would say before it even started, ‘you are my winner.’ How can I lose when I am already a winner for my mother.”)

From birth to self-discovery, mothers play an irreplaceable role in their children’s lives. Their love and sacrifices deserve acknowledgment every day, a sentiment echoed by this special series.

‘My Mother, My Story’ is under the guidance of GMA’s Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group, Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Business Development Department II, Janine Piad-Nacar; Assistant Vice President for Business Development Department II, Enri T. Calaycay; Senior Program Manager, Cecille De Guzman; and Executive Producer, Reylie Manalo.

The creative minds behind it includes Head Writer Ardee Delola; writers Yani Bautista and Bam Salvani; along with brainstormers Suzanne Samson and Sheba Gopita.

Directed by Rommel Gacho, ‘My Mother, My Story,’ debuts this Sunday, May 12, at 3:15 p.m. exclusively on GMA Network.