Boy Abunda is 'Asia's King of Talk'

MANILA, Philippines - Boy Abunda is now certainly “Asia’s King of Talk” as his late-night program, The Bottomline with Boy Abunda, was recently hailed as the Best Talk Show for 2011 in the 16th Asian TV Awards, besting top Asian programs, including Talk Asia of CNN Hong Kong and The Euthanasia Debate of New Delhi Television in India.

According to Abunda, who personally received the trophy in an awarding ceremonies held in Singapore, he was overjoyed when their show was announced as winner, he could not recall everything he said in his acceptance speech.

“I really thought I had gotten used to receiving awards but this one made me so nervous. I was in a daze that I could not even describe my reaction that night but surely it was way beyond happiness. All I can remember was that I proudly dedicated the trophy to my beloved country, the Philippines,” he said.

The 56-year-old talk show host also dedicated his latest accolade to the men and women working behind the camera. He paid tribute to the Bottomline staff who are all passionate in putting up the “best” episode every week. “In every episode of Bottomline, you can ‘smell’ the sweat and ‘hear’ the heartbeat of everyone in the team. Each one of us truly loves the show,” he stressed.

Abunda further shared that he was at first hesitant to attend the awards night because of her sick Nanay Lesing whom he has been taking care of since the latter was diagnosed with dementia.

“I was really confused if I was going to push through. Apart from the fact that I knew we were not sure that we’ll win since we were competing against the big names like CNN, I was scared to leave my Nanay. That was why I asked for her permission, to which she agreed,” Abunda narrated.

Bottomline’s particular episode that earned the award was that of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangundadatu’s guesting, which according to Abunda got the nods of the judges because of its “international appeal” as it tackled the highly publicized Maguidanao massacre. He remarked, “There was a unique rhythm and certain rawness in the episode that I think made it a standout. Perhaps the judges recognize that the show is young, brave, and adventurous.”

The Asian Television Awards, according to its official website, is “the Asian TV industry’s most significant and celebrated event, recognizing excellence in programming, production and performance.”

Meanwhile, Segunda Mano leading man Dingdong Dantes takes the “hot seat” tonight at 11:30.