Melai Cantiveros brings the Bisaya voice to center stage once more

November 25 ------ There’s a different kind of excitement in Melai Cantiveros’ voice these days — one that blends the festive giddiness of Christmas with the nervous energy of opening night. It’s season four of her groundbreaking talk show “Kuan On One,” and as its host and soul, the ever-lovable Visayan comedian feels every bit of the momentum of what she calls a growing, evol­ving program.

“I’m so excited because I know a lot of people will be entertained and inspired again by the new set of Bisaya celebrities we’re interviewing,” Melai declared in a mix of her dialect and Tagalog as she unveiled the new season’s poster at a media gathering in ABS-CBN.

Airing on the Kapamilya Channel and iWant, Kuan On One, of course, is the country’s first mainstream all-Bisaya talk show, anchored on the spirited, unfiltered, and proudly regional flavor of the Visayas and Mindanao. In three seasons, it has created a home for Bisaya humor, resilience, and lived experience, while winning over fans across language barriers. “Lalo na ‘yung mga hindi Bisaya pero nanonood pa rin, umaasa lang sa caption, kayo ang dahilan kung bakit nandito na tayo sa season four,” Melai acknowledged with her signature high energy and animated flair.

The GenSan lass doesn’t shy away from how deeply personal this platform is for her. After all, at its heart, Kuan On One is about telling stories that rarely get told about her fellow “Bisdak.”

When The T-Zone asked the “Pinoy Big Brother” winner what she believes she has shown the Philippines — and the world — about what Visayans are made of, she didn’t hesitate to raise their flag. That same spirit of bravery — of showing up fully, even when unsure — is what Melai says she sees in the guests who’ve appeared on the show, especially those navigating Manila’s entertainment scene far from their Bisaya roots. “The only choice you really have is to fight. But thankfully, when you have no choice but to fight, the outcome often turns out well,” Melai said, lifting her eyes to the heavens with gratitude.

As Kuan On One enters this new chapter, she promises that the Bisaya showbiz roll call will only grow. “Uubusin talaga namin ang lahat ng Bisaya! (We’re really going to get to all the Bisayas),” Melai joked. “Even if they don’t want to be interviewed, we’ll try our best.”

Source: manilatimes.net