The Philippine Statistics Authority's Population and Housing Census of 2020 indicates that the Bisaya or Binisaya language ranks the second most widely spoken language among households nationwide, totaling 4.21 million or 16 percent.
Regrettably, despite its prevalence, mainstream media persists in disparaging the Bisaya language, particularly when its accent is employed by individuals speaking in English and Filipino.
For proud Bisaya and ABS-CBN celebrity Melai Cantiveros, enough is enough and she is putting an end the mockery of her native tongue on her new online show, “Kuan on One.”
“Kaming mga Bisaya, hindi maiwasan na mag-self pity kasi malayo kami sa central. Pero itong show, parang it's let our voice be heard. Sobrang importante ito lalo na sa amin para mawala na 'yung mga separation ng mga Bisaya, mga Tagalog, para in one na tayo [We Bisaya people can't help but feel self-pity because we're far from the center. But this show lets our voices be heard. This is very important for us as we hope that the separation between Bisaya and Tagalog can finally end and we can all be united],” Cantiveros said in a media conference.
ABS-CBN's first mainstream Bisaya talk show, “Kuan on One” has the General Santos-born and bred discovery of “Pinoy Big Brother” featuring celebrity success and inspirational stories using the Visayan language.
“Ini ang talk show na para sa mga Bisaya ug mga Bisaya at heart [This is the talk show for all Bisaya and Bisaya at heart].”
Explaining the title of her show, Cantiveros said it highlights the power of the simple word “kuan” that is always used by Visayans.
“Pag hindi namin ma explain ang gusto naming sabihin, ang 'kuan' ay malaking tulong, filler siya. Tapos yung kausap mo, miraculously, naintidihan nya. Iba talaga ang power ng 'kuan.' Yung dalawang tao na hindi magkaintidihan ay biglang magkakaintindihan. [When we can't explain what we want to say, the word 'kuan' is a big help; it's a filler. Miraculously, the person you're talking to begins to understand you so the power of 'kuan' is really something else].”
Besides serving as a platform for the public to get to know Bisaya celebrities and for the Filipinos in Visayas and Mindanao to feel seen and heard through relatable experiences, Cantiveros furthered the talk show will spread joy to viewers.
“It's all about happiness. Here, you'll really cry from laughter. The interview in Bisaya is just for the guests to relax. We'll talk about their past and everything under the sun in Bisaya as they open up to me, 'Kuantie,'” the regular morning talk show host explained.
For 13 episodes, viewers are set to enjoy Cantiveros' candid conversations and interactions with her guests as they speak in their vernacular to discuss a hodge podge of topics.
Her special guest for the premiere was proud Cebuana and top Kapamilya celebrity Kim Chiu. Both a product of the reality show of PBB, the two talked about their showbiz journey and matters of the heart, among others. The pilot episode surpassed 1 million views just two days after its premiere on YouTube.
Among other guests schedule this season are Maymay Entrata, BINI members Aiah and Colet, Sheryn Regis, Vivoree, Jason Dy, and Christian Bables.
Kuan on One is now streaming on ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube channel and iWantTFC.
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