Championing the Bisaya Language on Melai’s ‘Kuan on One’
Championing the Bisaya Language on Melai’s ‘Kuan on One’
Feature art by Miguel Angelo Toledo
Growing up as a Bisaya who loves watching television, I always wondered why our local shows are so Tagalog-centric. Every time I flip through the local channels, Tagalog words will immediately blast into the living room, from morning shows to entertainment programs to news, teleseryes, and even commercials.
With over 100 languages spoken across the Philippines, it only makes sense that there should be more platforms and time slots dedicated to non-Tagalog shows for non-Tagalog viewers in our local television. While regional television networks do exist and offer quality programming during certain parts of the day, they often lack the exposure we Bisaya deserve. In a time where diversity and representation are much needed, especially in media, we need more local entertainment shows and teleseryes that authentically represent our language, culture, and experiences.
Enter Kuan on One, a Bisaya comedy talk show created for the Bisaya or the Bisaya at heart, hosted by the proud Bisaya, Melai Cantiveros.
Kuan on One’s Title Card || Screenshot taken from Kuan on One’s ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube Channel.
The word "Kuan" is a Bisaya filler word, similar to "uhm" in English, used when you can't quite remember a specific word or name. This groundbreaking talk show features Bisaya celebrities, entertainers, and influencers who navigate the Tagalog-dominated Philippine media like Kim Chiu and Maymay Entrata, to local musicians like BINI's Aiah and Colet.
"Kamo na mag-adjust namo. Ang subtitles Tagalog." ("You’re the ones who will adjust. The subtitles are in Tagalog"),” BINI Aiah once said to the show’s Tagalog viewers, and she’s right. For years, we were surrounded by Tagalog media and gradually learned their language because that was what we were exposed to growing up. Now, it’s our turn to introduce them to the beauty of our language and how we are really “kalog” but also “mapainubsanon” (that means “crazy” and “humble” in Bisaya, respectively) .
Kim Chiu as the show’s first guest || Screenshot taken from Kuan on One’s ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube Channel
Some of the most well-known Bisaya celebrities today introduce themselves to us in the show's first three episodes, sharing their experiences as Bisaya: Kim Chiu discusses her culture shock upon moving to Manila, BINI Aiah talks about the difficulties of breaking into the local industry as a Cebuano and the success of her P-pop girl group BINI today, Maymay Entrata recounts her embarrassing and humorous school experiences, her struggles with the English language, and how she overcame them.
Melai Cantiveros’ loud and proud personality makes her the perfect host for this kind of talk show and part of the reason why the whole thing works. I have always admired her for her fearless expression of authenticity and her pride in being Bisaya. She came a long way since she won Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up back in 2009 and I’m glad she has remained consistent in her career and continues to make Filipinos laugh, whether through her vlogs or her appearances in film and television. She brings this kind of vibrant energy that is both infectious and endearing.
In each episode, there’s an air of comfort because Melai knows how to make her guests (and even us, the viewers!) feel at ease as they gossip and discuss various topics in Bisaya – in a familiar, lively, and humorous way. Melai's genuine approach creates a relatable and engaging environment that captures the essence of Bisaya humor and spirit. There’s no dead air throughout the show because Melai knows what to say, when to add humor, and when to get serious, ensuring that the conversation flows naturally to keep both her guests and the viewers entertained.
Plus, the show is unfiltered. The guests are comfortable talking to Melai—freely cursing, reacting in exaggerated ways, and recounting their most embarrassing, challenging, and joyful moments in life on screen as if the camera wasn’t even there. It's funny because, as a Bisaya, it feels like hearing gossip from a group of friends, which makes the viewing and listening experience personal and relatable.
BINI Aiah Arceta as the show’s second guest. Screenshot from Kuan on One’s ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube Channel.
This show not only entertains with its jokes and witty remarks but also provides some inspirational quotes about life. The host and her guests delve deep into meaningful conversations, offering words of wisdom and reflections about life and how the Bisaya people will handle and manage all of its challenges. The conversations they produced are not shallow; the guests actually dissect their own advice. For example, Maymay talks about how to find and improve your talent, especially in an industry where having one is expected.
There are also segments within the show that highlight the Bisaya language, such as "Ultimate Yawyaw," where they ramble their musings about life, and "Dakong Problema," where they try to answer some Bisaya questions.
Maymay Entrata as the show’s third guest. Screenshot from Kuan on One’s ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube Channel.
Melai’s "Kuan on One" is a much-needed representation for the Bisaya community in local mainstream media as it highlights the Bisaya language and provides a platform for Bisaya talents to share their stories. It’s refreshing, and I hope it’s just the start of something new.
What’s next? A Bisaya sketch show? A Bisaya teleserye? Come on, make it happen, please!
Catch Melai’s "Kuan on One" every Tuesday on ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube channel, or watch it 24 hours in advance for free on iwanttfc.com and the iWantTFC app.
