MANILA, Philippines – Boy Abunda wears a lot of hats – TV host, talent manager, columnist, speaker – and he’s added another cap to his multi-hyphenated career: book author. On Sunday, September 24, the King of Talk formally launched his book It’s Like This: 100+ Abundable Thoughts that will make you think and rethink what you’ve always thought about life at Shangri-La Mall.

The program was hosted by Bianca Gonzalez-Intal with some of his talents, such as Sitti and Gelli de Belen, present to give support to the event.

In an interview after the book launch, Boy said that the book began quite differently.

“I was actually writing a book on management – on managing talents. Napunta nga kami dito at naging trilogy nga po yung usapan ng ABS-CBN Publishing (We went to this and we discussed this as a trilogy with ABS-CBN Publishing). Ibig sabihin (meaning), my second book is actually done. It’s ready for printing,” he said. 

“It just happened. Nung naumpisahan namin, ang daming pagkakataon na huwag muna, ang dami kong trabaho. Hindi ko maituloy. Parang ganun (When we started this, there were so many times I hesitated because there was so much work. I couldn’t continue). Until you know, so many people helped.”

The book contains life lessons as well as essays he’s written for his column in The Philippine Star. Boy’s nuggets of wisdom touch on various aspects of life – his personal struggles, journey as a TV host and speaker, talent manager, LGBT rights advocate, and his love for his mother are subjects that will resonate with many readers.  

On fulfilling his dreams: At the top of my list was to give Nanay the best life. How? I had no clue. I was so hungry. I was willing to do anything. Eat fire? Walk on the wires? Sell the Jones bridge?!

On love: I suffered much pain too early. For a long time, I became numb, but then I found love in a dance studio. After 30 years, we still dance like we did on the first day we met.

On overcoming difficulties: I draw a lot of strength from my insecurities.

On LGBT rights: Gay love is equal to all forms of human love.

On what his mother taught him: Nanay taught me courage – not through her words, but through her way of life.

On managing showbiz talents: The bottom line of talent management is relationship. Managers and talents can be family, they can be friends, they can be lovers..then some file for annulment.

On being grateful: Say thank you as often as you can. It frees up more space in your heart for more blessings.

On heartache: The only way to manage pain is to feel it. Never deny it. Embrace it until it loses its power.

On staying positive: Every day, declare that you will be happy – and you will. if you’re not, then your declaration was half-hearted.

– Rappler.com