I remember the ‘Boy’

Boy Abunda is admired by celebrities for being approachable and hardworking

I am paying tribute to Tito Boy Abunda who has been so kind to me all these years. It’s his natal day on Oct. 30.

Here’s what the stars say about the talk show host and talent manager:

GOV. VILMA Santos-Recto: He has always been respectful. ARNOLD ALMACEN

Vilma Santos

He is such a hardworking person and competent host. Even if he is a Noranian, he never said anything against me. I have tremendous respect for people like Kuya Boy, who are very loving to their parents.

Martin Nievera

Boy is an original. There is no one like him. His passion for passion is unmatched and bankable. His dedication to his craft and his friends can only be upstaged by his dedication to his family.

I have known Boy for almost 34 years now and to call him a friend is one of the greatest blessings [from] God.

On the day I had my very first photo shoot at the famous Roper’s Studio, I was without a song on the radio and barely two TV guestings to my name. In the middle of the shoot, I received a call I would never forget. It was from an up-and-coming writer who changed my life forever.

It was Boy Abunda on the other end. He was fast to announce that he was not a stalker. He was talking a mile a minute and shared with me his many predictions, one of which was that he thought one day in the near future, I would become a big star.

So he and I, to this day, through thick and thin, wait impatiently for that day!

AIKO Melendez considers him “a good soul.”

Aiko Melendez

My Tito/Ninong Boy is such a good soul. When I was so down after my breakup with an ex-boyfriend, he kept calling to check on me. When he heard me cry, he said he would take care of my detractors and answer questions for me.

Janice de Belen

What is admirable about Tito Boy is that he answers all the questions you ask him. He is a very open person, which makes him less-intimidating and more approachable.

Erik Santos

When I was still a newbie, he told me to seize every opportunity and that we are only as good as our last performance. After a decade in the industry, I still strive to live by those words of wisdom. He is not just a marketing genius but also a noble human being. Everything he touches turns to gold.

Kim Atienza

Boy is my kumpare. He is godfather to my eldest son Jose, who is now 13. He gave me advice on how to market myself well since I was in politics then. He also gave me sound advice when I was new on TV. He told me never to be complacent and to work on my craft all the time. I talked to him after his health scare last year. He told me to focus on more important things in life, relationships with people you love, and God.

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Time to shine

I’ve always been vocal in saying that Atak Arana is one underrated comedian. That’s why I am ecstatic for him because it is finally his time to shine.

Catch him in “A.T.A.K.: A Totally Awesome Konsert: Moment Ko ’To,” at the Music Museum on Oct. 30, 8 p.m.

Guests include Jolina Magdangal, Young JV, Carlo Aquino and Arnell Ignacio, among others.

For tickets, call 7210635.

Be ready for a laugh attack!