How Gil Cuerva brings ‘guy perspective’ to foodie show

Gil Cuerva

Gil Cuerva has always been quite the talker. But whether or not that actually translates to hosting remains to be seen.

The 23-year-old Kapuso talent, who has been raring to expand his skill set as a celebrity, has replaced Rhian Ramos as Solenn Heussaff’s cohost in GMA News TV’s Saturday lifestyle show “Taste Buddies,” which is now on its sixth year.

“It’s my first hosting stint, and I want to prove that I can do it; that I can put my being talkative to good use,” Gil said. “I have been a guest in the show a few times before, but hosting it is definitely more enjoyable. I’m a little nervous, but excited. This is all new to me.”

He admitted that he still has a lot to learn, but it’s a challenge he hopes to conquer as he continues to do more episodes.

“I have a tendency to mumble my words, so I have to address that,” the model-turned-actor pointed out. “More importantly, I would have to widen my vocabulary, so that I could articulate my thoughts well, and describe the food better. I don’t want to do food tasting and just say, ‘sarap,’ every time!”

Gil admittedly has a rather conservative palate. But because the show is mostly about sampling different types of cuisine—and exotic food—he said he was compelled to be more “adventurous.”

“Before becoming part of the show, I usually stuck to what I liked and what I knew was good. I was unsure about trying food I have never heard of,” he said. “I wasn’t really into spicy food. Now, I can say that my tolerance for heat has gone up, because I’m compelled to try everything.”

Asked if he thinks he can bring something new to the table, Gil said he will give “Taste Buddies” a “guy perspective,” which, in turn, would hopefully make the show more relatable to male viewers.

“I can’t really cook. I can fry stuff, but that’s about it. But the great thing about this job is I get to meet different chefs, who teach me easy recipes or dishes that may appear complicated, but are actually doable,” said Gil, who was last seen in the late morning series “My Guitar Princess.”

“When other guys see that, maybe that would inspire them and make them think, ‘Oh, I think I can cook something for my girlfriend or mother,” he said.