‘YSpeak 2.0’ hosts on the show’s timely revival: ‘Ang daming nangyayari ngayon’

Today’s youth is facing a time where everything feels uncertain. For starters, many are reeling from hopelessness and fear about what the future holds, especially since the country remains under political turmoil. Despite this, the hosts of “YSpeak 2.0” believe that now is the right time to learn from everyone and practice empathy.

“One of the things we should take agency in is that we play a part in this ecosystem that we live in, ‘yung pagkawala ng pag-asa,” Elijah Canlas, one of the hosts of the revived “YSpeak,” said in response to a question on why the revival of the public affairs show matters at this time. 

“Nowadays, maraming nangyayari — gera at korapsyon; ang dami nating nararamdaman — lalo na ang youth, uncertain [sila] sa kinabukasan natin,” he continued.

(One of the things we should take agency in is that we play a part in this ecosystem that we live in, a time where hope is lost. We’re living in a time when many wars and a lot of corruption are happening. We feel a lot of negative feelings now, especially the youth who are uncertain about their future.)

Canlas is one of the hosts of the revived public affairs show, which premiered earlier this month. He is joined by Aya Fernandez, KD Estrada, Ralph de Leon, Robbie Jaworski, and River Joseph, each of whom is involved in politics in some way, whether through serving in their respective schools or through public speaking. 

The original show, “YSpeak,” was hosted by Ryan Agoncillo and Karen Davila from September 2004 to September 2010 and was also previously hosted by Bianca Gonzalez. 

“Sa show na ‘to, gusto naming maipakita na maging bukas tayo sa pakikinig, diskurso, at opinyon sa isa’t isa, at maging payapa, at lumalim ang empathy for everyone in this country,” the award-winning actor said.

(We want to remind viewers that we need to be open to listening to discourse, each other’s opinions, have a positive discussion, and have a deeper empathy for everyone in this country.)

Aside from being open to different opinions, Fernandez believes that the show will remind the public to snap out of their hopelessness and take it upon themselves to push for change. 

“Ang daming nangyayari ngayon. Para sa akin, ang pinakamahalagang marinig ng kabataan ngayon ay: sa kabila ng nangyayari, ngayon ang panahon na hindi maging manhid, mag-back down, mag-freeze—especially na may tendency tayong maging overwhelmed. Now is the time to rise, listen, discern and act, and nandito kami para maging less intimidating and overwhelming ang diskursong political,” she said. 

(A lot of things are happening now. For me, what’s important is that the youth need to know that, despite what’s happening, now’s not the time to back down or freeze — especially since we tend to feel overwhelmed. Now is the time to rise, listen, discern and act. We’re here to make political discussions less intimidating and overwhelming.)

From the surface, Joseph and Jaworski seem like surprise additions to “YSpeak 2.0.” But both can bring something to the table, and both expressed their excitement to expand their knowledge.

“I realized na you can’t run away from politics. If you really care about the country and the Philippines and you really want change, hindi mo ‘yun matatakasan (you can’t escape it),” Joseph said. “The challenge [in doing this show] is the knowledge, experience, because we haven’t been outside in the field talking to people yet, and learning from them and knowing their stories.”

Joseph added that the show is a learning experience not only for viewers but also for the hosts. “But we as hosts learn, I hope that people watching behind the screen will also learn along with us. That’s one thing I’m very excited about, and [listening] to what people have to say.”

Jaworski, son of Pasig City Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski, said one of the things he’s excited about the show is learning the knowledge he needs at the right moment. 

“One challenge I have is seeking the right knowledge for the right time, which can be used for proper conversations. I embrace all of the things that might not even be a challenge, but the unfamiliar. I’m not looking at it as a challenge but as an opportunity to learn,” he said. /ra