Transcript for:
Visayan Pride: Jason Dy's Journey

Let me hear a big round of applause! [DRUM ROLL SOUND] [SHRIEKS] Welcome, everyone! Welcome to the show, Kuanizens. Come join us for some juicy and heartfelt conversations. I am your Kuantie, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco. Get ready because this is.. Kuan On One! [CHEERING, CLAPPING] [THEME MUSIC PLAYING] Oh, look at you guys. Now, as you know, for the Visayans, even if they just met today or if they haven't seen each other for a long time, they act like they're neighbors who meet every day. That's why this person is very dear to my heart. He is a fellow Visayan, but you'd think he's not because of how handsome he is. You'd really wonder where he's from. He'll make you go, "Ooh la la". But unfortunately, I'm married. [EXCLAIMS] I'm just kidding. We're just friends having fun here. He is the grand winner of The Voice of the Philippines. Ladies and gentlemen, Jason Dy! [CHEERING, APPLAUSE] Hello! Hello! Good afternoon, good day, good evening, and good morning to all the Kuanizens. Good day, Jason. Thank you for joining us here in our AM radio station. - I'm kidding.

  • Thank you, thank you. We're here live on Kuan On One! [BOTH LAUGH] - Welcome to the show.
  • Thank you. I'm glad we have this platform where we can talk comfortably and share stories. - It's like we're not in Manila.
  • True. How is Jason Dy? Our Kuanizens want to know. I'm fine. I'm still handsome. I'm kidding. [BOTH LAUGH] That's how you answer it. How are you, Momshie Mels? They're putting up with my beauty. [BOTH LAUGH] That's how you do it! Anyway... I'm fine. I'm glad to be invited here because as you mentioned, it's good to have a show like this for us Visayan people where we can talk freely. And we can express our feelings. My brain won't have a hard time translating things into Tagalog. That's right. Can we just not talk in Tagalog? - Kidding. We're in Manila.
  • Let them adjust for us. Yeah. But, of course, Jason Dy is-- - Where are you from, Jason?
  • Butuan. Butuan. I just want to put it out there for those who don't know. Jason Dy is the grand winner of The Voice PH. Also, he's from Butuan. Is it true that the people there have a big...? Big what? Dreams. Of course. - We have big dreams.
  • In life. - Big dreams in life.
  • That's right. Our Kuanizens must be thinking of something else. We also eat a lot. They eat a lot and have big dreams. Just like you. Oh, what are you wearing? Is that Baclayon Church? [BOTH CHUCKLE] It's the Sistine Chapel. So we'll look holy today. That's how Visayan people are. We are big dreamers. And when it comes to our faith, - we are also...
  • Yeah. Now on this show, we have a topic to talk about. We can't have a conversation without a topic. We're not here to just gossip. We have a topic. Let me take it out from my esophagus. [BOTH LAUGH] Your esophagus is under the table? It's easier to get it from down there. No. I have it right here. It's a little wet because I'm sweating. Is that your homework? You should turn it in. I can't turn it in just yet because it still needs approval. So today's topic is written on this yellow paper. See, when you're from Visayas, especially from Mindanao... Mm. Yes. - Butuan is just near GenSan.
  • GenSan. You can travel there by land. I think it's about 4 hours away. By bus. We both speak the same language. We don't speak English in Mindanao, right? That's true. The English speakers are usually from Cebu. Yeah. But we're more comfortable speaking in English than in Tagalog. Yes. Wait, we're not like that in GenSan. [BOTH LAUGH] Or at least in my hometown. But he's right. Jason speaks English well too. Just so-so. So, today's topic is about how proud we are as Mindanaoan Bisdaks. We are proud that we were able to achieve our dreams in life. Thanks be to God. - Thanks be to God.
  • So, what is up in Mindanao and why are there so many of us who are-- You're a grand winner, right? You won in The Voice PH. And I was a big winner in Pinoy Big Brother. Maybe because they were forced to make me the winner. [BOTH LAUGH] So why are there so many grand winners and so many celebrities from Mindanao? What's in the land of Mindanao? That's their question for us. If it's not about the land, they ask what's in our waters. Like why are there are so many singers, great actors and actresses, and dancers from Mindanao? I don't know. But I guess when you're from Mindanao, or if they hear Mindanao, sometimes they think it's just one big place. But the truth is, there are many cities in Mindanao. There's Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, and GenSan, so... There are many talented people all over Mindanao. There's Padada, Davao... Davao alone is a big place. There are so many places. But the best part here is... See, Mindanao is really far. We're at the very bottom of the Philippines, right? Yes, we're at the bottom. But why did we "penetrate" Manila? What's "penetrate" in Cebuano? I don't know. [BOTH LAUGH] To enter. Why did we enter Manila even though it's so far away? We'd even wonder what's so special about Manila. Why is it always Manila? - Mm. That's true.
  • Right? Did you ever ask those questions? Well, back then. Because I had a dream of becoming a singer someday. I wanted to perform on ASAP and on It's Showtime. Oh, you'd watch those shows? Yes. I'm a huge fan. My wish was that if I became a musician or... if I became a part of the music industry, I'd perform on ASAP and be with my idols. When I was a kid, I really thought it was far-fetched since I have to go all the way to Manila. It's a big city so there would be a lot of competition. And they speak Tagalog. Yes. They speak Tagalog, so there's a language barrier. And you can't just go to your mom and say, "Ma, I need money to go there and audition." She'll just say, "Shut up!" You can use that 1,000 or 5,000 peso fare to buy rice. You can't risk the money because you don't know if you'll get in. That's true. Back then, you'd have to ride the ferry. Manila wasn't very accessible. Right? So, it was really hard for us back then to join the auditions, right? - Yes.
  • But there was still a time when we dreamed of going to Manila. Mm. That's right. Why? Because in Mindanao, we'd see on ABS-CBN shows how beautiful Manila is. Mm. This is the center of entertainment. Although we're far away, we could see that in Manila, we'll have a magandang buhay (wonderful life). [BOTH EXCLAIM] That's our perception, right? How about your classmates back then? Do you remember any experiences where you all shared the dream of going to Manila? And you'd say it will happen someday? Back then, we felt like it was impossible. Personally, I thought it was impossible since Manila is far and that I wouldn't make it because there are so many talented people all over the Philippines. I mean, who am I? You are talented. Oh, not really. But when I was a kid, I could see myself becoming a singer someday. I just wasn't sure how I'd do it. You weren't sure how it would happen, but you knew that you'd become a singer. Yes. There were times when I'd pretend in the shower and sing in front of the mirror. I'd use the shampoo bottle as a microphone. Or sometimes, I'd pretend I was recording a song. So I've manifested that since I was a kid. I just wasn't sure how I'd do it, but I knew I'd get there eventually. That's what I saw in my future. Actually, even those dreams that we didn't plan on pursuing, God will give them to you. - Exactly.
  • He will put it in your head. He will make a way. You wouldn't think it's impossible because He'll whisper to you, "It's possible." "We'll find a way to do it at the right time." Wasn't your mother abroad during that time? She was working in Singapore then. To support your education. What course did you take? When I went to college-- That's why I came to Manila. It wasn't because I wanted to become a singer. I came to Manila for college, so... You asked your mom if you could go there for college? Yeah, it was also my dream to study in Manila. - Which college did you go to?
  • I went to UST. - Did you take up nursing?
  • I studied computer science. Well, for me, I just wanted to get a taste of what life is like in Manila so I could get out of my bubble. I had a lot of friends and classmates who wanted to try and see the opportunities in Manila. So I took the entrance exams and made it in UST. This was the first time I came to Manila. Adjustment is really hard. They're Tagalogs. To speak English is definitely my biggest adjustment. Yung language and how i communicate in kuan. So you don't know how to speak English? Not really too much. The hardness of my brother. Your Tagalog is so smooth. I thought you were a local here. It's been a while, it's kind of like getting used to it. I felt like I had been in Manila for 7 years. The language barrier is very difficult. But why is it that your last name is Dy? My dad is half-Chinese . So kuan me, I'm one-fourth Chinese. Your son will be one-eighth? Yes. He's 1/8. Until it's 1/16 gone. Does your father have the first name "Dad" and the last name "Dy"? - Dad Dy.
  • Dad Dy? [LAUGHING] Just kidding! - You're so bright. Whoo!
  • Of course. What a joker! Anyway, you're partly Chinese? Yes. So, what happened to you? Was that where you started your dream of going to Manila - to pretend to study?
  • Yeah. But it was all pretend. He told his mother that he was going to study. [JASON] Computer Science. But when I struggled, I said, "Ma, I'm going to drop out. I'm going to shift to music because I can't do it anymore." Was she supportive? Yes. She was very supportive, but at first, she hesitated because, of course... parents often consider which is more practical. Where you can earn more. When you become a singer or an artist, there's no assurance that you will make it big, right? Parents just want to see you become successful. That's why I really needed my mother at first. She was supportive of me, but of course, she'd also say that I should earn some money. "If that's what you really want, I'll support you." But she also just wanted to guide me towards what was best for me. I understood her sentiments. Because I was alone in Manila. Mama was in Singapore. She also didn't want me to suffer. - Of course, as a singer...
  • She wasn't here. Yes, she wasn't here. As a singer, you can't say your job is secured. You may have a job today, but you're not sure if you'll get booked tomorrow. Of course, I understood her concerns. It could be hard to get booked. If you join contests, you may not get accepted immediately. [JASON] Exactly. Even if you pass the first level, you're not sure if you will pass the second one. In the contests that I tried to join, I didn't get accepted right away. The contests you joined in the countryside? No. I was already in the city back then. Actually, I didn't join amateur contests. Were you worried your mother would scold you? "I'm not working abroad just for you to join those contests." No, she was still supportive no matter what contest I joined. But I personally didn't want to because I was shy. When I was young, I was very shy. But one time, I didn't know what I was thinking. No, wait. My teachers wanted me to join. I had no choice because they already included me. I was only a little boy. So, I couldn't say no. I was on my way to the stage, but I cried and ran away. Crazy. [LAUGHING] It wasn't a crying contest. Well, stage fright got the better of me. How did you overcome it? Stage fright? How did you overcome it when you came to the city? Well, I... Since I know a bit about Computer Science... I wanted to look for another source of income. I wanted to have extra money for food. So I wouldn't have to rely on my mother all the time. I once watched a TV feature about a serenade service. It was called "Harana.ph." They wanted to bring back the tradition of serenading. It's part of our Filipino culture, right? I thought it was a good concept. Really? Yes. I figured I could audition there. Even though you were shy? Yes. I was shy, but I also needed money. A huge amount of money. Because life is very hard. Exactly. Life is hard. I set aside my shyness. I tried to audition. And I was accepted into the serenade service. That side hustle of mine helped me overcome my shyness. I didn't have a choice because they made me sing everywhere. Sometimes, I'd get asked to sing in a restaurant full of people. Other times, it'd be in a hotel lobby. There was even a time I had to sing at the QC Circle. It was an open area. I had to set aside my shyness because many people were there. - And they paid you to sing.
  • Exactly. I was paid for it. So, through my side hustle of serenading people, I was somehow able to build my confidence. - [MELAI] Hmm.
  • I overcame my shyness. Do you think being away from your hometown also helped you gain confidence? [JASON] That could be a factor, too. If you're in the place where you grew up and your neighbors see you singing... [GUSHING] ...they'll just tease you. "Are you a wannabe singer?" "Your voice isn't even that good." Back home, you might not want to showcase your talent because of the fear of getting teased. But since you came to the city where you didn't know anyone, you weren't afraid to showcase your talent. Yes. Exactly. You feel less pressured because you don't know those people. I think that's one of the things that boosted my confidence. Since the people here didn't know me, I might as well... Experiencing hardships in life can be helpful too, right? Because if you never experienced hardships, you wouldn't know how to fight. You need to struggle, too. You really need to struggle. So, that's where you started dreaming - of joining The Voice PH?
  • [JASON] Mm-hmm. That's when I realized I could join contests. I didn't really think you were shy. Oh my! I was very shy. You're confident here now. Do you still feel shy sometimes? Sometimes. Even when I'm on ASAP. Especially now that we have a live audience again. We were in a pandemic for a long time, so there weren't-- Our only audience was Madam Darla. [LAUGHING] Even with only Madam Darla, I was nervous, too. Sometimes, I still feel shy. I don't think you can totally overcome it. Personally, feeling nervous can be helpful, too. It means you want to give a great performance. You don't want to make a mistake. - You want to...
  • To give your best. Give it your all. You want to make the audience happy. If you're not nervous, then maybe you don't care about your performance. You feel too confident. So, it's only right to feel nervous. I've heard an artist say that you should really be nervous. [JASON] Mm-hmm. That way, you wouldn't slack off. You wouldn't be kampante (complacent). Kam-panty? Why not brief? You wouldn't be kam-brief. [LAUGHING] Anyway, so that's how you started trying it? Was The Voice PH your first try? No. While I was serenading someone, I saw commercials on TV. There were auditions for PGT and X Factor. So, during that time, around 2013-2014, it was very popular to join... 2013-2014, right? Reality shows. Yes, reality shows. In the past, you had to send a demo tape to record labels. And during our time, auditions for reality shows became popular. Now, there is Tiktok, YouTube, and Facebook. That's where you can... [MELAI] Audition. That's where you can audition. But in the past, auditioning for reality shows were very popular. My very first audition was at PGT. It was during Marcelito's time. The season Marcelito Pomoy joined. I didn't pass the audition. Let me just explain something to our listeners and viewers. Most of the time, we only see what's shown on TV. People think it's that easy. But before you appear on TV, you need to audition at a mall or here in ABS. You need to join so many small auditions. There are even first and second screenings. You will go through so many levels. So, don't think that auditions are fast and easy because they're not. Before you sing on stage and face the judges, you need to go through a lot of hardships. It can also be really expensive and require a lot of time. That's absolutely true. That will only be worth it if you win. [JASON] If you get in. So, I auditioned for PGT. I only made it through the first screening. I was so confident back then. I really thought I could get in. But that became my first rejection. I haven't even finished my song yet, but they already said thank you. I feel so sorry for you. Does your mother know? Yes. She knows. I mentioned it to her. Did you cry? Of course. That was my first rejection. I didn't expect it. I really thought I could get in. Who said no to you? I can't remember. During the first screenings, there's usually a panel, right? Producers sit together on a table. So, I can't really remember. But I was really hurt. That was a first for me. I didn't think that would happen. So, for my next audition, I prepared myself. If I get in, then great. If I don't, it's okay. I auditioned for two seasons of PGT. But I didn't get in. After Pilipinas Got Talent, I also auditioned for X Factor. I didn't get in either. I only made it through the first screening at a mall. I didn't know you joined a lot of auditions. Yes. I also thought I could get in. But it's okay because KZ Tandingan won X Factor. It was her time. Maybe it was also... We have someone from PGT here. Is that her? Is she the one who didn't let me through? I think she's the one who said no to you. Kidding aside, I think we each have our own time. Because if I got into X Factor, I would've fought against KZ. - You wouldn't be a big winner.
  • [JASON] Yeah. The right time will come for you. I didn't get in X Factor either. I also auditioned for The Voice PH Season 1. I thought I could finally get in there. I like the concept of The Voice because they will be judging you based on your voice. They'll just press the button. They will hear your voice before they get to know you. The first thing they will hear from you is your voice. So, I expected I'd get in. It was the first time I made it through the first screening. In the second screening, they made a VTR for me. I thought I was going to get in because they were making a VTR for me. But I was told they'd call me if I passed the audition. Aww. I feel sorry for you. They never called me back. So, yeah. I waited on the phone. Maybe you didn't give them your number. Maybe you gave the wrong one. Maybe you were so nervous you wrote it incorrectly. So, they called the wrong number. I bet the person who answered was so confused. I waited for someone to call until I saw on TV that The Voice was about to start. That's when I accepted that I didn't get in. Discouraging, right? Yes. I even put my studies on hold just to audition. What did your mother say? I asked if I could take a year off from school so I could try my luck at auditions. When I stopped that year, I really went for it. I joined different contests. When I didn't make it in The Voice Season 1, that's when I started doubting if it was really for me. - You felt discouraged?
  • It was really disheartening. I thought that it might be the Lord's way of telling me that I should just go back to school. Maybe being a singer wasn't really for me. Who won in the first season? It was Mitoy. Oh, Mitoy won in the first season. - Right.
  • Yeah. It was Mitoy's time then. So that's okay. I get it. It's just that I felt like it was... I was thinking if I should audition again or not because nothing might come out of it again. Then the TV ad for The Voice Season 2 came out. So I told myself that it would be my last attempt. If I don't make it, I'll go back to school. So you gave yourself - an ultimatum?
  • Yes. I said it'd be the last. Because it's a waste of time and money. And of course, it'll hurt if I get rejected twice. So I auditioned again. It was the same process. Then I passed the first screening again. For the second screening, we made a VTR. But you didn't expect anything anymore? I had no expectations. I was just there to try again. Then I waited for months but I still didn't get any call from them. - I thought I didn't make it.
  • So you called them! I called them. [BOTH LAUGH] "Hey, are you going to call or not?" [LAUGHS] I thought it was really game over for me so I figured I should just continue my studies. - This is the second season?
  • Yes. The Voice Season 1. I mean, Season 2. So I decided to go back to school. Now when I went there to enroll... So, I already paid for it. - I was enrolled.
  • The tuition fee? Yeah. And then I got a call that I passed. - Oh. Wow... [CLAPPING]
  • So, yeah. You went through a lot. Yeah. It's amazing how God or the universe made it all happen. It's like He was saying, "This is your time. The previous auditions weren't for you." Maybe I wasn't ready yet during that time. And even if I got in, I probably wouldn't have won. So He really made it so I'd get in The Voice PH Season 2. - Wow.
  • So yeah. The most amazing thing about you is your persistence. Actually, winning the competition isn't the best part. It's when you discovered that you're the type of person who can be really persistent. Even if you've been rejected a few times, you'll get back up. That's right. You went like this, but you did this. What does that mean? The people listening to this podcast won't understand. What exactly are you trying to say? You were given a thumbs down, then another thumbs down, until it became a thumbs up. [BOTH EXCLAIM, CLAPPING] - But...
  • Right. There are others who passed the first screening of The Voice and made it in as one of the contestants, but they went home. They got eliminated from the competition. And that happened live. How come when you made it in, it's like you were destined to be the winner? How did you do that without a stepping stone? [CHUCKLES] Right. I wasn't really expecting that either. - You didn't feel it?
  • My wish then was... aside from making it in the contest, was that I'd at least get one chair turned. You were good with that? Yeah. Just so my effort wouldn't go to waste. It would've been embarrassing if I made it to the blind auditions and in the end... I didn't get any of the judges to turn their chairs for me. It's like all of my efforts went to waste. So that was my only wish. To get at least one chair turned. And then Coach Sarah turned for you. Three of them turned. Coach Sarah, Coach Lea, - and Coach Apl.
  • They kept turning? They just went spinning round and round like this. "Stop. Why are you still spinning your chair?" So when the three of them turned their chairs... I was so grateful. I just said, "Thank you, Lord. Thank you." I was really nervous at first. But as soon as I saw a judge turn their chair, I started to loosen up. So I just enjoyed my performance. That's what I tell the people who want to audition for PBB. I really tell them that they shouldn't forget to have fun. See? He enjoyed his journey on The Voice. He didn't even think he would be the big winner. No, I really didn't expect it. How about you? Was PBB your first audition? Or did you audition for other shows? - That was the only time.
  • That's it? Oh, I joined an audition at my school before. No. I auditioned in school for K.E. They call it... Kabpapagariya Ensemble. It's like an organization in our campus. We dance like this. [HUMS TRADITIONAL MUSIC] - Ah, like cultural performance?
  • Yes, cultural. If you pass, your tuition will be free. - You will get an allowance.
  • Oh, it's like a scholarship? Yes. So I auditioned for that. In the audition, I learned that we had to do mirroring. Then my best friend turned to me. Coincidentally, we mirrored each other. When we locked eyes, they said, "Go! Start!" I just started moving my arms. I didn't know what to do. You know me, I'm always full of shenanigans. I just did random movements and then I did this. - And your friend mirrored you?
  • Yeah. She copied me. [LAUGHTER] So we laughed. My nose was really itchy. She laughed when I scratched it. So both of us got disqualified. [LAUGHTER] - You lost your scholarship?
  • We both did. That was my first audition. The second one... Was it for PBB? Pinoy Big Brother. What was the process like? Did you have a pre-screening? Or did you go to the mall? I always tell people my queuing number was 23,249. - Twenty-three thousand?
  • Twenty-three thousand. I lined up at three o'clock. I even cut the line. [JASON] Early in the morning? Evening. I mean, afternoon. I cut the line because I already told my friend I wasn't going to audition. But my friend convinced me. "You think you'll get in?" My friend told me to audition. So, that's what I did. I lined up at three o'clock. I cut the line through my friend who was already there. "Let me cut the line here." The queuing number was at twenty-three thousand. I lined up at three o'clock but was only interviewed at seven o'clock. - [JASON] Hmm.
  • See? You lined up for four hours? I lined up for four hours just to get asked what business I wanted to build in Gen San. I was like, "I came here to audition. Why are you trying to get me to start a business?" What questions did you expect? "What are your talents?" Ah! Talents and stuff. The talent I wanted to showcase was... dancing. But I was asked... - [JASON] About business?
  • Yeah. Was it Director Lauren who asked that question? - Or the producers?
  • Director Lauren himself. He asked, "What are you going to build here?" I wanted to say, "A small store." There were twenty of us who got asked the same question. You wanted to be different? Someone said, "A convenience store." Another answered, "A mini mart." Our answers were just different kinds of stores, so I changed mine. When it was my turn, I answered... "A vulcanizing shop." - [JASON] Wow!
  • Brilliant, right? I think I got in because of my answer. [JASON] It must have stuck with them. Director Lauren wanted someone unique. As for my husband, Jason, the question he was asked was, "What's the saddest thing that ever happened in your life?" It was an emotional one. You have to cry. There were also twenty of them who got asked the same question. Someone said their mother got sick. Another cried. Someone also answered their parents got separated. Everyone cried. Jason didn't want to overreact. So, when it was his turn, he answered, "Director, you have to accept me first before I tell you the saddest thing that ever happened in my life. Because if you don't, I'd be revealing it in vain." [LAUGHING] So, that's why Director Lauren chose him. Jason's answer also stuck with him. He stood out because his story was different and he didn't cry. He told off the others. They all cried. "I'm not going to tell you my answer yet, Director. You have to accept me first before I cry." [LAUGHING] That's what he answered. So, if they see that you're really different, especially on Pinoy Big Brother where you have to be true to yourself, then they'll accept you. Personality is what they're looking for. Auditioning is never easy. I totally agree. I guess unless you're a celebrity. The celebrity edition is different. You can't make them line up. Our journeys are different, too. You only auditioned once. On the other hand, I auditioned 1 million times. Just because you auditioned doesn't mean you'll get in. There are so many auditionees. We have very different journeys. If this season is for you, then it's for you. If you don't get accepted, then just try again next time. - Just keep auditioning.
  • Yeah. After all, you like to get involved. Why don't you do it for yourself? Just keep auditioning. But I have a question for you. What did you feel when you were accepted and got your dream coach, Coach Sarah? [JASON] Well... What did you feel when you chose her and got to be with her? About Sarah, even before I joined The Voice PH and found out that she would be one of the coaches, she was already my idol. I was already a fan of hers. I'm talking about Coach Sarah Balabagan, okay? [LAUGHING] Or Sarah Lahbati? No, it's Sarah Geronimo. Pop Star Royalty. I've been following her career. I've seen her because I'm an avid fan of ASAP. Even when she was still a contestant, I was already an avid fan. I saw her journey, like how she started. As well as her evolution as an artist. The way she performs. She became... not just a singer, but also a dancer. Of course, her stage presence is amazing, too. That's why I've always been a fan of Sarah. So, when I learned she'd be a coach on The Voice, if it be God's will that I get accepted, I was hoping she'd choose me so I could choose her, too. When I saw Coach Sarah turning, I felt a sense of security. God really helps us achieve our dreams. Even when you were still young in the countryside, God was already helping you by instilling Sarah Geronimo in your mind. God knows better than us. So you can say now that it was very worth it. It's super worth it. What about you, Momshie Melai, if you would join, who would you choose to be your mentor? To mentor my sanity? [LAUGHTER] Just kidding. My mentor? I would choose Coach... Coach Freddie Roach. [LAUGHS] He coaches for boxing. - [MELAI] Yeah.
  • Are you a boxer? I don't have a mentor. [JASON] You don't need one? We didn't need one... - in Pinoy Big Brother.
  • [JASON] Mm-hmm. We just entered the house, and when we went back out, "Wait, I'm famous already? "I just stayed at Big Brother's house." But you needed a mentor. [JASON] In singing and performing. To really hone your talent. So people will clap when they watch you. Your hosting style and sense of humor, is that all you? Or did someone teach you how to be funny? Our crazy neighbor before. [BOTH LAUGH] We also had a neighbor who was crazy. We both did. When I saw him, I thought, "He can be my mentor." [BOTH LAUGH] No, but, my mom and dad are both jokesters. There were the life of the party. But no one thought I would be an actor. I mean I don't blame them. I have no talent in singing or even dancing. But my father's side, they are singers. - [JASON] Ah...
  • We thought they would become professional singers. But in our immediate family, no one was talented. Did you not inherit the talent of the Cantiveros family? Not really. Absolutely nothing at all. [JASON] Maybe it skipped a generation. Perhaps it did that's why I'm just a silly person. But our first mentors are our parents. Which of your parents sing? My mom sings. She can carry a tune. But of the two of them, Papa is the better singer. Before, we had a jukebox. - It had vinyl and CDs.
  • [MELAI] Yes, yes. I would always hear my uncles from Papa's side play music there. When we'd have a family gathering, they would say, "Go sing for your uncles." Parents love to do that, huh? "I'll give you 100 pesos. Go, sing." [MELAI] Then you'd sing? I'd pretend to. Then I would cry and run away from embarrassment. [MELAI LAUGHS] But look at you now. The big winner of The Voice PH. We really don't know what God has planned for us. All we can do is to keep moving forward. Trust that God will provide. Keep being a good person. If you don't, you'll end up being a criminal. [BOTH LAUGH] But, Jason, we have a big problem. [STIRRING MUSIC PLAYING] [JASON] A big problem? A big problem that needs... - [JASON] A solution?
  • Precisely. Actually, it's not that big, I'm simply exaggerating. We love to exaggerate, because we're extra. So let's solve this problem. [JASON] Okay. So our problem will be called... "Your Life Song." Oh! We will be given Bisaya words, five to be exact. Then we will challenge each other. - [JASON] Okay.
  • I'm scared of you. I can't sing like you. But, I will give you five words. - Okay.
  • [MELAI] Then, you'll sing. Then, you'll give me five words to sing. Okay, okay. So the words I'm going to give you... I will think of them on the spot, viewers. We'll see if Jason Dy becomes Jason E. [BOTH LAUGH] He may not be able to handle this challenge. Okay. I'll give you five words, Jason Dy. The first word is "Puhon" (Someday). "Puhon." Okay, okay. [MELAI] "Puhon." Number 2: "Daog" (Win). - "Daog."
  • [MELAI] Okay. Number 3: "Laug" No. Just kidding. What's "laug?" "Puhon" (Someday). "Daog" (Victory). "Padayon" (Keep Going). - "Padayon."
  • [MELAI] Okay. Four: "Kuan." "Kuan!" The title of our show. And... "Dasig" (Enthusiasm). "Dasig." That's pretty hard. You can also add ******. [LAUGHING] Or *****. [LAUGHING] - No, no.
  • Cut this out. [LAUGHS] "Puhon" (Someday). "Daog" (Victory). "Padayon" (Keep Going). "Kuan" and "dasig" (enthusiasm). "Dasig." Okay. I'll think first, huh? - [MELAI] Okay.
  • I'll give you five words too. Alright, okay. Um... What can I give you? "Katawa" (Laughter). "Katawa." "Gwapa" (Maganda). That doesn't seem like me. [BOTH LAUGH] "Gwapa." Um... "Kasing-kasing" (Heart). "Katawa," "gwapa," "kasing-kasing." Uh, what else? "Aguy!" (Oh!) I saw it over there. - Aguy!
  • Aguy! "Aguy" and... Uh... "Kalipay" (Happiness). [MELAI] "Kalipay" "Katawa," "gwapa," "kasing-kasing," "aguy," "kalipay." - [JASON] Hmm.
  • I guess I'll go first. My song isn’t that great anyway. I bet you’ve got a fantastic song. So this is what I'll be singing for what you gave me. Okay. Ladies and gentlemen, the one and only, Miss... Melai Cantiveros. [CHEERING, APPLAUDING] Just like on an FM station. [LAUGHING] [SINGING] Hey! Oh my, oh my, oh my, oh my, oh my. Katawa ang gwapa... (The pretty girl will laugh...) para kalipay... (for happiness...) kay magwapa ang kasing-kasing. (it makes the heart feel good.) Hey! [CHEERING, APPLAUDING] I'm done. But you can't... ...play games with us. What I did was total nonsense. [JASON] Should I be serious? You should have music playing. There should be a backup guitarist. - I'll call the guitarist.
  • Should I be with someone? You should have someone with you my uncle is the healthiest one here. [CHEERING] [LAUGHING Come over here, Uncle. Looks like Jason's ready. The word that stuck out from what you provided is "puhon." So, that’ll be my main focus. Alright. It's going to trend again. - Geez!
  • Let's hope for it. [GUITAR STRUMMING] [SINGING] Hmm... Hmm... "Naa ko'y gamay nga damgo... (I have a small dream) I thought he was going to say he’s crazy. Sa akong kaugmaon... (For my future...) Tungod sa akong tingog... (With my voice...) Ang mga bitoon, akong kabton... (I'll reach for the stars...) Hmm... Puhon." (Someday). [CHEERING, APPLAUDING] Wow! Big applause for Jason Dy! Thank you! Thank you! [CHEERING, APPLAUDING] Wow, it’s like you created an entire song. It almost makes us want to cry. Knock on wood! [LAUGHS] Let’s also give a round of applause for Uncle. Thank you! Thank you so much! Our guitarist is amazing and can do impromptu. Uncle Healthy also went impromptu. [LAUGHING] Jason Dy, you’re amazing. You didn’t even share your talent with anyone else. - You're the best!
  • Thank you so much. But of course, thank you, Jason Dy. We’re grateful for the chance to be here together. - And I love everyone here.
  • Come here again. "But here on "Kuan On One," we have something called "Ultimate Yawyaw." [UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING] - [JASON] Ultimate Yawyaw?
  • Yes. It’s everything we learn while eating paksiw. Huh?! - Just kidding!
  • That's yummy! I got hungry. - Isn't that delicious?
  • Yes, that's delicious. I'll ask Mama to cook paksiw for me. That dish is really good. You guys sell fish, right? Yes. Order from my mama. Alright, let's do that later. But here, we'll share what we learned from our conversation. So, my "Ultimate Yawyaw" from you is... you’re incredibly persistent. You’re the best when you’re persistent. It’s not just about the material things you’ve gained because in real life, for those of us in similar situations, thanks to God you’ve achieved this, but it doesn’t really bring 100% happiness. It’s what you’ve learned in life that guides you every day. You can say you’re brave because you’ve overcome your challenges. - Exactly.
  • You know... "I used to be so shy, so how did I manage to do this?" Your persistence... whether you got it from your mom or dad, is what got you where you are now. It wasn’t easy, but... but you did it because you were persistent. What you should be grateful for isn’t the material things but your persistence, which will help you throughout life. That's true. That’s the "Ultimate Yawyaw" I’ve picked up from you. I'm proud of you, Jason. Even though I know what you’ve been through it feels new to me now. Wow, it's really something, isn't it? Visayans really know how to face challenges. Absolutely true. You're a real Visayan because you're so brave. Exactly. What's your "Ultimate Yawyaw"? My "Ultimate Yawyaw"... If I could describe it in one word it would be... - Smile.
  • Smile? Just give a smile. Just keep on smiling. Just be positive all the time. Keep smiling. If you get rejected, just smile. Smile at the one who rejected you. If you’re accepted, smile even more. If you win, smile even more. If you lose, cry for a bit but keep smiling. Like... just stay positive. You can’t control everything. You can only do so much. Do what you can, and leave the rest to God and the universe. Just surrender to Him. Keep fighting and be persistent. Keep fighting and be persistent. If it’s not meant for you, it’s not meant for you. There’s a time for everything. So, during that time, So, during that time, it’s okay to feel hurt if... - you get rejected or removed.
  • [MELAI] Yeah. But rejection is always a redirection. - [MELAI] Aw… You’re the best.
  • So... if something isn’t meant for you, accept the rejection because God has something else for you. He might say, "Not here, Jason. Go there." "Cross over there. You’re meant for something else." "You’re not for PGT. You’re for The Voice." "You’re for The Voice, not X Factor." "You’re not for Season 1, but for Season 2." See, rejection is always... - a redirection.
  • [JASON] a redirection. You’re the best. Let’s thank Jason Dy. We should be grateful for what we learn every day. In life, we sometimes forget our true path. Who we truly are. Let’s not forget, let’s remember. - Thank you so much! But...
  • [JASON] Thank you! before I thank you, Jason Dy, since I keep on thanking you. Of course, I'm truly grateful. What’s your favorite Visayan word? - My favorite Bisaya word?
  • What does it mean to you? The word you use often. My favorite Visayan word… - has always been "kuan."
  • Kuan. That’s why this show was made, because "kuan" is my favorite word. What about you? What’s your favorite Visayan word? The one you'd share with the viewers. Well you know, mine is "mao na na run." [MELAI] Ah. Mao na na run. What does that mean? It means, "That’s it." It’s like… my mom’s expression. For example… "Oh, Jason! Something happened." You’d respond, "mao na na run." Or if… "Jason, good news for you." "Oh! Mao na na run!" (Oh, that’s it!) It’s like… an expression of acceptance. - It’s like acceptance.
  • Acceptance. Yeah, that's it. Like "everything happens for a reason." It’s similar to what I said earlier. - Stay positive.
  • Smile. "We’ll call you." But they never called me. Sus. Mao na na run. (Oh, that’s it.) That's it. There's nothing we can do about it. But if you win or get in, "Oh! That’s it!" That’s great! So that’s the best! It’s like acceptance but also hopeful. [JASON] Hopeful. Optimistic. So be optimistic or positive. - That’s it.
  • That's it. What else can we do? That's it. That's the best Visayan word. - Mao na na run.
  • Mao na na run! - [MELAI] Yay!
  • [CLAPPING] Of course, here we are in our situation of mao na ni run. (That’s it.) [JASON] That's it. That's it. We have a small token for you. - It’s simple.
  • Oh, that’s great! Only guests here get this t-shirt. You’re the only ones with this ribbon. [LAUGHS] That ribbon must be expensive. It is. We even bought it from Wawa. Thank you so much, Kuan On One! - Is it okay if I open it?
  • [MELAI] Sure. Let’s show it to our viewers. "Bundak Bisdak." (Proud and Powerful Visayans) [MELAI] Wow! So, thank you so much. Thank you so much! Of course, we can’t miss giving you a chance to promote. - Promote?
  • Promote to our viewers. My mother sells fish. So if you’re interested, check her Facebook: Miles Market. - Yes!
  • Wow! [CLAPPING] So, yeah. Thank you so much, Momshie Mels! I should be thanking you. - Thank you so much!
  • Come on, that's enough. So... If Tagalog speakers heard us, they’d think we’re arguing. They don’t know it’s normal for us. It’s just a normal conversation. We’re just passionate. Passionate like Passion Fruit. Thank you so much, Jason Dy. We’ll never get tired of thanking you. - [JASON] Thank you.
  • Come back here. We're just going to sit here and talk. We just have a topic to discuss. I felt it was cut short. Is that it? That's it. - An hour already?
  • It's okay, it's okay. - We’ll come back.
  • [JASON] We need a part 2. Yes, part 2. Thank you so much, Kuanizens, for giving us a little of your time with me and Jason Dy. Let's meet again next time. Kuanizens, I’m your Kuantie, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco. You’re always welcome here on… - Kuan On One!
  • Kuan On One! - [CHEERING, CLAPPING]
  • [AIR HORN SOUND] [THEME MUSIC PLAYING]