Fr. Tito Caluag announced that youth-oriented show YSpeak is set to return this year.
He shared that the show will be hosted by a new generation of stars.
"Meet the four new YSpeakers – with the joining of two young ladies being worked out – Elijah Canlas, KD Estrada, River Joseph and Ralph De Leon," he announced on his Instagram page.
Tito added that the program will retain its core mission of engaging and empowering young Filipinos.
"YSpeak will be a civics education and formation program focusing primarily on the youth as its main audience. It will air in different platforms across two networks. It will have on ground partnerships through the social action centers of Caritas Philippines."
In a separate post, Fr. Caluag reflected on the long-standing dream of reviving the show.
"In 2004, YSpeak, a youth-oriented show with a semi-debate format, aired for the first time over ABS-CBN Channel 2. After one season it moved to ABS-CBN’s Studio 23. It aired for four seasons and became an iconic show for the youth of that generation" he said.
"Over the past two decades there were plans and attempts to revive the show. This 2026 this long standing 'dream' will finally become a reality by the end of the first quarter of this year."
Fans online were quick to react to the news.
"Yes! Been waiting for this platform again that our Gen Z can speak their thoughts," one fan commented.
YSpeak was a flagship program of Studio 23 and was previously hosted by Bianca Gonzalez, Ryan Agoncillo, and Karen Davila. The show aired every weekend and became one of Studio 23’s most awarded local productions.
It earned numerous accolades, including the CMMA Award for Best TV Talk Show, the UST Students’ Choice Award for Best Public Affairs Talk Show, the Gandingan (UPLB Students’ Choice Award) for Best Panel Discussion Show, the Anak TV Seal, as well as endorsements from the Department of Education and the National Youth Commission.
In June 2020, Bianca took a trip down memory lane and reflected on the lessons she learned from being part of YSpeak.
"I remember being 21 years old, thinking, 'How the hell am I supposed to share my opinion alongside Karen Davila and Ryan Agoncillo?? — then already an esteemed journalist and TV host respectively—and, 'Who the hell is going to care what I have to say?' As an 'ate' to the younger generation, allow me to share a few things I learned from my YSpeak journey," Bianca posted on her Instagram page.
She emphasized that one of the most important lessons she learned was that "your opinion matters."
She remarked: "I learned that I couldn’t 'fight' every battle, but I would step forward for issues that mattered to me the most."
Bianca also stressed that "opinions are not facts, but your opinions must be based on facts."
The TV host reminded everyone to read up on the issue or ask someone who might know if you are unsure of something.
Bianca also said that "there aren't just 'two sides' to an issue, it is a spectrum, and you deserve to take time to figure out where you are on that spectrum."
She added: "Don’t pressure yourself that just because those closest to you stand *here* on this issue, that you should stand in that same spot too. Only you can decide where you are on that spectrum."
Concluding her post, Gonzalez encouraged continuous learning.
"Whether its learning the 'other side' of an issue, or getting hurt by a negative comment about something you posted, there is always something to learn," she stated.