Lance Joseph Martinez

The New Generation Hosts of ‘Y Speak’ Share Their Reactions After Landing the Role

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<div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777284067823yspeak2.0_1776504434_3877922722249090194_39331339979.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Director Alco Guerrero, Elijah Canlas, Robbie Jaworski, River Joseph, Aya Fernandez, and Father Tito Caluag | Photo from @yspeak2.0</div><div> </div>After more than 15 years off air, the iconic youth-oriented talk and debate show is making a comeback on Philippine television with a refreshed title, Y Speak 2.0. The revival is mounted in partnership with Caritas Philippines, as confirmed by executive director Father Tito Caluag, together with director Alco Guerrero.Originally a flagship program of Studio 23, Y Speak was hosted by Bianca Gonzalez, Ryan Agoncillo, and Karen Davila. The show aired on weekends and earned a reputation as one of the channel’s most awarded local productions.<div style="text-align:center"> </div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXOciyrkYKL/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A361066.00000000006%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div> </div>For its 2026 reboot, a new generation of hosts will take the spotlight, including Elijah Canlas, KD Estrada, River Joseph, Ralph de Leon, Robbie Jaworski, and Aya Fernandez.At the show’s media conference, the new hosts opened up about their excitement and sense of responsibility upon being chosen to lead the revival, sharing their initial reactions to becoming part of the program’s return.Meanwhile, KD Estrada and Ralph de Leon were unable to attend the event due to prior commitments.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Aya Fernandez, “The Balancing Voice”<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777283922196yspeak2.0_1776504434_3877922722232307667_39331339979.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo from @yspeak2.0</div><div> </div><a href="https://metro.style/metro-style/people/2025/8/27/the-beautiful-story-behind-the-collaboration-between-bayo-and-eco-uling-s-aya-fernandez-0927" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aya Fernandez</a> is emerging as a standout among the new generation of actresses and hosts, blending substance with an easy, relatable charm. A graduate with honors from the University of the Philippines Diliman, where she earned her degree in Broadcast Communication, she has built a strong connection with young female audiences through her grounded yet engaging presence.Off-screen, Aya brings more than just star power. With hands-on experience in service and civic readiness, she offers a thoughtful perspective marked by empathy and nuance, qualities she consistently carries into every platform she steps into.“For me, masasabi ko, dream come true ito. Ako &#x27;yung huli sa in-announce na host. Kaya sinasabi ko kina Father na nu&#x27;ng nalaman ko palang na meron ng show na Y Speak, kahit hindi ako host, masayang-masaya na ako. Kaya nu&#x27;ng naging host ako, sobrang mas naging masaya,” she shared. <div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align:center">River Joseph, “The Ground Connector”<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777283967993yspeak2.0_1776504434_3877922722584620687_39331339979.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo from @yspeak2.0</div><div> </div>River Joseph is a rising star whose mass appeal continues to strike a chord with a broad audience, particularly the youth. His stint on Pinoy Big Brother significantly elevated his visibility, paving the way for a strong and relatable on-screen presence.Beyond showbiz, River brings depth shaped by his alma mater, De La Salle University, where he was actively involved in student politics. Armed with a degree in Business Management, he carries a skill set that allows him to communicate ideas with clarity and responsibility.Reflecting on his journey, River shared that after college, he initially distanced himself from anything related to politics.“After college sabi ko, I don&#x27;t want anything to do with politics. Till I met Father Tito. We met during Journeys of Hope after my PBB stint. And we had a conversation, and I told him na I want to do something more than acting,” he revealed.He then added, “And then sabi ni Father sa akin na, &#x27;Why don&#x27;t you become one of the hosts?&#x27; Sabi ko, &#x27;I realized na you can&#x27;t run away from politics. If you really care about the country, if you really care about the Philippines, if you really want change, hindi mo matatakasan. You have to face it.&#x27;&quot;<div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Robbie Jaworski, “The Communicator”<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777283990103yspeak2.0_1776504434_3877922722257442761_39331339979.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo from @yspeak2.0</div><div> </div><a href="https://metro.style/metro-style/people/2025/6/10/myx-vj-robbie-jaworski-on-honing-his-hosting-skills-reveals-the-artists-he-wants-to-interview-1157" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Robbie Jaworski</a> brings a polished yet approachable presence as a MYX VJ, backed by a solid foundation in media. Hailing from a family with deep ties to sports, public service, and civic engagement, he carries a legacy of leadership and active participation into his work.An Ateneo-educated talent, Robbie is recognized for his composed and articulate demeanor, having completed a degree in Management from Ateneo de Manila University.Recalling how he landed the role, Robbie admitted he was caught off guard by the opportunity. “I was surprised na Father Tito chose me to be one of the hosts,” he shared, noting that he initially had no idea about the return of Y Speak.But once he learned he was being considered, he didn’t hesitate to express his eagerness. “I was actually telling Tita Monch, ‘Pakisabi kay Father Tito, kahit wala po akong bayad, I’ll be your host,’” he revealed.<div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Elijah Canlas, “The Ground Thinker”<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777284008462yspeak2.0_1776504434_3877922722240721441_39331339979.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo from @yspeak2.0</div><div> </div>Elijah Canlas is an award-winning actor known for strong critical acclaim, moving from indie films to mainstream success. With training in theater arts from the Philippine High School for the Arts and the University of the Philippines Manila, he brings discipline and depth to his work.Beyond acting, he represents a thoughtful, purpose-driven generation, using his platform to highlight socially relevant stories. “This is surreal, actually, na we’re here now and we’re doing Y Speak 2.0 because this is all coming from Father. &#x27;Yung love niya for the country, love for the youth, and I guess gusto natin lahat ng change, ‘di ba?” he shared. “And I think Y-Speak will start a movement. And I’m just really privileged and honored to be here and blessed to be one of the hosts. I’d love to talk about a lot of things in this show. I’d love to learn more, actually. I know na marami pa akong hindi alam,” he added.<div> </div>Lead photo from @yspeak2.0

The new "Y Speak 2.0" hosts expressed excitement and a strong sense of responsibility as they take on the revival. Here, they look back on their initial reactions to being part of the program’s return.

The new " Y Speak 2.0" hosts expressed excitement and a strong sense of responsibility as they take on the revival. Here, they look back on their initial reactions to being part of the program’s return.

The New Gen Hosts of ‘Y Speak’ Share Their Reactions After Landing the Stint

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The New Gen Hosts of ‘Y Speak’ Share Their Reactions After Landing the Stint

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published May 05, 2026 06:00 PM PHT

Read More:

Y Speak 2.0

Aya Fernandez

Robbie Jaworski

Elijah Canlas

River Joseph

KD Estrada

Ralph De Leon

People

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