Bam Aquino reflects on ‘Y Speak’ revival: youth must be heard

Bam Aquino shared a moment of nostalgia as the youth-oriented television show Y Speak gears up for its return, recalling his time as one of its original hosts and underscoring the importance of youth voices today.

In a social media post, Aquino welcomed the comeback of the program and encouraged the next generation to actively take part in discussions that matter to them.

“Happy that #YSpeak is coming back! Time for the next generation to make their voices heard,” Aquino wrote.

Y Speak originally aired in the mid-2000s and became known for its semi-debate format, offering young people a platform to exchange views on pressing social and national issues. Aquino was among the hosts who helped shape the show during its initial run.

Looking back, Aquino described the program as an iconic youth show of its time, particularly for those who grew up watching and participating in its conversations.

He also took the opportunity to greet his former co-hosts, including Bianca Gonzalez, with a playful remark about getting older since their Y Speak days. Gonzalez responded to his post with an enthusiastic “Yessss,” acknowledging the shared memories tied to the show’s return.

“Para sa mga Gen Z (at sa mga medyo nakalimot na): Ang Y Speak ay isang youth-oriented show na may semi-debate format na umere noong mid-2000s at naging iconic para sa henerasyon ng mga kabataan noon,” the Senator said.

“At sa mga nakasama ko noon sa Y Speak, hello Bianca Gonzalez at sa buong barkada. Mukhang tumatanda na talaga tayo. Sana hindi pa sumasakit ang mga likod n’yo,” he added, to which Bianca replied “Yessss”.

In a social media post, Fr. Tito Caluag announced that “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition” Season 1 housemates Ralph de Leon and River Joseph will join actors Elijah Canlas and KD Estrada as the newest hosts of the returning debate show “Y Speak.”

“‘Y Speak’ will be a civics education and formation program focusing primarily on the youth as its main audience. It will air across different platforms and two networks,” wrote Fr. Caluag, who will serve as the show’s executive director.

A known youth leader before joining politics, Bam Aquino served as president of the University Student Council of the Ateneo de Manila University and later as chairperson of the National Youth Commission (NYC) from 2003 to 2006.

In his first term as Senator, he chaired the Committees on Education and Youth, where he advanced policies and programs for the welfare of the youth. He also pushed for the passage of the Free College Law, serving as its principal sponsor in the Senate.

Upon his return to the Senate, Sen. Bam, now chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, worked to secure an increase in the education budget to a record-high ₱1.34 trillion.