MANILA — TV host Boy Abunda on Monday night addressed for the first time the recent passing of his mother, Lesing, in the live episode of his eponymous talk show.

Mrs. Abunda died aged 90 on December 1.

Earlier on Monday, Abunda’s family brought his mother’s remains to their hometown in Borongan town, Samar, he said in the opening minutes of “Tonight With Boy Abunda.”

“Sentro po ng buhay ang akin ina,” Abunda said. “I am surrendered to the will of God, but I don’t know how I’m going to move on. I continue to commit myself to work, dahil ito po ang nagpapasaya sa aking ina.”

Throughout his career, Abunda has publicly paid tribute to his mother with the tagline, “Make your Nanay proud,” which he often says at the close of his programs.

The phrase is also the title of a 2014 book by Abunda, and the name of a foundation, dedicated to mothers, which he founded.

In the days following her death, “Tonight With Boy Abunda” continued airing on weeknights with previously taped episodes. A number of them were filmed after Mrs. Abunda passed away.

Abunda recalled that on the day his mother died, he resumed work that same night.

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“Ayoko pong hindi harapin ang pain na ito. I want to confront it, I want to meet it head on. Kailangan damdamin ang buong process ng pain, because I don’t want to be overpowered by it,” he said.

Abunda went on to thank members of his family, including his long-time partner Bong Quintana, and friends who have been sending their condolences.

“Nanay, wherever you are, I will continue to make you proud. I dedicate to you my work, I dedicate to you my life, and I promise to take good care of my family,” Abunda said.