MANILA -- Melai Cantiveros-Francisco showcased her trademark humor while overcoming nerves as she shared tips for hosting at the Pinoy Media Congress (PMC) held at the University of Makati on Friday.

Cantiveros-Francisco drew plenty of laughter from the audience during her "Melai Mo, Melai Ko, Melai Niya: Hosting 101 with the Pambansang KUANtie," where she also gave insightful tips.

"Sobrang kaba ko. Ngayon lang ako nag-talk. Grabe takot ko. Para lang kaibigan ko sila kaya medyo nawala kaba ko. Matatalino talaga sila," she said.

The actress-host shared five tips that she believes are key to becoming a successful host, cleverly shortened into the acronym "K.U.A.N.S."

KEEP IT REAL

Among the wisdom Cantiveros-Francisco imparted to the audience was that authenticity is key to building trust with both guests and viewers.

"Ipakita mo kung sino ka. You are relatable when you are real. Dapat wala ka tinatago," she noted. 

"You have to enjoy the show, kasi kung di ka maging totoo sa sarili mo. If hindi makuha sinceridad sa ginagawa mo, Hindi mag open up sayo," she added.

UNDERSTAND DEEPLY

The star also stressed that a good host is first and foremost a good listener. 

"If you are a good host you are a good listener. Kapag hindi ka magaling makinig, hindi mo malaman sinasabi ng kausap mo. 'Di ka makapag banter, hindi mo malaman flow ng gusto mo," she said. 

ARRIVE PREPAREDKapamilya star Melai Cantiveros shares her “K.U.A.N.S”  for hosting on her "Melai mo, Melai ko, Melai niya: Hosting 101 with the pambansang KUANtie" at the Pinoy Media Congress (PMC) at the University of Makati, April 25, 2025. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News

Cantiveros-Francisco stressed that preparation through research builds confidence. 

"Mag research. Alamin mo ano show, audience mo, ano at saan papunta ang show. Magbasa ng script. 'Wag mahiya magtanong, dahil collaboration 'yan. Dapat may alam ka sa guest, alam mo ang topic, at alam nangyayari sa paligid para may current affairs ka. Minsan doon mo mababase kasi," she advised. 

NAVIGATE THE UNEXPECTED

Preparation is also essential in helping one adapt to surprises during live hosting, which is often inevitable.

"TV is full of surprises so be ready and flexible of changes. Because changes is constant. Dapat mabilis ka mag isip. Wag ka matakot, may trust sila sayo. At dapat swabe pag adapt mo sa pagbabago. Lahat pwede mangyari. So pag kaya mo laruin at expected, you are the best," she said.

SUPPORT THE TEAM

She also emphasized the importance of being grateful to the team behind the scenes, stressing that a host’s success relies on the support, hard work, and respect shared among everyone involved.

"Ikaw host pero writer, nagpupuyat. Ikaw mag babasa na lang, mali pa. Mga cameraman, maaga nagaayos na. Kailangan support mo ang team dahil pag sinupport mo sila, babalik nila. Kahit di ka humingi tulong, turulungan ka nila," she said.

"Wag ka mag feeling. Mula co-host, creatives, prod team, staff, utility matuto ka rumespeto. Kung wala sila di mo magagawa trabaho," she added.

After the lecture, audience members were treated to a surprise performance by PBB Gen 11 housemates and BGYO.