Sylvia Sanchez and daughter Gela Atayde joined Melai Cantiveros for a riotous Bisaya acting challenge on “Kuan On One.” And what started as laugh-out-loud comedy opened the floor for a deeper conversation on parenting in light of evolving parent-child dynamics and generational differences.

In the challenge, they were given two situations to reenact. Sylvia loved it because this was the only talk show where she didn’t have to be conscious of her diction or worry if her thick Bisaya accent would slip out. 

And, as for Gela, the "New Gen Dance Champ" was already laughing even before the word 'action' was called, which led Sylvia to reveal a fun behind-the-scenes tidbit. She disclosed that Gela would always struggle to hold back her laughter whenever they guested on "Magandang Buhay," where Melai was one of the hosts, and Gela would always whisper discreetly, “Ma, natatawa ako kay Melai.” 

The first scene had Gela asking the help of her sister, Melai, to break the news to their mom, Sylvia, about losing her phone and needing a new one. What followed was pure comedy gold as Sylvia perfectly embodied the typical Bisaya mom, known for their creatively sharp 'linyahan' when angry. Read: "Gusto mo ng bagong telepono? Doon ka sa dagat maghanap ng telepono."

So spot-on! But here’s the twist—Sylvia shared that, in real life, Gela also has amusing ways of acting like the mom or calling her out in certain situations. In her defense, Gela explained, "Kasi lahat tinatakot niya, lahat takot sa kan'ya. So, kailangan the bully has to be bullied also."

In the next scenario, Melai played Sylvia’s daughter, asking permission to go out with friends for a 'tuba' drinking session. And true to her classic BisDak mom persona, Sylvia delivered some amusing sarcasm. She started sweetly, “O, sige. Sama ka ha?” Then came the twist, “Pero paglabas mo ng bahay, may wakwak na nakaabang para kainin ka. Sige. Bahala ka sa buhay mo. Uminom ka ng maraming tuba doon. Problema mo na 'yan. 'Pag mamatay ka, ipapalibing na lang kita. Iiyak lang ako. Tapos na. Walang problema.” With a response like that, would you still dare to leave the house?

Originally, only two scenes were planned for the acting challenge, but Sylvia enjoyed it so much she requested one more. In this extra scenario, Gela sneaked back home after staying out all night with friends, asking Melai for help to open the door. Shaking with fear, Melai jestingly replied, “Gela, gustuhin ko man pero ‘yung kutsilyo nasa tabi ko. Tinututukan ako ni Mama.”

When Melai got dragged into the interrogation, she wanted to escape by saying, "Ma, parang nasusuka ako." But this time, Sylvia turned serious and delivered  heartfelt monologue, "Basta ang regulasyon ko, ayusin mo buhay mo. Hindi pwedeng loloko-loko. Dahil kapag nagkamali ka nang isang beses, alam mo ‘yun, ang ayaw ko mabuntis ka. 'Pag nabuntis ka, kawawa ka, kargo mo 'yun. Mas magandang mabuntis nang nasa tamang oras, at mas magandang magkaroon ng anak nang may asawa ka na. Basta, ako, buong-buo ang tiwala ko sa’yo. ‘Pag niloko mo ako at nagsinungaling ka, sarili mo ang niloloko mo." 

Many kids often wonder why moms give long-winded speeches and seem overly strict. For Sylvia, it’s simple; it all comes from a place of love. "Dahil concerned [ang nanay]. Dahil natatakot na baka may mangyari. Ganu'n ang nanay." She added, "Pero hangga't hindi tayo nagiging nanay, hindi natin maiiintindihan. Kasi 'yun ang hindi ko maintindihan dati sa nanay ko. Pero, ngayon, naiiintindihan ko na."

Meanwhile, Gela shared a different take from a Gen Z child's perspective and underscored that a parent’s past trauma doesn’t need to be passed down. "Kung anong napagdaanan mo as a kid, hindi mo kailangang gawin 'yan sa anak mo. Siguro, if you used to get hit, especially now, you don't have to hit," said the “Time To Dance” host. “But if that's your way, then I respect that." 

The mother-daughter duo acknowledges the generational gap in their views on issues like these, which is why open communication is essential to them. Sylvia shared, "Ang ginawa ko, pumasok ako sa generation nila. Ako ang nag-adjust. Inintindi ko sila. Minsan, mahirap talagang maunawaan, pero kailangan maunawan mo sila at maging maayos ang relasyon n'yo. Hindi kayo away-bati."

However, this doesn’t mean parents lose their authority. As Sylvia explained, it’s important to stay firm as a parent while balancing it with empathy and understanding. Finding the right mix allows for guidance without compromising a healthy relationship. 

This openness is why Sylvia feels grateful that her children are honest with her, as it creates a space for compromise. "Sabi ko, 'Kailangan n'yong maintindihan ang generation namin. Iintindihin ko rin ang generation n'yo para magkasundo tayo.'" 

She admits it was a long process to reach this point. It requires plenty of conversations and mutual open-mindedness from both parent and child.