The future of Eat Bulaga! is at stake with hosts, staff, and producers asserting their rights and making moves for the show
When talking about Filipino culture, television series are always a part of the equation. Noontime shows, to be specific, have become a source of entertainment in the daily lives of Filipinos. Since 1979, Eat Bulaga! has provided joy, inspiration, and hope to their audiences. But why is it suddenly coming to a halt?
Making decisions
The Dabarkads, a term coined for hosts and audiences alike, received shocking news yesterday that main hosts Vic Sotto, Tito Sotto, and Joey De Leon have parted ways with the show producer, TAPE Inc. TVJ, as they are fondly known as, have been the pillars of the show since its first broadcast in RPN Channel 9. Earlier today, current hosts Paolo Ballesteros, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Ryan Agoncillo, and Maine Mendoza expressed their support for the main hosts by resigning from the production company as well.
This departure may not come as a surprise for some as they have been waiting for the next move of TAPE Inc. following its new management. In an interview of Tito Sotto with GMA reporter Nelson Canlas, the host-politician mentioned that unnecessary changes were being made in the show, which included the forced resignation then rehiring of hosts. “I am disappointed,” Tito Sotto expressed. “They were asking everyone to resign, especially the small ones. He also pointed out that the production company owed PHP 30 million each from Eat Bulaga’s hosts, Joey De Leon and Vic Sotto.
The other side
In a letter addressed to TAPE Inc.’s President and CEO Romeo Jalosjos, Jr., the co-hosts of TVJ have also signed their resignation letter. Pauleen Luna-Sotto, co-host and wife of Vic Sotto, confirmed in her Instagram story, “All the hosts, writers, sales, production, and cameramen followed suit immediately after TVJ’s resignation.”
In the official statement of TAPE president and CEO, he expressed his sadness on the departure of the Eat Bulaga! crew. On the other hand, he also stated GMA 7’s support in the changes coming for the show. “It is unfortunate, but life must go on. As with life, we have to accept changes but we have a duty to every Filipino. Ang pag-alis ng mga hosts ay hindi dahilan para tumigil ang pag-ikot ng mundo.”
According to Tito Sotto, the name Eat Bulaga! is under the property of show host Joey De Leon, who coined and conceptualized the name. As of now, no recent announcements have been made for the rebroadcasting of the show as well as the next possible program of the crew who have left the show.
Photos and Featured Image: EAT BULAGA (via Instagram)
