The Philippines’ longest-running noontime show, Eat Bulaga, which recently faced management issues resulting in the removal of its original founders and Dabarkads hosts, has once again gained significant attention and became viral on all social media.
There are two main reasons for this renewed interest: Firstly, the original hosts, TVJ (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon), are on the verge of revealing their new home; and secondly, the new version of ‘Eat Bulaga,’ without the original hosts, has returned to live broadcast with a fresh lineup of hosts.
This development has sparked mixed reactions among netizens across various social media platforms. However, based on what we have observed thus far, many long-time fans of the show remain disappointed and have pledged their support to the original cast as they prepare to unveil their new channel later this week.
One Twitter user, Johne Lendel Vasquez (@itsmelendel), expressed his dissatisfaction with the new hosts, using the trending hashtag #EatBulaga to share tweets filled with negativity and criticism.
Most netizens, however, lamented the unfortunate situation faced by the new hosts, acknowledging that they are merely doing their job. The blame lies with the new management of TAPE Inc., as they have allegedly caused the loss of the heart of Eat Bulaga—the hosts and their work. Many netizens even suggested changing the show’s name.
Another Twitter user, Cc (@cezzyces), joined the chorus of condemnation against TAPE Inc., the producer of the noontime show. They shared an incident where their cousin witnessed a supposed fake episode of Eat Bulaga on a bus, criticizing the poor style of TAPE Inc. and specifically targeting Paolo Contis. The tweet emphasized that the loyalty of solid Dabarkads, both to TVJ and the original Eat Bulaga, cannot be matched by any amount of money. The user firmly stood by the original #Eatbulaga.
Rappler also shared a tweet along with an accompanying article, suggesting that if Eat Bulaga minus the Dabarkads continues to perform poorly in the next year and a half, GMA may decide to drop TAPE Inc. altogether when their blocktime agreement ends in December 2024.
Amidst the ongoing uproar, TV host and former Senate President Tito Sotto maintained that TAPE Inc. does not own the name of the noontime variety show and its segments. He cited international rules and Supreme Court jurisprudence in the Philippines and abroad, which establish the creators as the rightful owners. Sotto assured viewers that they would fight for the continuation of Eat Bulaga during an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source.
It can be recalled that on May 31, the TVJ announced their departure from TAPE Inc. Other hosts, including Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Allan K., Ryan Agoncillo, Maine Mendoza, and Ryzza Mae Dizon, promptly followed suit.
Many netizens took the opportunity to modify the iconic EB theme song, changing “Jolo” to “Mula Batanes hanggang Jolo,” while others sarcastically suggested “Baguio,” mocking the new cast and their supposedly lackluster launch.
As expected, GMA News’ Twitter announcement received more negative comments than likes, as disappointed netizens expressed their dissatisfaction with the show’s new hosts and programs, deeming them uninteresting and boring.
Jesse Anto (@JesseAnto24) replied to the tweet, stating that the new Eat Bulaga is being transformed into a variety show instead of retaining its original noontime show format, considering
it a waste of time and effort. The user praised TVJ and the original co-hosts, expressing their love and support for the original longest-running noontime show in the Philippines and around the world.
Another Twitter user, Ramil Ramos (@RamSMR75), concurred, asserting that Eat Bulaga would not be the same without TVJ and the original Dabarkads, expressing their disappointment with TAPE Inc.
After a week of uncertainty, Eat Bulaga returned to live broadcast on Monday with its new hosts. Paolo Contis, Betong, Buboy Villar, Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, and Alexa Miro were among the hosts who kicked off the noontime show. They delivered a high-energy performance of American Authors’ “Best Day of My Life” and immediately engaged in a game, offering units of the iPhone 14 as prizes. Local girl group XOXO and Kokoy de Santos joined them as guest performers.
Prior to its scheduled time slot, Alexa Miro shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse on Instagram Stories, featuring the iconic Eat Bulaga microphones adorned with name tags.
The Daily Netizen 