Eat Bulaga: A Noontime Show Saga
Eat Bulaga is the longest-running noontime show in Philippine television history. It started in 1979 on RPN-9 and has been hosted by the iconic trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ) ever since. The show has also featured many other hosts, collectively known as the Dabarkads, who have entertained millions of Filipinos with their games, segments, and comedy skits.
However, not everything has been smooth sailing for Eat Bulaga. The show has faced many challenges and controversies over the years, such as network transfers, ratings wars, scandals, and lawsuits. One of the most recent issues that rocked the show was the feud between TVJ and TAPE Incorporated (TAPE), the production company that has been behind Eat Bulaga since 1987.
According to reports, TVJ and TAPE had a falling out over financial and creative matters. TVJ claimed that they were not paid properly by TAPE and that they had no say in the direction of the show. TAPE, on the other hand, accused TVJ of being ungrateful and disrespectful to the Jalosjos family, who owns and manages TAPE. The conflict escalated to the point that TVJ decided to leave TAPE and look for a new partner to produce Eat Bulaga.
This led to a surprising announcement in June 2023 that TVJ and the Dabarkads had signed an agreement with Mediaquest Group, the company that operates TV5 and other media platforms. Mediaquest said that it was honored to work with TVJ and the Dabarkads and that it would provide them with the best resources and support to continue their legacy. TVJ thanked Mediaquest for giving them a fresh start and a new home.
The move of Eat Bulaga to TV5 was seen as a major shake-up in the Philippine television industry. It marked the end of Eat Bulaga’s 28-year partnership with GMA Network, which had been its home since 1995. It also posed a threat to its rival noontime show, It’s Showtime, which airs on ABS-CBN. Many fans and observers wondered how Eat Bulaga would fare on its new network and how it would affect the ratings and revenues of both TV5 and GMA.
As of this writing, Eat Bulaga is set to premiere on TV5 on July 1, 2023, with the same title and format as before, while TAPE Inc on the other hand, is still airing Eat Bulaga at GMA 7 with the same title and format but with different set of hosts. The show will also be available on other Mediaquest platforms such as Cignal TV, PLDT Home Fibr, Smart Communications, and Philstar.com. TVJ and the Dabarkads have expressed their excitement and optimism for their new venture and have invited their loyal viewers to join them on their new journey.
Eat Bulaga has proven its staying power and popularity for more than four decades. It has also shown its resilience and adaptability in facing various challenges and changes. With its transfer to TV5, Eat Bulaga hopes to continue its mission of bringing joy and laughter to Filipinos all over the world.
