Eat Bulaga’s main hosts shocked fans and avid viewers with the announcement that they were parting ways with producer Television and Production Exponent (TAPE), Inc.
Amidst airing of the longest-running noontime show’s reruns on Wednesday, Eat Bulaga went live via Facebook and Youtube, with Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon, also known as TVJ, letting the public know about their departure from the TV production company.
“Simula ngayong araw, May 31, 2023, kami po ay magpapaalam na sa TAPE, Inc. Karangalan po namin na kami’y nakapaghatid ng tuwa’t saya mula Batanes hanggang Jolo, at naging bahagi ng buhay ninyo. Maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat,” said Vic.
Tito, Vic, and Joey were joined by fellow “Dabarkads” hosts Allan K, Maine Medoza, Ryan Agoncillo, Wally Bayola, Jose Manalo, Paolo Ballesteros, and Ryzza Mae Dizon, who were seen comforting the iconic trio after the announcement.
GMA Network, which served as the “home” of Eat Bulaga for the past 28 years, meanwhile, expressed sadness over the “unexpected turn of events with regard to the show.”
“GMA has been the home of ‘Eat Bulaga’ for many years and we still have a block time agreement with TAPE until the end of 2024 for the noontime slot,” revealed the broadcast giant in an official statement.
“Together with all the Filipino fans, we pray for a swift resolution of their issues. Maraming salamat sa patuloy na suporta, mga Kapuso,” it added.
Fans, on the other hand, have also aired mixed reactions over abrupt departure from the show which aired on GMA Network for 28 years. It’s not clear whether TVJ’s exit and presumably the rest of the Eat Bulaga hosts and production will air in another home network and still get to use the Eat Bulaga title.
Or was Wednesday’s episode marked the “unceremonious” end of the longest-running noontime show in the country?
As these questions remain, reactions from fans also poured out online.
“Nakakalungkot naman saan naman kayo sama kami solid eat bulaga legit.”
“Always love dabarkads.. ‘walang iwanan.’ Good luck and God bless you all. Love you TVJ and Maine, all the staff.
“I love you so much EAT BULAGA, I grew up watching EAT BULAGA. LEGIT DABARKADS AKO since 1979. Having my OJT and Practicum at GMA Channel 7 during 1990’s were some of the best part of my life. See you soon Po, we’ll wait for you.
“Solid dabarkads!!! We’ll support you wherever channel the EB will be… Salute to TVJ. God see the purity of your hearts towards your whole team! See you soonest on the next station welcoming you.
“Whatever happens my family remain loyal to Eat Bulaga Dabarkads. Hopefully, sa TAPE lang sila mawawala but will stay in GMA. Kudos Dabarkads we will be with you hanngang dulo.
“Good news not bad news…. See you soon for a stronger #EATBULAGA.
“See you soon EB dabarkads! Kahit saan mang channel we will support you.
“It will never be the same again EB is synonymous to TVJ.. Noontime viewing will NEVER be the same again…”
“EB since 1979. They will be back. They are part of many Filipinos lives. Wherever they’ll go, their family/dabarkads will follow. From RPN9 to IBC13 to ABSCBN2 to GMA7. Its not a lost but a new beginning, chapter again. We’ll wait. Not saying goodbye. God bless.”
