By Patricia Dela Roca
Production company Television and Production Exponent (TAPE), Inc. released an official statement following the departure of the Eat Bulaga hosts.
The statement signed by TAPE, Inc.’s president and CEO Romeo M. Jalosjos Jr., and director of Finance Seth Frederik Jalosjos Jr., expressed their sadness at the turn of events on Wednesday but respect the decisions of the EB hosts to leave Eat Bulaga and GMA Network which has been their home for 28 years.
On Wednesday, reruns of the longest-running noontime program were being shown when Eat Bulaga went live on Facebook and YouTube to announce the resignation of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon, also known as TVJ.
After TVJ, the rest of the hosts — Paolo Ballesteros, Ariel Manalo, Maine Mendoza, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Wally Bayola, Ryan Agoncillo, and Allan J. Quilantang — also tendered their resignation from the show.
The company expressed its gratitude to the “men and women who worked tirelessly for the past 43 years to make their noontime show number 1.”
“Eat Bulaga’s success is not dependent only on three people but on the collaborative efforts of its talents, crews, and loyal viewers,” TAPE, Inc., added.
TAPE, Inc. further remarked that they are happy for GMA’s support in making Eat Bulaga bigger, bringing more fun and entertainment to its Filipino viewers.
“We assure the public and the supporters of the show through its segments that we are committed to provide quality entertainment,” the company said.
They added, “It is unfortunate, but life must go on. As with life, we have to accept changes but we have a duty to every Filipino.”
“Abangan nino ang mga bagong magpapasaya at magpapatibok ng ating mga puso. Aasahan nino ang mas masaya, mas nakakaaliw at HIGIT PA SA ISANG LIBO’T ISANG TUWA na Eat Bulaga. Patuloy ang Dabarkads na maglilingkod para sa invo, mga Kapuso MULA APARRI HANGGANG JOLO AT SA BUONG MUNDO,” TAPE, Inc. guaranteed the loyal viewers of Eat Bulaga.
“Ang pagalis ng host ay hindi dahilan para tumigil ang ikot ng mundo,” the company noted before closing its statement with thanks.
