Thank you for all the memories, Dabarkads!
“Kung natatandaan niyo po, July 30, 1979 nang simulan namin ang ‘Eat Bulaga’, 44 years na po ngayong taon.”
Earlier today, the hosts of the longest-running noontime show in the Philippines, Eat Bulaga made a very special announcement. The founders and main hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon were able to give clarity as to why their episode earlier today only aired on YouTube while the GMA broadcast channel only showed a replayed episode. It was because the show will separate from the TV production company TAPE Inc. (Television and Production Exponent who aired Eat Bulaga for the past 43 years.
“Simula ngayong araw May 31, 2023, kami po ay magpapaalam an sa TAPE, Inc. Karangalan po namin na kami’t nakapaghatid ng tuwa’t saya mula Batanes hanggang Jolo, at naging bahagi ng buhay ninyo.” said Vic who was seemingly trying to fight back tears.
Meanwhile, Joey de Leon thanked the show’s longtime viewers and all the networks they called home for the past few years. “RPN9 for 9 years, ABS-CBN for 6 years, and GMA for 28 years“.
All the hosts were emotional naturally brought by the upcoming change. Tito Sotto was also honest that they all came to the studio to work today, but were hindered by the new management to air live.
Apart from the hosts and Eat Bulaga team, the GMA Network was also shocked by the “unexpected” parting of ways. The network released a statement announcing that GMA had reached a block time agreement with TAPE to keep the noontime slot until 2024. They ended their statement by thanking avid viewers of the network and show for their continuous support while keeping faith that there will be a smooth and swift resolution to their issues.
.@gmanetwork statement on @EatBulaga pic.twitter.com/c78oBlIP7d
— GMA Pinoy TV (@gmapinoytv) May 31, 2023
“Saan man kami dalhin ng tadhana, tuloy ang isang libo’t isang tuwa.” Vic ends the announcement while raising his fist being joined by the rest of the Eat Bulaga hosts in a group hug.
