New chapter for ‘Eat Bulaga’ under TAPE as show resumes with new hosts

The new ‘Eat Bulaga’ kicked off today.

At 12 noon on Monday, June 5, 2023, a new era for ‘Eat Bulaga’ officially began as the new hosts for the country’s longest-running noontime variety program were introduced. They were GMA artists Paolo Contis, Betong Sumaya, Buboy Villar, Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, and former ‘Tropang LOL’ host Alexa Miro. Sparkle girl group XOXO, minus Riel Lomadilla — who appears in OG ‘EB’ host Vic Sotto’s sitcom ‘Open 24/7, were also present during the relaunch.

Kuya Kim Atienza, who was rumored to be considered as an addition to the new roster of hosts at ‘Eat Bulaga,’ will not join the show. According to his manager, Atienza could not accept the role, as he still has ‘TikToclock,’ which airs weekdays before ‘Eat Bulaga.’

Notably absent in the new ‘Eat Bulaga’ are beloved segments like ‘Juan For All, All For Juan,’ ‘Pinoy Henyo,’ and ‘Bawal Judgmental.’ Instead, new portions were introduced. Another casualty is the legendary theme song that begins with the line “mula Batanes hanggang Jolo,” as it also bears the name of the original hosts as well as its instrumental version.

As the program began airing and in the hours after, the new ‘EB’ was met with a downpour of criticism, especially from netizens on social media. Many did not like the new cast, segments, and even the use of ‘Eat Bulaga’ as the title for what is now considered to be a different show altogether.

Tito Sotto, who spoke to Pinky Webb in CNN Philippines’ ‘The Source’ this morning, was asked about his reaction to the new program. Sotto said that they will just let TAPE, Inc. to air the reformat of the show. This, as their attorney advised their group to just let it air, “para mas meron tayong hahabulin.” [“So that we will have proof when we run after them.”]

Tito Sotto also shared in the same interview that they are ready to announce their new network on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Rumors suggest that they have chosen TV5 and Cignal as their new partners for their variety show. The title, however, remains to be seen.

Sotto has continued to maintain that Joey de Leon was the one who created the title, and that TAPE has only obtained the right to use ‘Eat Bulaga’ for merchandising and not for a television variety show. Sotto has also added that they have already filed before the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) an application to trademark the ‘Eat Bulaga’ brand under Section 41, among others, or the “entertainment services” section that includes television programs. They are still awaiting approval on that.

Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, who all pioneered the show in 1979, announced their dissociation from the show’s producer, TAPE, Inc., last May 31 amidst an internal tension between their group and the new management of TAPE of the Jalosjos family. Other ‘Dabarkads’ Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Allan K., Maine Mendoza, and Ryzza Mae Dizon, all submitted their resignation that same day.

The new ‘Eat Bulaga’ airs weekdays and Saturdays on GMA.