VEGAS&STYLE

Moira breaks silence on cheating, ghost writer allegations

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

SINGER- songwriter Moira dela Torre has finally broken her silence amid several accusations surrounding her career and married life.

On Tuesday, May 30, the 29-year-old artist posted an official statement two days after lyricist and composer Lolito Go wrote on Facebook that dela Torre is "more of an oppressor than a victim."

"I never imagined that I would find myself in a situation where I have to explain and defend my decision to leave a marriage, as well as justify the state of my mental health," dela Torre began.

‘Eat Bulaga’ TV producer ‘saddened’ over turn of events

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

TELEVISION and Production

Exponents Philippines (Tape Inc.), the production firm behind the longest-running noontime show "Eat Bulaga!, said it was "saddened" by the turn of events that occurred on Wednesday but "respect the decision of the hosts to leave Eat Bulaga and GMA Network, which has been their home for 28 years."

The company, through its president and CEO Romeo "Jon" Jalosjos Jr. and director of finance Seth Frederick "Bullet" Jalosjos," that it was "grateful to the men and women who worked tirelessly for the past 43 years to make our noontime show number 1."

"The success of Eat Bulaga is not dependent only on three people but on the collaborative efforts of its talents, crew, and loyal viewers," it said.

The company said it was reaffirming its commitment to "provide quality entertainment" to the public.

"We are happy for the full support of GMA 7 in making Eat Bulaga bigger, to bring more fun and excitement to every Filipino. We want to assure the public and the supporters of the show through its segments that we are committed to provide quality entertainment," it said.

Despite the departure of the hosts, led by the iconic trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey De Leon or TVJ, Tape Inc. implied that the show will continue with new members whom the company has yet to reveal.

"It is unfortunate, but life must go on. As with life, we have to accept changes but we have a duty to every Filipino," the statement continued.

"Abangan ninyo ang mga bagong magpapasaya at magpapatibok ng ating mga puso. Aasahan ninyo ang mas masaya, mas nakakaaliw at higit pa sa isang libo't isang tuwa na eat bulaga. patuloy ang dabarkads na maglilingkod para sa inyo, mga kapuso mula aparri hanggang jolo at sa buong mundo. ang pag-alis ng mga hosts ay hindi dahilan para tumigil ang pag-ikot ng mundo

(Watch out for the new ones who will make us happy and make our hearts beat. Expect more fun, more entertainment and more one thousand and one happiness in Eat Bulaga. Dabarkads will continue to serve you, our Kapuso, from Aparri to Jolo and all over the world. The departure of the hosts does not stop the world from revolving)," it ended.

A few hours after the announcement on Wednesday, GMA Network also issued a statement disclosing that its block time agreement with the production company is still in effect until 2024.

"We are saddened by today's unexpected turn of events with regard to 'Eat Bulaga.' 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," the statement read.

"Together with all the Filipino fans, we pray for a smooth and swift resolution of their issues," it added. "Maraming salamat sa patuloy na suporta, mga Kapuso."

(Thank you for your continuous support, Kapuso.)

Remaining hosts, staff resigned

It was on Wednesday when TVJ announced through the show's YouTube channel that they have parted ways with Tape Inc. saying the management did not allow them to have a live show, hence, the taped episode in GMA Network.

On Thursday, Pauline Luna – co-host and wife of Vic Sotto –posted a copy of resignation letter signed by all hosts, writers, sales, production and cameramen who followed suit immediately after TVJ's resignation.

As submitted to Tape Inc. president and CEO, the letter reads, "Dahil po sa mga nangyari, kami po ay magpapaalam na rin sa Tape Inc. simula ngayong araw, May 31, 2023.

(Because of what happened, we are also bidding our farewell to Tape Inc. starting today, May 31, 2023.)"

Among those who signed the letter were Paolo Ballesteros, Jose Manalo, Maine Mendoza, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Wally Bayola, Ryan Agoncillo, and Allan K.

As of posting time, TVJ and the rest of the staff did not give further statements with regard to their future. However, there were numerous reports from showbiz insiders that TVJ will open a new noontime show produced by Brightlight Productions of Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez in TV5.

Brightlight is known as a blocktimer and producer of "Rated Korina," and now-defunct noontime show "Tropang LOL" also in TV5. Jalosjos takeover

The internal conflict within Tape Inc. has apparently been going on for quite some time but the looming changes in "Eat

Bulaga" were made public early March when reports circulated that former Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos –owner of Tape Inc. – is forcing former Tape Inc. President Antonio "Tony "Tuviera out of the show by buying out his shares in Tape Inc. Jalosjos also wanted to retain comedians Wally Bayola, Jose Manalo, and Allan K as new main hosts, however, the three were said to be not interested with the offer.

It will be remembered that Tuviera has been producing the noontime show since its inception in 1979 and was the one who pitched TVJ to Jalosjos who came up with an idea of creating a noontime show for then RPN channel.

Meanwhile, back in April, Tito Sotto revealed in an interview with News 5's MJ Marfori that Tape Inc. has long failed to pay TVJ's talent fees amounting to about P30 million each in 2022 alone.

"They owe a big sum, of mine with Vic and Joey. P30 million each, and there are still remaining amounts," Tito said.

It is said that financial loss is the main reason why Jalosjos has taken over the program

"We can't say that we lost money in 2022. Remember, that's an election year. Campaign period, there are a lot of political ads. So it's surprising," he added.

However, in a "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" interview of Dapitan Mayor Bullet Jalosjos and son of Romeo Jalosjos, he assured that the company is "financially stable."

"I want to assure everyone that we are financially stable. The company is okay. We're doing good. We can pay our talents. We can pay GMA so we don't have any problems when it comes to money," Jalosjos said.

The last news about the issue was during a press conference on May 8 when Vic Sotto then told the media that after the disclosure of the issue, Tape Inc. had paid his talent fee.

He also said that they kept the issue secret for many months because they're used to making things private.

"You know TVJ is used to it. When we started, we were paid almost nothing. I said the other day, it's not about money. The principle is more important," Vic Sotto said.

However, he refused to say if TVJ had settled things with the management of Tape Inc.

"I will comment about that when the right time comes," the host added.