SAN DIEGO ‘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, May 31 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, May 31, 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, June 1 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