AFTER almost five decades, former Senator Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, the main hosts of the longest-running noontime show “Eat Bulaga”, confirmed that they are leaving the new management of TAPE Inc, Wednesday, May 31.
“Simula ngayong araw, May 31, 2023 kami po ay magpapaalam na sa TAPE Inc.,” said Vic Sotto as the trio turned emotional in their closing spiels aired on the show’s YouTube channel.
Tito Sotto said the new management did not allow them to have a live show today. “Pumasok po kaming lahat ngayong araw para magtrabaho pero hindi po kami pinayagan ng new management na umere ng live.”
While they officially bid goodbye to TAPE Inc, Vic assured fans of their return to the noontime show, hinting a possibility of network transfer. “Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Hanggang sa muli… Saan man kami dalhin ng tadhana, tuloy ang isang libo’t isang tuwa.”
Joey and Tito expressed gratitude to their avid viewers, Dabarkads, and broadcast networks which aired their program for the last 43 years.
“July 30,1979 po ng simulan namin ang Eat Bulaga… 44 years na po ito ngayong taon. Kaya naman lubos ang aming pasasalamat sa mga naging tahanan namin — ang RPN for 9 years, ABS-CBN for 6 years, at ang GMA for 28 years.”
The trio’s co-hosts, including Paolo Ballesteros, Maine Mendosa, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Allan K, and Ryan Agoncillo, gave them embraces as Vic and Joey said one more time before leaving the stage area, “We love you, bye-bye.”
Sources said that TVJ is in talks with Bacolod City mayor Albee Benitez for “Eat Bulaga” transfer to rival network TV5.
Rumors on ‘major rebranding’ and internal conflicts in the noontime show started even before the pandemic, according to veteran columnist Cristy Fermin.
Source: The Summit Express
