Seasoned TV hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon (TVJ) surprised fans recently with the announcement that they were ending their partnership with Television and Production Exponents, Inc. (TAPE Inc.), the production company behind the 44-year-old noontime TV show "Eat Bulaga."
READ: 'Eat Bulaga' ends partnership with TAPE Inc.: 'Hanggang sa muli'
Social media was inundated with reactions, some of them from celebrities who, in one way or the other, became part of the show.
On Instagram, Tito's daughter, Ciara, who was once a regular in the show, uploaded a video of TVJ's announcement.
She wrote: "I’m sharing this here because this was not allowed to go live on air on your television sets. We may all feel like it’s the end of an era, but we hold on to God’s promise that 'God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.' Romans 8:28 We love you TVJ! We’ll always love you @eatbulaga1979 (Philippine flag emoji) #eatbulaga #tvj."
Maine Mendoza, among current dabarkads, also shared some behind-the-scenes photos from the said episode.
"hanggang sa muli, dabarkads. maraming salamat, @eatbulaga1979," her caption read.
Former host Maja Salvador commented, "yakap sez."
On her Instagram story, Maja reiterated her support for TVJ.
"MAHAL KO PO KAYO TITO SEN, BOSSING AT BOSS JOEY," she said.
Same with Toni Gonzaga, who deemed TVJ as "Noontime Kings."
Vic's wife, Pauleen Luna, posted, "Forever grateful. #dabarkadsforever."
Ex-host Ruby Rodriguez reacted to it, relating: "This saddens me (having) been a part of this show for more than 30years. #dabarkadsforever."
MJ Lastimosa, on the other hand, left an infinity emoji.
Isabelle Daza then pointed out on her Instagram stories how she ate lunch with her "Eat Bulaga!" family for almost four years straight every day from Monday to Saturday.
She stressed how friendships were fostered through the show, sharing a picture of her together with Pauleen and Pia Guanio.
Former child star Ice Seguerra, on the other hand, said, "Hindi ko naiintindihan ang nararamdaman ko. Lungkot ba o saya? Malungkot ako sa nangyayari. Sa kawalang respeto. Malungkot ako dahil sa hiwalayang Eat Bulaga at TAPE, mayroong mga taong mag-iiba ang lagay sa buhay. Nalulungkot akong umabot sa ganito."
"Pero masaya ako dahil malaya na sila. Bakit ka mananatili sa isang relasyong hindi ka naman masaya. Hindi rin ako natatakot sa kinabukasan ng programa. Ang Eat Bulaga ay Eat Bulaga. Kahit saang network sila mapadpad, walang paltos silang makakalipad," he added. "Kaya sulong lang, Dabarkads. Simula pa lang ito nang mas maniningning na bukas."
Prior, Joey assured their supporters that they were not "signing off" but just taking a "day off."
GMA Network also released a statement, maintaining that they are saddened by the unexpected turn of events.
"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," they said. "Together with all the Filipino fans, we pray for a smooth and swift resolution of their issues."