HOTSPOT

“Eat Bulaga” is supposed to turn 44 this July 2023. But there’s a whole lot of trouble that could finally end the country’s longest-running noontime show. For the faction of its producer TAPE Inc., the show will go on GMA, with a new cast and crew. Their initial forays have garnered tepid reviews. It could be argued that their PR operations make the Jalosjos family members more popular and seen by more viewers than the newly-relaunched show.
For the trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, and the “dabarkads” who joined them in leaving TAPE Inc., the show officially goes to TV5. It is not known whether Tony Tuviera would return as their executive producer, or if they would be able to use the name “Eat Bulaga.”
The soonest we would know could very well be on June 14, when the trademark registration expires. TAPE Inc. and TVJ could duke it out for the trademark, or find a compromise. No one knows for sure what might happen.
The troubles of “Eat Bulaga” have provided some the opportunity to publish stinging commentaries and not a few “obituaries” for the show. This is not surprising, especially if we consider the distinct possibility that competing interests have public relations teams now influencing and preparing public opinion for whatever happens. It is pure naivete that the loudest voices right now have a lot to gain from the show’s possible demise.
Yes, there are the network wars, PR rivalries, business ties, and traditional politics going on under the radar.
“Eat Bulaga” helped launch or relaunch the careers of many artists, became the epicenter of many pop culture phenomena, and have been a mainstay of Filipinos daily television viewing habits for over four decades now.
Ever since it challenged and toppled the English-speaking and middle class-focused “Student Canteen,” there’s no turning back for noontime programming that’s folksy, informal and “pangmasa.” What “Eat Bulaga” did to noontime programming and variety shows in general, TV Patrol would later do to newscasting. Their common denominator? They spoke to the audience, not above them.
There have been attempts to evaluate some parts or even the sum total of what are said to be the accountabilities of “Eat Bulaga” for allegedly spreading misogyny and disrespect for women, and for “outdated” themes for their brand of comedy. Whether we would be able to separate TVJ as individuals, and “Eat Bulaga” may seem a daunting task.
A fascinating read about “Eat Bulaga” is James Gabrillo’s 293-page dissertation for his PhD in Music at the University of Cambridge. It is focused on the show and rock band Aegis as pioneers in a detailed account of mass musical culture in the 1990s up until 2018. Those in their 30s and older would be taken back to their childhood or teen years. The younger ones would discover highlights of the show’s long history, with a focus on its use or promotion of music.
Also containing critical comments from various sectors, the Gabrillo dissertation could be found online. It is also interesting to note here that the dissertation never mentioned Romeo Jalosjos or other members of his family who are now claiming ownership of the show.
Would the loyal audience of “Eat Bulaga” stay with TAPE Inc.’s effort at GMA or go along with TVJ at TV5? Would “Eat Bulaga” survive without TVJ? Would the audience find what they look for in “It’s Showtime?” Are we witnessing now the next or final chapter of “Eat Bulaga?” Only time would tell.