Despite split from producer, 'Eat Bulaga!' hosts say show not over, aim to celebrate 50th anniversary in 2029
Eat Bulaga! may have parted ways with its producer TAPE Inc., but it doesn't mean the country's longest-running noontime variety show is already over.
Tito Sotto, one of the show's main hosts alongside Vic Sotto and Joey De Leon, on DWIZ said Dabarkads may still catch Eat Bulaga! episodes on the official Facebook page.
He explained that their headwriters have ownership over the episodes and not TAPE, in light of supposed legal threats.
"Ang alam ko nga, parang tinatakot ng abogado. Sinulatan ata kahapon iyong isa sa mga head writers, hinihingi iyong mga password," he said.
Sotto said Eat Bulaga! is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2029, and their team will continue the show "in whatever form."
“Six years to go iyon, kaya ipaglalaban namin iyan," he said.
Sotto said they have received several offers from several television networks, including TV5, Radio Philippines Network, and CNN Philippines.
De Leon, meanwhile, in an Instagram post on June 4 shared a photo of "TVJ" while he reassured fans that they're not signing off.
"We are just taking a day-off," De Leon said.
"In other words, pahinga muna. In English, TAKE FIVE!" he added, with the latter seemingly hinting at them joining TV5.
Entertainment news website PEP.ph on May 30 reported that the trio signed a contract with TV5 for a noontime show. Citing a network insider, PEP.ph said it was already a "done deal," following TV5's last noontime show Tropang LOL already airing its final episode.
TVJ announced they have parted ways with TAPE Inc. last May 31.
It came after over a month when rumors of an Eat Bulaga! rebranding—and the trio getting fired—broke out amid financial losses.
After the announcement, Eat Bulaga! staff members, including hosts, writers, sales, production, and cameramen, tendered their resignation.
TAPE Inc., for its part, in a statement said the show will have a new set of hosts so it can continue serving Dabarkads.