‘Eat Bulaga’ leaves home TV production firm

(UPDATE) PHILIPPINE TV's longest-running noontime show “Eat Bulaga” officially announced on Wednesday that it has parted ways with TV production company Television and Production Exponent (Tape) Inc.

According to the mainstay hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon — also known as “TVJ” — the management did not allow them to have a live show on Wednesday but continued anyway.

During the program, Vic Sotto said in Filipino, “Starting today, May 31, 2023, we are saying goodbye to Tape Incorporated.” “We are honored to be able to deliver happiness from Batanes to Jolo and become a part of your life. Thank you all so much. Until then. Wherever destiny takes us, tuloy ang isang libo't isang tuwa,” he added.

The trio also expressed gratitude to their advertisers, loyal followers they call Dabarkads, and the broadcast networks that aired their program for the last 44 years.

“July 30, 1979 when we started Eat Bulaga. Forty-four years this year. That's why we are very thankful to those who have been our home — RPN9 for nine years, ABS-CBN for six years, and GMA for 28 years,” de Leon noted.

According to them, what happened was the hardest decision they made since the program's launch.

“Our thanks to Mr. Tony Tuviera for the friendship and being part of our family, and above all, to Lord God who never leaves us,” Tito Sotto shared.

The younger Sotto added, “This was probably the hardest decision we made since 1979. We will no longer say all the things we have in our hearts but we just want to work peacefully and with respect to everyone.” The spiels ended in a group hug with the rest of the program hosts.