TVJ as underdog; to holler in July

When Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon (also known as TVJ) with the rest of the legit Dabarkads finally, collectively resigned from TAPE (Television and Production Exponents), Inc., the content creator of the longest running noontime show on TV “Eat Bulaga,” the viewing-public didn’t mince words of regrets and immediately shown and thrown sympathy to the departing group.

The audience was wary, watching from the sidelines every step of the way asking how could they as loyal fans be deprived of their daily fun and entertainment fare by allowing the original “Eat Bulaga” exit just like that.

For the loyal followers of TVJ and the Dabarkads, “Eat Bulaga” was their variety show bible.

Most of the faithful and avid fans of the iconic program were shouting invectives against the promoter of axing their favorite TVJ and their gang.

In separate interviews, TVJ, individually said that there were pressures being exerted on them by the new management. On May 31, 2023, in an official statement, the body disclosed that they were not allowed to go on air live that very day which of course insulted if not disrespected the sensibility of the televiewers.

Joey was even quoted to have divulged that even before their mass resignation, the new setup was planning to kick out Ryzza Mae Dizon, Ryan Agoncilllo, Paolo Ballesteros, among others from the cast.

Apart from it, respective talent fees of the hosts and other production creatives were slashed down by the top brass management.

Very discouraging, indeed, on the part of the original members of the program.

Imagine, for forty four solid years, the messenger of hope among Filipinos was shot down from the airwaves.

For the poor and the marginalized, their savior of a lucky streak in the segment “All for Juan, Juan for All” where a contestant from a remote place could win cash prizes enough to go by in lean months of their subsistence.

What more when host replacements were announced in the persons of Paolo Contis, siblings Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, Betong Sumaya, Buboy Villar and Alexa Miro, the public went ballistic.

They unanimously declared in cyber the new hosts were no match to TVJ especially when they watched them overtook the stage.

The public—the quintessential part of defining what Filipino culture is all about—was demanding delicadeza from the new appointees.

TVJ and the rest of the senior stars were regarded as institutions and old guards and offending them would mean disrespect to them as well and eventually no support from the complaining public sector.

But there’s more to it than meets the crossed-eyed beholder.

At the moment, Buboy has quit the appointment but who knows there might be other surprises to hit the public.

TVJ is now with TV5.

The tension between TAPE and TVJ and the so-called legit Dabarkads has not subsided, anyway.

The use of the title “Eat Bulaga” is still in contestation because TJV has filed its ownership with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

Noticeably, the GMA Network noontime program as a block timer has just been using the acronym “EB.”

TAPE, on the other hand, has maintained its legal stand that they own the whole copyright.

Meanwhile, TJV and the Dabarkads have been live streaming their “Eat Bulaga” on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Who would finally be given the rights to the title “Eat Bulaga” and its patented portions?

In the exercise of rule of law, interestingly, public sympathy isn’t a determinant.

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Piolo Pascual’s first professional stage acting in Tanghalang Una Obra’s “Ibarra” was a success with public insistent demand of a rerun.

Ariel Francisco, also known as Frannie Zamora, was asked to restage the piece written by Jomar Fleras.

It depends on Piolo’s availability, though, if he would reprise the role.

Many showbiz people watched the once-in-a-lifetime theater performance of Pascual including award-winning actress Rio Locsin.

We hope PJ has ample time to reenact the literary character of Dr. Jose Rizal.