The Philippines welcomes a new era of entertainment with Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ), along with other “legit Dabarkads” making their TV comeback! The former “Eat Bulaga!” hosts found a new home, premiering their newest show titled “E.A.T.” on TV5 on Saturday, July 1.
The legendary trio reunited with their co-hosts Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, and Paolo Ballesteros (JoWaPao), as well as Maine Mendoza, Ryan Agoncillo, Ryzza Mae Dizon, and Carren Eistrup, on the brand-new program.
During the pilot’s opening number, TVJ performed VST & Company’s classic hit “Ikaw Ang Aking Mahal” and “Eat Bulaga” theme song “Isang Libo’t Isang Tuwa” with the entire Dabarkads. This production number hit differently as the “E.A.T.” hosts emphasized “E-A-T” in the lyrics while refraining from singing “Bulaga,” amid the trademark conflict with their former producer, Television and Production Exponents Incorporated (TAPE Inc).
“Dito tayo dinala ng tadhana. Tuloy ang ating kwento. Tuloy ang isang libo’t isang tuwa,” TVJ said as they entered the studio and shared a group hug.
Among the audience were TV5 Chairman Manny Pangilinan and TVJ’s family members including Eileen Macapagal, Pauleen Luna-Sotto, Danica Sotto, Oyo Boy Sotto, and Kristine Hermosa, as well as Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.
Meanwhile, Megastar Sharon Cuneta surprised fans with her special appearance, singing her very own hit “Bituing Walang Ningning,” and Rey Valera’s hit, “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” with TVJ.
Related: SHARON CUNETA SHARES BTS OF UPCOMING MOVIE WITH ALDEN RICHARDS
Watch the full pilot episode of “E.A.T.” on TV5 below!
In a recent Instagram post, Joey de Leon noted the support they received from solid fans and wrote, “Ganito kaliit lang ang studio namin sa TV5, parang elevator pero 1,000 floors naman ang taas ng ibinigay nyong pagpansin sa amin…lagpas helicopter!”
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TVJ announced its departure from TAPE Inc. and therefore, its show for almost 44 years–Eat Bulaga!, on June 1. Some of their fellow hosts followed suit immediately after, eventually joining them on the TV5 noontime show. The noontime show on GMA Network, on the other hand, proceeded to introduce a new set of hosts on June 5, including twins Cassy Legaspi and Mavy Legaspi, as well as comedians Paolo Contis, Betong Sumaya, and Buboy Villar, among others.
Related: MAINE MENDOZA, ALDEN RICHARDS, MICHAEL V., AND MORE PAY TRIBUTE TO TVJ AND ”EAT BULAGA!”
“E.A.T.” runs on TV5 back-to-back with “It’s Showtime” on GTV.
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