| E.A.T. | |
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| File:E.A.T. ... Logo 2023.png
Title card
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| Also known as | TVJ on TV5 Eat Bulaga! |
| Genre | Variety show |
| Written by |
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| Directed by |
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| Creative director |
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| Presented by |
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| Narrated by | Tom Alvarez |
| Theme music composer |
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| Opening theme | "Eat Bulaga!" (revised lyrics) |
| Country of origin | Philippines |
| Original language | Filipino |
| No. of episodes | 136 (as of December 6, 2023 (2023-12-06)) |
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| Producers |
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| Production locations | Studio 4, TV5 Media Center, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Camera setup | Multiple-camera setup |
| Running time | 150 minutes (Weekdays) 180 minutes (Saturdays) |
| Production company | TVJ Productions, Inc. |
| Original release | |
| Network | TV5 |
| Release | July 1, 2023 (2023-07-01) – present |
E.A.T.[a] (stylized as E A T...) is a Philippine noontime variety show broadcast by TV5 that premiered on July 1, 2023. It also airs on BuKo Channel. The show serves as a spiritual successor to the longest-running noontime variety program, Eat Bulaga!. Currently hosted by Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon alongside Allan K., Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Ryan Agoncillo, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Maine Mendoza, Carren Eistrup, Miles Ocampo, and Atasha Muhlach, collectively known as Legit Dabarkads; most of them were part of the original cast of Eat Bulaga! prior to their departure from TAPE Inc. due to a dispute.[2][3][4]
The new management of Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE Inc.) forbade Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, collectively known as TVJ, and other co-hosts from doing a live show on May 31, 2023. Instead, GMA Network aired a rerun of their show's past episodes. The incident signalled the end of the legendary trio's more than four-decade run as Eat Bulaga! longtime hosts, following their officially announced departure from Jalosjos-owned TAPE. [5][6]
Eat Bulaga! co-hosts Allan K., Wally Bayola, Jose Manalo, Ryan Agoncillo, Maine Mendoza, Paolo Ballesteros, and Ryzza Mae Dizon also decided to leave TAPE on the same day along with production staff members (cameramen, writers, and sales). Pauleen Luna, Vic Sotto's spouse, shared a copy of their resignation on social media. [7][8]
The announcement coincided with reports of internal conflict between TVJ and TAPE's new management over a number of matters, including Tuviera's forced retirement as top executive, the rebranding of Eat Bulaga, the replacement of longtime mainstay hosts and top-rated segments, and the salary reduction of the entire production.[9][10] Romeo "Jon-jon" Jalosjos Jr., former representative of the 1st district of Zamboanga del Norte, took over as TAPE's CEO and President following the retirement of Antonio "Tony" Tuviera alongside his sister Soraya Jalosjos, who serves as the Vice President of Administration, while the company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is their half-brother, Seth Frederick "Bullet" Jalosjos, who is the current mayor of Dapitan City.[11][12]
On June 8, 2023, another Eat Bulaga! host, Carren Eistrup, also confirmed her departure from TAPE. [13]
On June 2, 2023, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) disclosed that its Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA) received a petition from the iconic trio Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey De Leon to cancel the trademark of TAPE Inc., one of the grounds is that the registration sought to be canceled was obtained fraudulently. Under the BLA protocol, IPOPHL issued a Notice to Answer to TAPE Inc. on June 6, 2023 where TAPE has 30 days to respond to said petition.[14][15]
On August 21, 2023, IPOPHL clarified that the renewal of the Eat Bulaga! trademark registration is separate from the pending trademark cancellation case, amid ongoing legal disputes for its use. IPOPHL released the statement in response to questions regarding the renewal of TAPE Inc.'s Eat Bulaga! trademark, which was approved on June 14, 2023.[16]
On December 5, 2023, the Bureau of Legal Affairs issued a ruling granting the cancellation of the trademark registration of TAPE, Inc. for Eat Bulaga! and its abbreviation EB, and crediting TVJ as the co-creators.[17]
Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon along with former TAPE Inc. creative director Jeny Ferre, asked the Marikina Regional Trial Court to prevent TAPE Inc. and GMA Network from using the Eat Bulaga! name, logo and other devices, claiming it is copyright infringement and unfair competition. A complaint for violation of the Intellectual Property Code was filed by plaintiffs before the Marikina Regional Trial Court Branch 273, seeking a writ of injunction against TAPE and GMA, which were both named as defendants. The case was filed June 30, 2023 but was only made available publicly when the parties received a copy of the complaint on July 12, 2023.[18][19]
TVJ and Ferre maintain their position that they are the copyright owners and are the creative force behind Eat Bulaga!, its elements and derivative works (such as jingle, music, various logo designs and individual segments) including audiovisual recordings. As for unfair competition, TAPE and GMA continued to broadcast replays of Eat Bulaga! past episodes from June 1 until June 3, 2023, without permission from TVJ and intended to reinforce the false and misleading belief that the two parties are still connected.[20][21]
On June 7, 2023, TVJ issued a statement about their new noontime programme partnership with TV5 Network, which was confirmed by MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., TV5's parent company[22][23] On June 20, MediaQuest Holdings acquired 51% equity in TVJ Productions, Inc., a production company set up by Tito, Vic and Joey, solidifying their partnership to produce media content for the various MediaQuest's distribution channels and platforms.[24] MediaQuest chairman, Manny V. Pangilinan, announced an investment agreement with TVJ, expressing anticipation for a productive and long-term partnership.[24]
After the collaboration, TV5 has announced its new noontime program will air in the current timeslot of ABS-CBN Entertainment's It's Showtime. TV5 offered the 4:30 pm time slot to ABS-CBN Entertainment for It's Showtime which the latter respectfully declined. ABS-CBN and TV5 separately announced that It's Showtime would end its simulcast on TV5 by June 30, the last day of their blocktime agreement to broadcast the program, and move to GTV the next day.[25][26]
The show officially premiered on July 1, 2023, under the title E.A.T., amidst a dispute over the ownership rights of Eat Bulaga! trademark between TVJ and TAPE, as it marks the highly anticipated television screen return for the renowned trio Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon alongside Allan K., Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Ryan Agoncillo, Maine Mendoza, Ryzza Mae Dizon, and Carren Eistrup. It airs on TV5 from Mondays to Fridays at 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and Saturdays at 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, with simultaneous live streaming on social media platforms. It also has a delayed telecast on the BuKo Channel on Mondays at 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Tuesdays to Saturdays at 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm.[3][4][27]
TVJ adapted Eat Bulaga's original theme song with minor alterations, particularly the omitted phrase "Eat Bulaga", which was then replaced with "E.A.T." to avoid possible trademark issues with TAPE. The show's official title, E.A.T., was then revealed by TVJ at the end of its premiere episode. "E.A.T." apparently stands for several meanings, including "Eto Ang Tunay," "Eto Ang True," "Eto Ang Title" and "Everyday, Always Together!" which appeared to be temporary as the trio themselves said that they would continue legal efforts to reclaim the title, "Eat...Bulaga!" coined by de Leon, which has been associated with TVJ for over four decades.[28][29][30]
In the same month, former Eat Bulaga! hosts Miles Ocampo and Ice Seguerra joined the show[31][32] alongside Nigerian content creator Tugue Zombie, who previously appeared in the "Babala! Wag Kayong Ganuun" segment.[33]
The noontime show celebrated Maine Mendoza's bridal shower on July 22,[34][35] and National Dabarkads Day on July 29, marking the 44th anniversary of Eat Bulaga! original hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon. [36][37]
Atasha Muhlach, daughter of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales, was unveiled as the newest member of the show on September 23, where she immediately showed off her dancing skills in the "Gimme 5: Laro ng mga Henyo" segment.[38][39][40]
On October 14, former long-time Eat Bulaga! host Jimmy Santos reunited with the Legit Dabarkads when he surprised Joey de Leon on his birthday with his cameo role in the "Gimme 5: Laro ng mga Henyo" segment.[41][42]
The noontime show's premiere episode featured dance performances that teased various segments, some of which were adaptations from previous Eat Bulaga! segments. [44]
"Da Bar: Dabarkads Eatery" is a segment that features Ryzza Mae Dizon's character Miss Tapsi, who runs an eatery that gives a special musical presentation with a live band where the main hosts, together known as Legit Dabarkads, especially Carren Eistrup and celebrity guests participate in live performances, funny skits, and joke sessions. Inspired from the EB segments Da Kads Bar, Bulagaan, Eat Star Cafe and Carren Sings.[45]
Miss Tapsi introduced two special sub-segments sponsored by Knorr Philippines, "Knorr Asim-Kilig Face" involves studio audiences making an Asim-Kilig face gesture; one winner will be randomly chosen to receive 5,000 cash, while "Knorr Sinigang Ulam of the Week Challenge" involves randomly choosing one of five Sinigang dishes as the "Ulam of the Week", participants must post a picture and recipe on TVJ's Facebook page for a chance to win 5,000 cash each week.
"Password Please!" is a segment that gives home viewers a chance to win big prizes by dialing a cellphone number flashed on the screen, based on EB segment, Bida First: Isang Tawag Ka Lang!.[45]
"44K: 44 Kabuhayan for EveryJuan" is a special sub-segment sponsored by Puregold, as part of the National Dabarkads Day, 44th Anniversary celebration. 44 winning contestants will win a "Tindahan ni Aling Puring Showcase" from Puregold.[46]
"Sugod Bahay, Mga Kapatid!" is a public service segment currently hosted by Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros while Miles Ocampo, Ryan Agoncillo and Maine Mendoza serve as substitute hosts. The segment's concept is derived from the popular EB segment Juan for All, All for Juan: Sugod-Bahay sa Barangay, where hosts provide assistance and prizes to locals. The segment was introduced on July 8, 2023.[47]
Studio hosts Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon encouraged Manalo to run for mayor, which led to the creation of the character Mayor Jose Manalo for the segment's opening skit. Followed by the launch of their subsegment called Palaro ni Mayor: Jose Manalo!, inspired from the Wowowee's original segment, Hep Hep Hooray.[48] [49]
It also introduced a subsegment which serves as the comedic version of Mr. Cutie: Boys Got Talent named Mr. Cutiecles which they also serve as the players of the Palaro ni Mayor, derived from the original EB segment Feeling Pogi.
"Picture Mo Is The Key" is a segment intended for viewers at home to have a chance to win prizes. Participants must take a picture of themselves and a fan-sign with their complete personal information, then send it to TVJ's official Facebook page.[45]
"Gimme 5: Laro ng mga Henyo" is a game segment that challenges the knowledge and logical thinking of each pair of contestants, who are tested under time pressure. The segment started on July 21, 2023, with a combined concept from the American game show, Family Feud and EB's popular segment, Pinoy Henyo.[50]
The segment features an Artificial Intelligence (AI) character from Hollywood named Ellen (Allan K. / Maine Mendoza resemblance), who serves as co-host, constantly reminding the contestants about the mechanics of each round with her AI family members Papa Ethan Allen (Allan K. resemblance), Mommy Jowzee (Jose Manalo resemblance), Lola Belen (Wally Bayola resemblance), Lolo Ethan Allan (Allan K. / Tito Sotto resemblance), Nanny Nina (Paolo Ballesteros resemblance), her AI boyfriend Brad (Paolo Ballesteros resemblance) and his friends Tim (Tito Sotto resemblance), Vin (Vic Sotto resemblance) and Joe (Joey de Leon resemblance).[51]
Atasha Muhlach was introduced as Ellen's sister in the segment. And aside from being herself, she portrayed also their other sister named Len Len.[38] Wally Bayola was initially introduced as Lola Belen, inspired from his role as "Lola Nidora" in Kalyeserye,[52] and later as Papa Ethan Allen, with Jimmy Santos as his personal driver.[53] Jose Manalo was introduced as Mommy Jowzee. Allan K. and Paolo Ballesteros were revealed as Lolo Ethan Allan and Nanny Nina/Brad while Maine Mendoza unexpectedly portrayed Ellen. Ryzza Mae Dizon also joined as Ellen and Tash's cousin named Samantha.
"Mr. Cutie: Boys Got Talent" is a talent search for handsome, confident, and talented young men based on EB's original segment, Mr. Pogi, which aims to discover the next heartthrob sensation. The segment premiered on October 4, 2023. [54]
"PERAPhY" is a game portion that challenges the studio player's thinking strategy. The segment started on October 20, 2023. It involves oversized playing cards faced with fruits that consists of 13 cards per fruit (banana, mango, pineapple, and watermelon) numbered 1-13. The goal is to complete a row of cards by correctly guessing whether the next one is Higher (Pataas) or Lower (Pababa) in value, with the initial prize potentially being doubled or cut in half in the final round. It also features the "TVJ Singing Queens" (Eunice Janine, Anne Ferrer, Jean Drillon, Sammy Rascal, and Khayzy Bueno), also known as the "Sing-Eat Girls", who handles the playing cards. The segment shares similarities with EB's segment Hi-Lo Todo Panalo and is based on the American television game show, Card Sharks.
"Vortas 5" is a dance competition open to all men regardless of gender, who have good looks and super fit physique but have the flexibility to dance on stage, based on EB's original segment, Macho Man. The segment's title is inspired from the Japanese anime television series Voltes V. "Vortas" comes from the Tagalog slang word "borta", meaning muscular, while "5" refers to the television network "TV5". The segment commenced on July 3, 2023.[45]
Jero Bagaporo, from Gasan, Marinduque, emerged as the grand winner on August 5, 2023 after a three-week competition. The daily segment was replaced by "Gimme 5: Laro ng mga Henyo".[50]
"Sing Eat..." is a revival of EB's original singing talent search, Sing-Eat, which was launched in 2002, seeking a qualified female singer, duo, or group to perform regularly at "Da Bar: Dabarkads Eatery". The first noontime singing competition that aims to showcase both beauty and voice. [45]
Eunice Janine, a contestant from Ireland, won the competition. The segment premiered on July 10, 2023, and concluded on September 30, 2023. After the competition, the noontime show established a female group called "Sing-Eat Girls", later known as the "TVJ Singing Queens", composed of Eunice Janine, Anne Ferrer, Jean Drilon, Sammy Rascal, and Khayzy Bueno.
"Babala! 'Wag Kayong Ganuuun..." is a segment in which a pair of contestants must carefully evaluate and determine their correct choice among a group of people with unique characteristics, past experiences and extraordinary achievements. The segment raises awareness and fosters empathy, drawing inspiration from the EB segment, Bawal Judgmental. The segment, which began on July 3, 2023, and ended on October 18, 2023, was halted due to lack of airtime.
On August 10, 2023, Wally Bayola and Jose Manalo were doing a skit during the "Sugod Bahay, Mga Kapatid!" segment when their scene was temporarily interrupted by a conversation between Manalo and studio hosts Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and Tito Sotto. However, Bayola accidentally uttered the Tagalog expletive "putang ina" off-screen, which caught everyone's attention.[55][56]
A day later, on August 11, 2023, Bayola expressed regret, sincerely apologized for the incident, and admitted that he had made a mistake.[57] On the same day, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) issued a "Notice to Appear and Testify" to the noontime show's production group regarding a hearing on August 14, 2023, at the MTRCB office in Quezon City over Bayola's utterance of profanity.[56]
On September 23, 2023, Joey de Leon elicited controversy for jokingly suggestinganoose as one of the most commonly worn objects around the neck during the "Gimme 5: Laro ng mga Henyo" segment, which was widely interpreted as a reference to suicide by hanging.[58] This prompted backlash from audiences and mental health advocates who criticised the joke as callous and insensitive,[59] calling on MTRCB chairperson Diorella Maria Sotto-Antonio, daughter of Tito Sotto, to investigate the incident, especially in light of their recent suspension of rival noontime program It's Showtime over numerous violations, including an alleged obscene act involving Vice Ganda and Ion Perez.[60] De Leon was also criticised for not learning from a previous incident in 2017 where he falsely dismissed depression as a "made-up illness," to which he eventually apologized soon after.[61]
In a formal letter addressed to the MTRCB dated September 25, creative director Jeny Ferre explained that de Leon conveyed the incident verbally in a very brief manner without further actions, elaborations, or demonstrations, but their management acknowledged those sentiments that it insinuated suicide, and they were regretful and apologetic to those offended by de Leon's utterance.[62][63]
According to AGB Nielsen Philippines NUTAM overnight data, the pilot episode of E.A.T on TV5 earned an 8.4% rating beating other rival noontime shows, based on 8.2 million audience reach.[64][65]
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