Eat Bulaga renews ties with GMA Network

 

The Philippines’ longest-running and multi-awarded noontime show ‘Eat Bulaga’ continues to bring “isang libo’t isang tuwa” to its millions of viewers worldwide as GMA Network and TAPE Inc. renewed their blocktime agreement for the airing of program in a contract signing held yesterday, January 11.

For 42 years, Eat Bulaga has provided Filipinos non-stop fun, entertainment and public service through its various segments including the well-loved ‘Mr. Pogi,’ ‘Bulagaan,’ ‘All For Juan, Juan For All,’ ‘Pinoy Henyo,’ ‘Little Miss Philippines,’ ‘Bawal Judgment,’ among others. Now, the top-rating variety show is gearing up for more enjoyable and fun noontime experience for the Dabarkads around the globe still with GMA as its home network.

GMA Network executives showed their full support and excitement to Eat Bulaga’s contract renewal via Zoom.

Present during the virtual event were GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Network President and COO Mr. Gilberto R. Duavit Jr, Executive Vice President and CFO Mr. Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Network Films Inc. President and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, First Vice President for Program Management Department Jose Mari R. Abacan, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier-Cruz, Assistant Vice President For Program Management Department Concie Agnes and Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Jojo Aquio.

TAPE Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Antonio P. Tuviera and Senior Vice President for Creatives and Production Operations Ms. Jeny Ferre were also present for the momentous occasion.

The lovable and entertaining hosts of Eat Bulaga – Senator Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey De Leon, Allan K, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Ryan Agoncillo, Pauleen Luna, Jimmy Santos, Ryzza Mae Dizon, and Alden Richards – were all present to witness the contract renewal.

Atty. Gozon believes it is only appropriate that the number 1 noontime show in the Philippines will continue to air in the number 1 television station in the country, “We at GMA Network are honored to have been chosen once again by TAPE Inc. to be the home TV station of Eat Bulaga, their very popular TV program. Many have tried to beat Eat Bulaga, the longest-running number 1 noontime TV program in the Philippines. And if I’m not mistaken, in the whole world. Being the number 1 noontime program, it is only logical that Eat Bulaga is shown on GMA-7 the number 1 TV station in the Philippines. And so, we are looking forward to many more years of mutually beneficial and rewarding partnership with TAPE Inc. in airing Eat Bulaga on GMA-7.”

Mr. Duavit, on the other hand, expressed his delight over the solid and steady partnership between Eat Bulaga and GMA Network throughout the years, “Maraming salamat kay Mr. Tuviera, kay Tito, Vic, Joey, at lahat ng mga nasa likuran ng programang kinagigiliwan ng sambayanang Pilipino sa mga nakaraang dekada. It is a great privilege, honor, and a source of great happiness for all of us na tayo’y magkakasama at patuloy pa rin na magsasama-sama. Kaming lahat ay tagahanga ninyo. It is always a deep and distinct pleasure to have partnerships that have lasted for so long and that continue to even strengthen, deepen, and prove to be even stronger. Kung kaya’t sa inyong lahat, thank you very much. We look forward to many more years together.”

Mr. Yalong recounted how dealings with TAPE Inc., Eat Bulaga’s management, have always been uncomplicated, “Una sa lahat, ibig kong magpasalamat sa pamunuan ng TAPE Inc. at kay Tito, Vic, and Joey, sa muli nilang pagtitiwala sa GMA-7 para mapanood muli ang Eat Bulaga hindi lang sa Pilipinas kung hindi sa buong mundo. We never had any problems with our negotiations with TAPE Inc. Madalas ang nangyayari naglu-lunch lang kami pagkatapos noon, tapos na rin ang aming negotiations. Ganyan po katatag ang samahan ng Eat Bulaga at ng GMA. 27 years na ang Eat Bulaga sa GMA and this signing will cement our relationship further. Thank you so much to TAPE Inc. family for giving us this opportunity to have Eat Bulaga again in GMA Network.”

“Gusto ko lang sabihin na kung may forever, mukhang ito na iyon,” says Atty. Gozon-Valdes about the partnership between Eat Bulaga and the Kapuso Network. “Thank you Eat Bulaga for the trust.”

As for Mr. Tuviera, he thanks GMA for being the answer to their prayer, “Sa panahong ito, naging sentro ng ating buhay ang ating mga tahanan. Sa GMA, higit pa sa bahay ang ibinigay ninyo sa amin. You gave us a reason to continue our vision on television. Thank you for being our answered prayer every day. Legit Kapuso since 1995. Maraming salamat po sa inyo.”

Meanwhile, Abacan claims that dealing with Eat Bulaga has always been a walk in the park, “Napakagaan nilang ka-partner. In the last 27 years, I am one of the blessed people who witnessed how Eat Bulaga transferred to GMA. Until now, napakasaya pa rin kasama ng Eat Bulaga. At nadagdagan pa ang barkadahan, mabawasan man, nandiyan pa rin yung spirit ng samahan. I’m very happy.”

The iconic Eat Bulaga hosts Tito, Vic, and Joey have been with GMA-7 for 27 years, but Senator Tito Sotto believes Eat Bulaga wouldn’t be able to reach its 42nd and 43rd year if not for GMA-7, “Maraming salamat sa inyo. Tumulong kayo sa amin at nakatulong kayo sa amin upang through the years Eat Bulaga transformed into public service masquerading as entertainment show. Thank you and mabuhay kayo, GMA-7.”

“Sa tingin ko kaya hanggang ngayon ay tinatangkilik pa rin ang Eat Bulaga ay dahil madali siyang panoorin. Kahit nasa bahay ka kaya mong mag-multitask habang nage-enjoy, nakikitawa at minsan nakikiiyak sa show. Madaling panoorin pero may dating sa puso. Kaya nga rin tayo’y Kapuso dahil ‘yun ang pinaka importanteng ingredient sa ating buhay – puso,” says Vic Sotto when asked about the secret to the show’s longevity.

Joey De Leon, on the other hand, playfully claims how the universe seem to conspire Eat Bulaga to remain in GMA for eternity, “Hindi pa seven ang GMA, seven na kami. Mula Student Canteen, nag-Discorama, hanggang sa nabuo kaming Tito, Vic, and Joey. Palagay ko kung may mother of all, Eat Bulaga na ‘yun. Ngayon, at 27 years sa GMA-7, seven presidents na rin ang dinaanan ng Eat Bulaga at tumatakbo tayo sa ating ika-43^rd year. Add mo ‘yun 4 plus 3 equals 7. Kaya hindi lang forever kundi 7-ever na ‘to.”

Eat Bulaga airs Mondays to Fridays, 12:00 noon, and Saturdays, 11:30 a.m on GMA-7. Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.

For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.