On July 30, 1979 the TV network
RPN9 (now CNN Philippines) launched a new noontime variety show primarily
hosted by the comedy trio and hosting veterans Tito, Vic and Joey. It was “Eat
Bulaga!” now the titleholder for longest-running noontime variety program.
Through several decades of near-uninterrupted airing “Eat Bulaga!” made
Filipino lunchtime fun from RPN9 to ABS-CBN to GMA7, where it makes its home to
this day. And while the old legend is locked in fierce competition with the
noontime show of network rival ABS-CBN, it still has time to prepare for an
epic birthday celebration, with “Eat Bulaga!” turning 40 years old at the end
of the month.
Inquirer.net tells us that one of the pioneering “Eat Bulaga!”
hosts, none other than Joey de Leon himself, has launched a photo blitz at his
Instagram page in anticipation for 40 decades of their noontime variety show,
which will happen this July 30. In these photos that he posted on Wednesday
July 3 , featuring the current “Eat Bulaga!” host roster for GMA7, Joey gave a
heartwarming salute to the two major elements of the program’s years-spanning longevity:
his fellow co-hosts and the loyal fandom, colloquially known as the “Dabarkads.”
“Four decades of EB!” de Leon exclaimed
in the caption for one Instagram pic, emphasizing the show’s initials where
they might be found. “EB will never disappear from the heart of ‘telEBision!’
And EB can be found in the heart of forEBer! And to us, you come first…EBerybody!”
The photo in question showed the “Eat Bulaga!” hosts waving at the camera with
the image taken during the Holiday season, judging from the snowflake motif of
the stage in the background.
In subsequent posts, Joey de Leon
also talked about changes that “Eat Bulaga!” will be recently undertaking. For
one, their production will be transferring to a new venue, at APT Studios. Even
here the comedy master found a target for humor by equating “APT” to “apat”
(four), referencing the new venue move happening on their fourth decade (prior
venue transfers had been between host networks). He also spoke of the passing
of time and what it means for the show and its hosts, particularly the core
trio of TVJ. “We will get old, you will get old, everyone will get old, but you
will remember us,” de Leon said in another Instagram entry. “Remember that.
Happy four decades to the whole gang! And to all “dabarkads,” much blessings to
all of you! Thank you, God!”
Such has been the national iconic
status of “Eat Bulaga!” that it became the first Philippine program to
franchise to another country. “Eat Bulaga! Indonesia” ran from 2012 to 2014 on Indonesian
network SCTV, before moving to antv and continuing shows there up until 2016.
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