Eat Bulaga' will never be the same again

With the grand media conference not happening until April 15, fans are left wondering about the fate of their favorite ‘Dabarkads.’ PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/EBDABARKADS

By Ronnie Carrasco 3rd, Manila Times

AS many as the "isanlibo't isang tuwa" line in the iconic anthem of "Eat Bulaga" are the circulating rumors about the fate that awaits the nearly 44-year-old noontime program in the country.

Hopefully, however, the nagging questions will finally be answered as Tape, Inc., which produces EB, holds a long-overdue media conference on April 15 — two days before the legendary show is relaunched.

The public can't help but be consumed by both anxiety and excitement as EB announces the major changes it will undergo, that are — at the same time — expected to define the landscape of Philippine television.

This is apparently the reason why the current batch of hosts has declined to grant any interviews so as not to preempt the program's official announcement. Allan K, for instance, is consistent with his evasive yet polite refusal to volunteer any comments, "Huwag muna."

The following are basic random questions that any curious, loyal EB viewer wants answered.

First on the list is what happens to the comedic trio of TVJ (Tito, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon)? Will they still be retained under the Jalosjos management? Or will they head towards the direction of Tony Tuviera, reportedly to Net25?

In the event that the TVJ trio gets eased out, is it true that Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola and Allan K automatically take their place to give the show a younger look? If this is the premise, where does this leave Paolo Ballesteros of JoWaPao fame?

Is there also truth to the buzz that Alden Richards — only when his work sched will permit him — will be positioned as the program's "poste" or pillar? And what about Maine Mendoza, Alden's erstwhile EB partner, is the senior Jalosjos' daughter Soraya nudging her out of the scene?

Maine's supporters, on the other hand, are less worried for their idol since word has it that she'll be preoccupied with prepping up for her wedding to Quezon City First District Congressman Arjo Atayde, which is happening anytime soon.

There's also less tension among the fans of Maja Salvador — in case she's among the outgoing hosts — who's also getting hitched with Rambo Nuñez.

Manning a thriving, stable food business with wife Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo shouldn't likewise feel worried about his finances getting affected.

With the exodus of the old-timers, there are persistent talks that a number of GMA's Sparkle artists are coming into the fray. Reportedly, this is the result of the meeting between the senior Jalosjos and the GMA executives led by Johnny Manahan.

With no final list of network artists yet, the idea is to infuse fresh faces in EB to attract more millennial audience.

At present, EB is under the helm of Louie Ignacio. There's a likely chance that Louie will still direct the show in mid-April given his topnotch skills.

And since he's reportedly close to the Jalosjos family, are we to see Kim Atienza join the wacky gang? If confirmed, is Kuya Kim willing to give up his stint on "TikToClock," EB's pre-programming?

Also, how true are reports that already retired Malou Choa-Fagar (then-SVP for finance) is being wooed to rejoin EB? If so, won't there be any duplication of functions since Romeo's son Jon-jon is the company's treasurer?

Lastly, doesn't the TVJ trio deserve to get paid their retirement benefits?

Albeit network or contractual talents are not generally covered by existing labor laws, are they not entitled at least to severance pay most especially for all the struggles they had to endure during EB's fledgling years?

More than 43 years of hosting is just as long as any senior employee's stint with any company. Pa-konsuwelo, to use a better term even if they don't need it at all.

While all these questions beg for answers, we can only ascertain what will surely disappear co-terminus with TVJ: the program title by Joey de Leon and the EB anthem by Bossing Vic.

Yes, Eat Bulaga — as we've all known it — will never be the same again.

* * *

GUESS WHO?

The production team of a cooking show has become wary of this mother-and-daughter tandem (MDT) since it had them as guests.

As in any program of that type, the invited guests introduce their specialty, get the ingredients ready (all pre-set by the program) and share with the viewers how to prepare it until it's done.

The MDT, however, went beyond. Much to the staff's astonishment, not only did the MDT take home the dish they concocted, they also brought with them the program-owned utensils they used.

"Amin na rin 'tong mga ito, ha?" the mother casually told the program staff as she stuffed them all in her bag.

Having gleaned a lesson, the staff was firm in its resolve: never to invite the MDT ever again.