That’s the case with E.A.T. and Eat Bulaga, two rival programs that are currently vying for the top spot in the noontime slot. E.A.T. is the new show hosted by Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, also known as TVJ, who were the original hosts of Eat Bulaga since 1979. Eat Bulaga, on the other hand, is the revamped version of the longest-running noontime show in the country, with a new set of hosts led by Paolo Contis, Buboy Villar, Betong Sumaya, Alexa Miro, and twins Cassy and Mavy Legaspi. Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and social media influencer Kimpoy Feliciano also joined the show later on.
How did this happen? Well, it all started when TVJ decided to part ways with TAPE Inc., the producer of Eat Bulaga, due to some internal issues and management changes. TVJ then brought with them some of their co-hosts, or Dabarkads, to their new show on TV5, which they named E.A.T., an acronym for Entertainment at Tanghali (Entertainment at Noon). TAPE Inc., meanwhile, retained the rights to the Eat Bulaga trademark and continued to air the show on GMA Network, with a fresh lineup of hosts and segments.
The two shows debuted on July 1, 2023, and since then, they have been competing for ratings, viewership, and popularity. According to AGB Nielsen ratings for July 19, 2023, Eat Bulaga surpassed E.A.T. in the Nationwide Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), with 4.12 percent versus 3.79 percent. It’s Showtime, another noontime show on A2Z and GTV, trailed behind with 2.76 percent.
But ratings are not everything. Both shows have their own loyal fan bases that support them on social media and online platforms. E.A.T. boasts of its nostalgic appeal and comedic flair, featuring segments such as Password Please! (a phone-in game for home viewers), Sugod Bahay, Mga Kapatid! (a public service segment with a street lottery game), Gimme 5: Laro ng Mga Henyo (a word-guessing game using headsets), and Vortas 5 (a dance contest for muscular men). Eat Bulaga, on the other hand, showcases its innovative and interactive features, such as Ikaw ang Pinaka (a ranking show based on surveys), G sa GEDLI (a roving van game with cash prizes), Word of the Ring (a word puzzle game with celebrities), Hey Mr. Rider (a motorcycle-themed game with riders), and QR QR (a QR code scanning game for home viewers).
Both shows also have their share of controversies and challenges. E.A.T. is currently facing a legal dispute with TAPE Inc. over the ownership of the Eat Bulaga trademark. TAPE Inc. is renewing the registration of Eat Bulaga with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), but TVJ has earlier applied to register it as well. Eat Bulaga, meanwhile, is struggling to cope with the loss of its former hosts and segments, as well as the changing preferences of its audience.
So which show is better? Well, that depends on your taste and preference. Some people may prefer the classic humor and chemistry of TVJ and their Dabarkads on E.A.T., while others may enjoy the fresh and dynamic vibe of Paolo, Buboy, Betong, Alexa, Cassy, Mavy, Isko, Kimpoy, and their co-hosts on Eat Bulaga. Some people may watch both shows alternately or simultaneously, depending on their mood or schedule.
Whatever your choice is, one thing is certain: noontime shows are here to stay. They are part of our culture and our daily lives. They make us laugh, cry, sing, dance, learn, and dream. They give us hope and happiness in these trying times.
So whether you’re an E.A.T.er or an Eat Bulaga fan, or both, let’s celebrate the diversity and richness of our noontime entertainment. After all, we all deserve some tulong at saya (help and joy) in our lives.
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