E.A.T. and Eat Bulaga: A Tale of Two Noontime Shows

Noontime shows are a staple of Philippine television. They provide entertainment, laughter, and inspiration to millions of Filipinos who tune in daily. But what happens when two noontime shows have the same name, but different hosts, networks, and formats?

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.

TVJ and Legit Dabarkads Return with E.A.T. on TV5

Fans of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon (TVJ) and their original co-hosts from "Eat Bulaga" have something to celebrate as they launch their new noontime show on TV5, titled "E.A.T.". The show, which premiered on July 1, 2023, marks the comeback of the iconic trio and their "legit Dabarkads" to the national television after their controversial departure from T.A.P.E., the producer of "Eat Bulaga", which is still airing on GMA-7.

The first episode of "E.A.T." was filled with emotions as TVJ and their fellow hosts such as Jose Manalo, Maine Mendoza, Allan K, Paolo Ballesteros, Ryan Agoncillo, Wally Bayola, Ryzza Mae Dizon and Carren Eistrup walked down the hallway of TV5 studio where their photos were displayed. Vic and Joey shed tears as they hugged each other before entering the studio. They also sang some of their hit songs from VST & Company, the singing group of Tito and Vic in the 1970s where Joey wrote some of the lyrics.

The show also teased the viewers with its title by singing the familiar tune of "Eat Bulaga" theme song but replacing it with "E.A.T.". The title stands for "Eto Ang Title", which means "This is the Title" in Filipino. The show also acknowledged that their studio was small but what mattered was that they were together.

"E.A.T." promises to deliver a unique and fun-filled noontime show that will entertain and inspire the viewers. The show will feature segments that showcase the talents and skills of ordinary Filipinos, as well as games and prizes that will make them happy. The show will also highlight the camaraderie and humor of TVJ and their co-hosts who have been together for decades.

If you are looking for a refreshing and exciting noontime show that will make you laugh and feel good, don't miss "E.A.T." on TV5 every Monday to Friday at 12 noon except Saturday start at 11:30 am.