On July 7, TAPE Inc. put an end to rumors suggesting that the GMA Network’s iconic noontime show ‘Eat Bulaga!’ would conclude at the end of July.
In the July 6 episode of the showbiz-oriented commentary live radio talk show ‘Cristy FerMinute,’ host Cristy Fermin raised the question about the show’s alleged impending end, stating, “Kung pride po ang paiikutin, mayaman ang mga Jalosjos. Kayang-kaya sumugal, kayang-kaya pang magpakawala ng ilan pang milyones, wag lang maisanla ang kanilang kahihiyan sa publiko? Pero gaano po katotoo na hanggang katapusan nalang po ng Hulyo ang programa niyo, ang hindi lehitimong Eat Bulaga?”
These rumors began circulating after ‘Eat Bulaga!’ faced a decline in ratings, particularly on July 1 following the pilot episode of TVJ’s ‘E.A.T.’ on TV5 and the crossover episode of ‘It’s Showtime’ on GMA’s GTV.
Notably, neither Jon nor Bullet Jalosjos addressed the issue. TAPE Inc.’s legal counsel, Atty. Maggie Abraham Garduque, clarified the matter.
Atty. Maggie stated, “This is not true. Kung meron pong magtatapos sa July 29, 2023 ay ang 43rd year ng Eat Bulaga! Kasi po, 44th anniversary ng Eat Bulaga! ang July 29, 2023. At sa araw na yun, maraming inihandang surpresa ang Eat Bulaga! sa mga manonood na dapat talagang abangan.”
She emphasized that TAPE Inc. has a contract with ‘Eat Bulaga!’ until 2024 and affirmed the show’s commitment to providing fun, entertainment, and support to its viewers beyond its 45th year.
“Until 2024 ang contract ng TAPE, Inc. with Eat Bulaga! So, Eat Bulaga! is committed to give fun, entertainment and help to all our Kapuso 45th year and beyond.”
She firmly stated that there is no reason for ‘Eat Bulaga!’ to end in July, adding, “We do not contest that on July 1, mababa ang rating of ‘Eat Bulaga’ because of the anticipation of people on the launch of new shows, but thereafter, makikita na tumataas na ulit ang ratings nito.”
Atty. Maggie highlighted the success of various segments including the newly launched ‘Hey! Mr. Rider,’ which has drawn significant attention from motorcycle associations.
According to the Nielsen ratings report, the viewers of ‘Eat Bulaga!’ has increased by at least 0.7% as of July 3 and has continued to rise until July 7. On July 7, TVJ’s ‘E.A.T.’ achieved the highest rating of 3.88%, followed by ‘Eat Bulaga!’ with 3.44%, and ‘It’s Showtime’ with 2.77%.
Despite previous controversies faced by TAPE Inc. and ‘Eat Bulaga!,’ the production company remains unfazed and continues to deliver engaging segments for its loyal Kapuso viewers.
