Speculation is swirling in the local entertainment industry as reports emerge that ‘Eat Bulaga!’ and ‘Wowowin’ might soon join forces on TV5 in a back-to-back programming move aimed at rivaling ‘It’s Showtime’ on GMA Network.
Though there’s no official premiere date yet, insiders hint at a powerful noon-to-afternoon programming block: ‘Eat Bulaga!’ reportedly airing at 12:00 noon, followed immediately by Willie Revillame’s ‘Wowowin’ at 2:30 PM until 4:00 PM.
Fans and observers had mixed reactions online. Some expressed excitement over the rumored tandem, citing nostalgia and entertainment value. Others, particularly fans of afternoon dramas on GMA Network, voiced concern that their favorite teleseryes could be affected by the new lineup. A few suggested that ‘It’s Showtime’ should also be paired with another variety show to keep the competition lively.
Loyal ‘It’s Showtime’ viewers, however, say they’ll stick with Vice Ganda and the rest of the ‘It’s Showtime’ family. Meanwhile, some longtime followers of ‘Wowowin’ voiced their preference for its usual early evening time slot, saying they associate the show with winding down at night.
Behind the scenes, work is in full swing for the construction of the MVP Quest building near the TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong, which will reportedly house both ‘Wowowin’ and ‘Eat Bulaga!’ once completed. Revillame himself has been seen inspecting the site, as seen in social media posts.
TV5 has yet to make an official announcement, but it’s believed that the revival of ‘Wowowin’ will come with another program titled ‘Wilyonaryo’, both forming part of Revillame’s multi-show return to TV.
The question now: Can the combined star power and nostalgic appeal of ‘Eat Bulaga!’ and ‘Wowowin’ finally end the reign of ‘It’s Showtime’, which has held strong lead ratings since moving to GMA Network?
With no confirmed air date yet, fans can only wait and see if this new back-to-back combo will shake up Philippine noontime TV.
