In a recent development, the ‘Eat Bulaga’ noontime variety show, now under TAPE Inc., unveiled its updated era with new hosts, guests, and segments.
However, the online reception has been less than favorable, with netizens expressing disappointment and disagreement with the changes.
The premiere of the new ‘Eat Bulaga’ on June 5 showcased a revamped lineup, featuring Kapuso actors and actresses as the new hosts. Paolo Contis and Buboy Villar, along with comedian Betong Sumaya, siblings Cassy and Mavy Legaspi, and the former “Tropang LOL” host Alexa Miro, entertained viewers without the beloved Tito, Vic, Joey, and other mainstays.
From its first airing, the new hosts faced a burst of comments on Twitter, as netizens shared their thoughts and disapproval of the new direction. It was obvious that the new set of hosts was compared with the previous hosts. Users voiced their sentiments about witnessing a different dynamic on the show.
One tweet captured the sentiment of a viewer’s father, stating, “My dad LOVES #EatBulaga – kahit saang network man sila napunta. But this is NOT EAT BULAGA! Create a new noontime show na lang TAPE, Inc. and GMA. It feels weird to be seeing this on TV and not TVJ, JOWAPAO, Ryzza, Maine, and the DABARKADS.”
My dad LOVES #EatBulaga – kahit saang network man sila napunta.
But this is NOT EAT BULAGA!
Create a new noontime show na lang TAPE, Inc. and GMA.
It feels weird to be seeing this on TV and not TVJ, JOWAPAO, Ryzza, Maine and the DABARKADS. pic.twitter.com/SLY5BNFT8r
— #RosasnaBUKAS (@loeroel21) June 5, 2023
Another tweet expressed sadness over the new hosts becoming targets of online bashing, despite their earnest efforts to work. The user pleaded with TAPE Inc. to change the show’s name. He stressed that the loss of Eat Bulaga’s “heart” lies with its hosts and their work.
“#EatBulaga trended with hatred tweets and bashings on the new hosts. Sad! Nadamay pa new hosts while in fact, nagtatrabaho lang sila. IT’S THE FAULT OF THE NEW MANAGEMENT OF TAPE THAT WE LOSE THE HEART OF @EatBulaga – ITS HOSTS AND THEIR WORK. Change its name, please! “ A netizen tweeted.
https://twitter.com/itsmelendel/status/1665588665827950592
The inclusion of Paolo Contis brought in a lot of disagreement from some netizens. These netizens believed that the only “Paolo” that matters was Paolo Ballesteros, one of the hosts from the previous Eat Bulaga iteration.
This sentiment was encapsulated in a tweet featuring Ballesteros’ picture, declaring, “The ONLY PAOLO that matters #EatBulaga.”
The ONLY PAOLO that matters #EatBulaga pic.twitter.com/9vDod4lbcG
— Krist Arthit (@_ilybsb) June 5, 2023
While the online reactions to the new era and hosts of Eat Bulaga have been varied, loyal “dabarkads” fans are likely to closely follow the future endeavors of the previous hosts. The criticism faced by the new hosts indicates that they have inadvertently become victims of the recent issues between TVJ and TAPE Inc. This has overshadowed their efforts to carry the show forward.
As the show progresses, it remains to be seen how the new ‘Eat Bulaga’ will navigate the evolving landscape and win over both old and new audiences.
