Veteran host and comedian Vic Sotto clarified that there is no bad blood between him and GMA Network after ‘Eat Bulaga’ transitioned to TV5 earlier this year.
In a recent interview with Toni Gonzaga, Sotto emphasized his continued friendship with the people of GMA Network despite the changes.
“It was more of an issue between TVJ and TAPE Inc.,” he explained, referring to the partnership between himself, Tito Sotto, Joey de Leon, and the production company that managed Eat Bulaga. “We were happy with GMA. Until now, wala naman kaming masamang tinapay with GMA people. We are still friends.”
The legendary noontime show aired on GMA Network for nearly 29 years, from January 1995 until January 2024. Its move to TV5 marked a significant shift in its storied history, with its former time slot now occupied by rival program ‘It’s Showtime’.
Reflecting on their departure from GMA Network, Vic pointed out that their main concerns were with TAPE Inc., not the network. “Just imagine 44 years of doing it, making money for them, and enriching them. Tapos all of a sudden, dahil nagkaka-edad na daw kami, aalisin na daw kami,” he said.
He highlighted the personal investment of the trio, particularly Joey de Leon’s creation of the show’s title, and their decades of hard work.
Vic described the abrupt announcement that the trio would no longer be part of the show as heartbreaking. “We were called for a general meeting, announcing that Tito, Vic, and Joey, ‘thank you, nice working with you.’ Sakit. Sakit non,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Vic remains optimistic about the show’s future on its new platform, TV5.
Vic Sotto, the beloved television host and comedian, has recently addressed rumors of a rift with GMA Network following the historic move of “Eat Bulaga,” the longest-running noontime show in the Philippines, to TV5. The speculation arose after the show’s unexpected transition, which marked a significant shift in the Philippine entertainment landscape.
“Eat Bulaga,” a cultural institution that has been a staple of Filipino households for over four decades, announced its move to TV5 earlier this year. The decision came as a surprise to many, given the show’s long-standing relationship with GMA Network, where it had been a flagship program since its inception in 1979. The move sparked a flurry of rumors and speculation about the reasons behind the shift, with some suggesting that tensions between Sotto and GMA Network may have played a role.
In a recent interview, Vic Sotto firmly denied any rift with GMA Network, emphasizing that the decision to move “Eat Bulaga” to TV5 was purely a business decision. “There’s no bad blood between us and GMA,” Sotto stated. “We’ve had a great relationship with them for many years, and we’re grateful for everything they’ve done for ‘Eat Bulaga.’ This move to TV5 is simply about exploring new opportunities and taking the show to the next level.”
Sotto’s clarification comes at a time when the Philippine entertainment industry is witnessing a period of significant change. The move of “Eat Bulaga” to TV5 is part of a broader trend of talent and programs shifting between networks, driven by evolving viewer preferences and the rise of digital platforms. Sotto acknowledged this shift, noting that the decision to move was made with the best interests of the show and its loyal audience in mind.
The transition of “Eat Bulaga” to TV5 has been met with mixed reactions from fans and industry insiders. While some have expressed excitement about the new chapter for the show, others have voiced concerns about how the move might affect its legacy and viewership. Sotto, however, remains optimistic, stating that the show’s core values and commitment to entertaining Filipino audiences will remain unchanged.
“Eat Bulaga” has been more than just a noontime show; it has been a cultural phenomenon that has touched the lives of millions of Filipinos. From its iconic segments like “Pinoy Henyo” and “Juan for All, All for Juan” to its charitable initiatives, the show has become an integral part of the country’s entertainment fabric. Sotto, who has been with the show since its early days, emphasized that the move to TV5 is an opportunity to continue this legacy and reach even more viewers.
The decision to move “Eat Bulaga” to TV5 was not made lightly, according to Sotto. It involved careful consideration and discussions among the show’s hosts and production team. “We wanted to make sure that this move would benefit everyone involved, especially our viewers,” Sotto explained. “TV5 has been very supportive and has given us the freedom to innovate and expand our reach.”
One of the key factors in the decision to move was the opportunity to leverage TV5’s digital capabilities. In an era where streaming and online content consumption are on the rise, Sotto and the “Eat Bulaga” team saw the potential to tap into TV5’s digital platforms to reach a broader and more diverse audience. “We want to stay relevant and accessible to Filipinos, whether they’re watching on traditional TV or through their mobile devices,” Sotto said.
Despite the move, Sotto expressed gratitude for the years spent with GMA Network. “GMA has been our home for so long, and we’ve built so many memories there,” he said. “We’ll always be thankful for the support and opportunities they gave us.” Sotto also acknowledged the challenges of leaving a familiar environment but emphasized that the decision was made with the show’s future in mind.
The move of “Eat Bulaga” to TV5 has also raised questions about the future of other GMA programs and talents. While Sotto clarified that his decision was not indicative of any broader conflict with the network, industry observers have noted that the shift could signal a period of transition for GMA. Sotto, however, refrained from commenting on the broader implications, focusing instead on the positive aspects of the move for “Eat Bulaga.”
As “Eat Bulaga” prepares for its new chapter on TV5, Sotto and the show’s hosts are working to ensure a smooth transition. The team has been actively engaging with fans, sharing updates and teasers about what viewers can expect from the show on its new network. Sotto emphasized that the core essence of “Eat Bulaga” – its humor, heart, and connection with the audience – will remain intact.
The move to TV5 also presents new opportunities for “Eat Bulaga” to collaborate with other talents and programs under the network. Sotto expressed excitement about the potential for cross-promotions and partnerships, which could further enhance the show’s appeal. “We’re looking forward to working with TV5’s roster of talents and exploring new ways to entertain our viewers,” he said.
For Sotto, the move to TV5 is not just a change of network but a reaffirmation of his commitment to “Eat Bulaga” and its audience. “This show has been a big part of my life, and I want to make sure it continues to thrive and bring joy to Filipinos,” he said. Sotto’s dedication to the show is evident in his willingness to embrace change and adapt to the evolving entertainment landscape.
As “Eat Bulaga” embarks on this new journey, Sotto remains focused on the show’s mission to entertain and uplift its viewers. “We’re not just moving to a new network; we’re moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose,” he said. With his leadership and the unwavering support of the “Eat Bulaga” team, Sotto is confident that the show will continue to be a beloved part of Filipino culture for years to come.
In addressing the rumors of a rift with GMA Network, Sotto’s message is clear: the move to TV5 is not about conflict but about growth and innovation. “We’re all about moving forward and making the best decisions for ‘Eat Bulaga’ and our fans,” he said. As the show prepares for its debut on TV5, Sotto’s words serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of “Eat Bulaga” and its place in the hearts of Filipinos.
