TV host-comedian Joey de Leon surprised viewers of his weekly talk show, “Startalk,” when he made one dare after another as he fumed over a report published in the tabloid Balita that his noontime variety program for 29 years, “Eat Bulaga,” was a flop in its recent US show.
In his article, “Bakit Nag-Flop ang Eat Bulaga sa US?” published on July 29, Balita entertainment editor Dindo Balares claimed a GMA-7 executive, whom he did not name, confirmed the show was indeed a flop. However, if one thoroughly reads the article, the author merely referred to second-hand sources in his statements and that he did not witness the event himself in Los Angeles, California.
The taped “Eat Bulaga” US show, billed “Eat Bulaga Grand Fiesta sa US”, which was aired last Saturday on GMA-7 apparently wasn’t a flop. Footage of the show revealed the venue, the LA Sports Arena, was jampacked. Even a California state senator, Leland Yee, was shown on stage declaring July 19, the day of the US presentation, as “Eat Bulaga” day.
This blog writer however is inviting anyone who attended that particular show to comment and give their own crowd estimates.
Because of what was apparently a false report, Joey fumed and called Dindo a liar. He then urged Dindo to come clean and name the GMA-7 executive who confirmed the seeming falsehood.
“Mapapatawad ko lahat yon na sabihing pangit ang show niyo. For 29 years, sukang-suka na ako sa ‘Eat Bulaga,’ okay lang, personal na opinion niyo yan at nangyayari pa yan. Pero sa isang event na tapos na, binaligtad mo, nagsinungaling, galit ako sa mga sinungaling. Dalawa lang naman ang kinagagalitan ko dito eh, ang sinungaling at mandaraya,” Joey told his “Startalk” co-hosts Butch Francisco and Lolit Solis in the live interview last Saturday.
If Dindo could name the GMA-7 executive, Joey said he would forget Dindo’s “transgressions” and even offer him a once-in-a-lifetime gift.
“Hinahamon kita. Bibigyan kita ng ticket sa eroplano papuntang Estados Unidos, first class o business class for two para makasama mo ang dyowa mo. Isang linggong stay sa kahit anong hotel sa Amerika, sagot ko with pocket money na $5000. Sabihin mo lang sa akin kung sino ang GMA executive (na yon),” Joey added.
The biggest surprise came when Joey turned the tables on GMA-7, which he said regularly invites Dindo to its press conferences and functions.
“May nag-kumpirma sa akin na uma-attend ka sa mga presscon dito sa GMA. Eto ang hamon ko pati sa GMA. Pag inimbita niyo uli ang taong yan, mag-re-resign ako sa lahat ng shows ko sa GMA.” Joey emphasized.
Joey previously resigned as entertainment columnist of the Manila Bulletin, Balita’s sister publication, over Dindo’s article.
As of this posting, Dindo remained silent over Joey’s charges.
August 8th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Prinsipyo bang masasabi ang magbiro nang ganon, hindi katatawanan ang sinasapit nang mga lehitimo at may integridad na manunulat. Buhay ang itinataya nila para lang maihatid ang balita at sobrang kawalang respeto ang ipinakita ni Joey pra sa mga manunulat.
August 8th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Joey de Leon is an icon in the entertainment and the movie industry. I saw the Eat Bulaga LA Episode in question. I have no doubt at all, it was a success.
I dont believe, a GMA Executive will say it was a flop, since “Eat Bulaga” is a regular show at GMA7. It will be stupid of a GMA7 Executive to say that to the Press, critizing its own shows. This is commonsense.
Freedom to write is not absolute. A writer should have responsibility to make sure that what we writes are factual.
We support Joey de Leon’s complaints. He is right.
August 8th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Instead of waiting for Joey to resign , GMA 7 mgt. should ask for his resignation pronto. What he uttered in Eat Bulaga,( ang lola ko pumapatay ng press) is unforgivable. He should be banned from all newspapers and TV programs. During this time when many press people are being killed, this is so insensitive and vulgar on his part to say those things.
August 8th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
basta ako wowowee lang pinanood ko wala ng iba.
August 8th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
kudos to joey for your unnerving principle. may your tribe increase. god bless you always… go kapusoh!