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 9th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
He became so low, he practically sunk deeply below the mud with what he did on that program.we were so upset we just transferred to another station.
August 9th, 2008 at 11:34 am
I really don’t like noontime shows… ke wo wowee o eat bulaga. Eat bulaga… nakakasuka na nga. Wawaweee… nakakasuka na… nakakainis pa.
But the issue here should not be the arrogance of Joey de Leon (even though he is). This is about an article on which Joey reacted upon. Halata naman kasi na ang tinitira ninyo si Joey de Leon pag ang issue ng arrogance ang binabanat ninyo. Pero kung sana sinabi ninyo ay “sana mag file na lang si Joey de Leon ng case against this guy”… para naman makita ang objectivity ng hirit ng mga ayaw kay Joey.
I’m fed up with these trash talk. IMHO, Joey should channel these issues in the proper venue. Puro basura na nga sa kalye… basura pa rin ang laman ng television. Who the hell cares whether Eat Bulaga has flopped or not?
August 8th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Joey,
One of the few people in show biz who speaks from the heart always, please do not resign.
August 8th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Ngayon ipakita nang Kapuso station na sila ay walang inuurungan, walang kinikilingan, serbisyong totoo lamang. Should they tolerate the arrogance of a Joey de Leon, they will lose all the respect and integrity that their station had upheld in many years.
August 8th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Upon reading some comments here , sobra akong nadidisappoint dahil sa blind fanaticism na ipinapakita nang ilang mambabasa. Si Dindo lng ang kalaban ni Joey kaya dapat magsulat din sya laban duon kay Dindo pero para idamay nya ang MB, GMA 7 at ngayon lahat nang Press People in general is just plain arrogance and stupidity. It is understandable for him to get upset kung may manira sa Eat Bulaga pero wag naman nyang hamunin ang kumpanyang nagtiwala rin sa kanya at tinaggapan nya nang suweldo.