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 10th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
BRAVO!.. Mr. Joey de Leon. A man with honour and principled in all aspect of LIFE!.. Go fight!.. prove the viewer the TRUTH and the only TRUE. Growing children should not be ruin with the BAD attitude our MEDIA Man showing their personal interest. With MEDIA..! money speaks!…. Whatever other opinion say.. still AM a CERTIFIED GMA viewer even abroad..
August 10th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Mr. JDL is a natural entertainer humurous and yet witty. Hindi siya magtatagal ng almost 3 decades sa isang noon time show kung hindi siya effective entertainer. Walang personalan. Sagutin na lang at accept the challenge. Tama lang yung maging bold basta sa ikalalabas ng totoo at hindi isang PLASTIC. JDL is a true servant of enterntainment world. A pillar indeed. More power Mr. JDL!
August 10th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
everybody here that posted a comment doesnt really know what really happened. Joe de leon i think made the right move of calling out that guy and GMA. If its a flop in the US then so be it, still these 2 shows makes a lot of filipino’s happy. If Joey’s show is being attact then he has the right to say something esp. if there is no basis. its obvious that they are just #2, if not then he would not dare say these things. Eat Bulaga has been with GMA for a long time and they both need each other. Controvercy is a part of our culture and thats why our economy is still a mess. If everybody could be like somebody who has principles and who stand in what he believes in then maybe we could be a better country. But thats not the reality, most of the people there wont change because is a dog eat dog place.
August 10th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
bumigay rin si joey de leon,kc nilalampaso na sila sa ratings nationwide ng wowowee.di lang dito kundi pati sa ibang bansa na may mga pilipino.yan ang tunay na kulay ng isang joey de leon,di tumatanggap ng katotohanan na laos na sila.kawawang nilalang,tumandang walang pinagkatandaan…..
August 10th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Hindi naman sa wowowee or kay willie yung issue dito… PRINSIPYO pinag uusapan dito, gusto ba niyo mga balita na nababasa or napapanood is mali mali and not credible?
haaaaaaaaay………