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 11th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Bakit siya nagagalit? Alam na niya ang kalakaran sa showbiz, matagal na siya sa negosyong ito, di ba? Galit siya sa sinungaling at mandaraya? E sinu-sino ba ang mga kaharap niya? Si Lolit Solis, minura ba niya noong nandaya siya sa Manila Filmfest? Be consistent, Joey… nakanti ka lang, kung umasta ka, para kang leon ng showbiz… e wala namang malinis sa negosyo ninyo kaya matuto kang makisama…
August 11th, 2008 at 7:20 am
Hay maraming media na trabaho talaga ang pagsisinungaling at ang problema pa hindi bihasa sa pagsisinungaling,hahaha..kawawa naman
August 11th, 2008 at 6:25 am
People who are trying hard to defend Joey don’t get the issue here. He can reason out and defend himself for all he cares ( that’s his right) but not on the program where millions are watching,including minors, because not only did he bring down himself by being childish and insecure, but brought down also the program in some ways - to think that our group never missed it before.
August 11th, 2008 at 12:01 am
I grew up watching everyday the Eat Bulaga show at iba pang shows nila(iskul bukol…todas atbp) masasabi kong isa si Joey sa gifted na tao dahil s napakatalented nya. tumatawa ako pag tumatawa sya at umiiyak ako pag umiiyak din sya katulad din kung sya ay galit ganun din ako. Kaya I salute him dahil he always fight for what is right naughty lng sya sometimes pero it what makes me feel laugh so tama lng yan Sir Joey… fight for your principle !!!!
August 10th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
The fact that the one who commented; that the EB show was a flop comes from a Kapuso GMA exect is outrageous. And JDL is just reacting on the issue. I think na tama din lamang na hamunin ni JDL to come out in the open ang taong ito. This only means na walang kinikilingan si JDL when it comes to the truth. To think na ang masamang balita came from your own backyard is really an alarming and disturbing issue.