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 13th, 2008 at 12:49 am
It is very wrong for Vic to defend Joey. It is something to be a loyal to a friend and another thing to uphold what is right . Sorry Mang Dolphy, i will not be watching your movie because of Vic Sotto.
August 12th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
magsusorry tapos magpapalusot. nasaan ang sincerity duon?
August 12th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
well, that’s why it is called showBUSINESS…
August 12th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Joey’s recent and previous behaviour is obviously that of person who’s getting older and suffering from hypertension. He can’t take critisms anymore. He obviously enjoys making fun at others but not on himself. Ever wonder why in his shows’s gags he is always just the “moderator” and never a participant? Sa madaling salita, Joey is “PIKON”. He is a very talented person but he must learn to accept the reality that he’s not perfect. Joey you have the best sense of humor in your industry but be sport enough to accept that you are not the only one. You maybe making more money by being like that but it’s taking away precious moments of peace from within you..and you are not getting younger.
August 11th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Joey, Joey, Joey…
Here you go again. As if you are the most morally upright Pinoy anywhere. It’s time Joey boy to hang the gloves up so to speak. Before your sullied name gets sullied even more.
Simply call Dindo and retract whatever comments you made. No apologies needed, coz you never would. You are not capable of that.
Next time be very very careful…coz the axe is just around the corner. The network axe…so you should plot your career at RPN9 or IBC13 or ABC5 sooner than later.
Willy is a lot feistier than he portrays…(sabay sundot sa mata). Hence, you won’t fit anywhere at ABS