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 21st, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Well everybody has entitled to his/her opinion… public officials or showbiz personalities are always subject to criticisms and harassment… the more you’ve made mistakes the more you have received criticisms and even insults…
Kaya si Erap… less talk, less mistakes… unlike Miriam Defensor Santiago dakdak ng dakdak lagi naman palpak… even Gloria na walang palabra de honor and delicadeza… na dapat laging batikusin at palayasin…
On the part of Joey, he was just responding and challenging the careless writer with his unreliable and unconfirmed chismis… Joey has all the rights to react and respond, in what ever way he wants it… as long as he knows and willing to accept what ever the results and consequences of his actions and words…
Some showbiz writers and columnist doesn’t care what might be the effect of their write ups or article on their subject… what they care was their pay off…
August 20th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
si tandang Joey de Leon pinapakain nya sa pamilya nya yung kinikita nya sa pang aasar at pang aalipusta sa kapwa. Kaya doble kayod yan sa pagjojoke ng masasama at mababahong salita para may panggastos na naman sya sa pagtatravel nila ng family nya at pantustos sa mga luho ng mga anakis nya. Propesyon nya ang mang asar at mantapak ng kapwa kaya unawain na natin sya.
August 18th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
‘to all the JDL blind followers here, be logical naman, he has many friends as he claims in showbiz, cla na ang magtanggol sa EB kung talagang friends nila si Joey, bukod duon, may sariling column, talk show at variety show si Joey na puwede nyang gamitin para ipagtanggol ang show nya.
August 18th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Joey is now becoming self destructive due to his bitterness towards the now more popular rival show, Wowowee. Pati ang tahimik at mabait na si Pokwang idinamay.
August 18th, 2008 at 5:37 am
joey is just protecting his interest. Eat Bulaga has given millions already to both stations.
give him a break.