‘Kalyeserye’ holds reunion special

From left: Paolo Ballesteros, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Maine Mendoza
and Alden Richards

As part of the monthlong celebration of its 38th anniversary, the noontime variety show “Eat Bulaga!” is set to hold a reunion special this month for its kalyeserye—the popular segment that catapulted Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza’s “AlDub” love team to stardom.

The two stars said they owe much of their success to the program. “Hindi lang katrabaho ’yung turing nila sa ’yo kundi parang pamilya talaga,” Maine said of her experience in “Eat Bulaga!” “It’s not like work because you’re having fun, and you’re with people you’re comfortable with.”

Alden is hopeful that he and Maine will remain part of the show for years to come. “To be with the longest-running noontime program in the Philippines is a big blessing. Hindi kasi lahat nabibigyan ng pagkakataong makatrabaho sila, at maswerte ako dahil I also consider them my family,” he said.

Meanwhile, asked about the secret behind the longevity of “Eat Bulaga!” host Joey de Leon attributed its success not only to luck, but also to the show’s constant effort to reinvent itself and get closer to its audience.

“We have been through seven presidents—and counting. We have been in three different networks (RPN 9, ABS-CBN, GMA 7). Dapat kasali lagi ang audience. Hindi namin ilalayo ang sarili namin. Dapat connected kami sa masa, sa viewers,” pointed out Joey, who’s one of the show’s pillars, along with Vic Sotto and Sen. Tito Sotto. “Kailangan one of them ka, kailangan maabot ka.”

Maine Mendoza (left) and Alden Richards

Still, Vic doesn’t feel like they have been on air for 38 years. But the seasoned host added that they couldn’t rest on their laurels.

“There’s always room for improvement,” Vic said. “It’s also satisfying to see people na natulungan at matutulungan ng ‘Eat Bulaga!’”

“Eat Bulaga!” is likewise expected to introduce new segments, including one that “will feature beautiful Filipinas,” and one that will showcase “must-see travel destinations in the country.”—ALLAN POLICARPIO