Michael V. Image from his Instagram
Michael V has denied a news report that he had been offered to be one of the hosts of the “Eat Bulaga” (EB) on GMA Network following the “disengagement” of the original hosts, Tito and Vic Sotto and Joey, de Leon (TVJ), as well as their coterie of mainstay hosts amid the internal turmoil over the noontime show’s rebranding.
On Instagram, Michael V labeled as “fake news” a news report that claimed that he turned down an offer to host the revamped EB, with the departure of TVJ, adding that while he appreciated the positive comments, he clarified that there was no offer at all from TAPE Inc, the production company behind the show.
What’s more, the multi-talented artist said that he would still have turned it down because of his busy schedule.
“While I appreciate the positive comments, this one, ultimately is FAKE NEWS. WALA po akong natanggap na offer to host Eat Bulaga on GMA 7. At kung magkaroon man, I will STILL DECLINE dahil hindi na po maa-accommodate ng schedule ko at the moment,” he said.
The rebranded “Eat Bulaga” last week introduced its new hosts, led by Paolo Contis, Betong Sumaya, Buboy Villar, and the Legaspi twins, Mavy and Cassy.
They were tapped after the EB trio announced that they are parting ways from TAPE amid their internal squabbles over the show. Soon after, their co-hosts led by Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Maine Mendoza, Alden Richards, Ryzza Mae Dizon, and Ryan Agoncillo followed suit.
Michael V said that the separation between TAPE and TVJ was “unfortunate,” especially after almost 44 years together.
The comedian, however, did not seem to want to get embroiled in the brouhaha, noting that there is a possibility that he might appear in both the rebranded “Eat Bulaga” show and the one to be staged by TVJ when they come back on air on TV5 in July.
“It’s unfortunate na hindi naging maayos ang paghihiwalay ng dalawang kampo and I’m hoping na ma-plantsa na ang gusot. Alam ko kasi na in the future, I will appear on both shows for whatever reason and I would like to feel welcome when that time comes,” he said.
On his leaving EB, he referred to his past vlog in October, 2018 where he addressed the matter when asked by a follower. He said that he has no issue with anyone on the set or productions.
“Nami-miss ko rin sila, syempre. Merong point in my life na sobrang dami ko na talagang kelangang gawin. Dati Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays ako. Naging Fridays and Saturdays nalang, tas naging Saturdays nalang. So parang nahiya nako na, napakaliit na oras nalang ang nailalaan ko for them. Nakakahiya namang magtrabaho ng ganoon,” he said in that vlog.
At that time, the pairing of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, alias Yaya Dub, was at its highest, thus he felt that it was the perfect time for him to exit the show.
“I thought that was the perfect time for me to do something else, yung mga kailangan kong gawin… From time to time tinatawagan pa rin ako ng Bulaga to go. It’s just so happens na di lang talaga nagtutugma ang schedule, medyo busy pa rin. Pero open yung line namin ng Eat Bulaga, no problem sa part na yon,” he had said.
Meanwhile, loyal fans of the original “Eat Bulaga” eagerly await the return of the iconic trio, as well as other original Dabarkads, following their confirmation of a move to TV5. It remains uncertain whether they will still be able to use the “Eat Bulaga” name after their transition to TV5. EDV