(From left) Isko Moreno, Awra Briguela, Paolo Contis. Images: FILE PHOTOS
Isko Moreno believed that the “hype and drama” involving “EAT” and “It’s Showtime” played a huge role in getting higher ratings than their counterpart “Eat Bulaga.” Awra Briguela was released from police custody after posting bail amounting to P6,000 for his temporary liberty following charges of assault and physical injuries in Makati City.
In other news, Paolo Contis said he reached out to Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon to say that he meant “no disrespect” after accepting the offer to host the noontime show that TVJ used to helm on GMA. It seems, however, that the former hosts, including Tito Sotto, and fellow Dabarkads, were determined to move forward as they launched their new noontime show “EAT” on TV5.
On the other hand, “It’s Showtime’s” launched its pilot episode on GMA’s GTV, as ABS-CBN mourned the death of veteran entertainment journalist Mario Dumaual. All this and more, as we look back at some of INQUIRER.net’s biggest showbiz stories from June 30 to July 6.
Isko Moreno on ‘Eat Bulaga’ vs ‘EAT’ vs ‘It’s Showtime’
Isko Moreno. Image: screengrab from YouTube/GMA Network
Revamped “Eat Bulaga” host Isko Moreno attributed the higher ratings of their program’s counterparts “EAT” and “It’s Showtime” to the recent “hype and drama” the shows were involved in.
Moreno said this after he was asked about his sentiment on the July 1 launch of “EAT” and “It’s Showtime” on TV5 and GMA’s GTV channel, respectively, during his interview for “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” last July 3.
“Lumabas ngayong araw ang ratings. Ano ang pakiramdam na doon sa buffet [ng noontime shows] ay mas konti ang taong pumili sa inyo?” show host Abunda asked.
“That’s understandable because there’s so much hype, drama [that] happened in the past weeks and days,” Moreno responded. “Kami naman, ang gawin nating ‘Eat Bulaga’ ngayon ay hindi na tungkol sa mga host [kundi] tungkol na ito sa mga viewers. Maging viewers-centric tayong show.”
Moreno urged their fellow noontime show hosts as well as the public to support one another for the good of the local television industry. As for the revamped “Eat Bulaga,” Moreno assured the viewers that they can expect “perseverance, consistency and innovation” from the program.
“Now, if there will be a buffet—like in this case—lalabas lahat ang galing ng mga artista kasi may kompitensya. And we should not hate each other when we’re competing,” he said. “Let us not create hate and expect somebody to fail for you to go up—parang para tumaas ka aapakan mo ‘yung likod ng may likod o paa ng may paa. This is our job. This is entertainment. Let’s be the best that we can be.”
Moreno also noted during the interview that although “challenging,” he is “humbled and honored” to be part of the new “Eat Bulaga.” He further admitted that there was “so much pressure” among the hosts before their July 1 episode, but he underscored that they opted to look on the bright side of the situation.
Aside from Moreno, the revamped “Eat Bulaga” is hosted by Paolo Contis, Buboy Villar, twins Cassy and Mavy Legaspi, Betong Sumaya and Alexa Miro.
Awra Briguela’s arrest, release from detention
Awra Briguela
Awra Briguela was released from police custody last July 2 after posting bail amounting to P6,000, following charges of physical injuries and assault which stemmed from a brawl in Poblacion, Makati City.
Criminal charges were filed against Briguela last June 29 after her arrest outside a pub in Makati City following a brawl with several individuals including employees of the bar that she and her friends went to.
The actress-comedienne, whose real name is McNeal Briguela, and who uses the pronoun she and her, was slapped with charges of physical injuries, alarm and scandal, disobedience to authority, and direct assault.
Based on the report of the Southern Police District (SPD), Briguela allegedly caused trouble at the Bolt Hole Bar in Poblacion, Makati until she was apprehended by police at about 5 a.m. of Thursday.
The 19-year-old former child star allegedly started a fight with the group of complainant Mark Christian Ravana, as seen in a viral video circulating online.
Police said Briguela and her friends reportedly approached and confronted Ravana, demanding that he remove his shirt and pants. When Ravana declined, Briguela allegedly followed him and tore his shirt, sparking a heated argument. Ravana then quickly exited the bar, but Briguela appeared to follow him out based on the CCTV footage presented by the bar owners to police. Once outside, a melee ensued until responding police arrived at the scene and arrested the Kapamilya celebrity. Briguela, however, resisted arrest and allegedly used profane language while police officers tried to handcuff her, as seen in the viral video.
The statements of Ravana and Angelo Nino Gulmatico, a bouncer at the bar who also got involved in the brawl, however, were disputed by Briguela’s friend, content creator Zayla Nakajima who claimed in a now-deleted Facebook post, that Ravana had tried to sexually harass her, and that Briguela merely defended her and their group.
In her original post, Nakajima claimed she was “creepily harassed” by one guy “with two attempts,” revealing that her backside was touched, and that the latter “tried to insert his bare hands inside my bra.” This prompted Briguela to defend her and one other friend.
The content creator also stressed that she is “filing a strong case” against the unnamed “abuser,” saying Briguela “is just too humane to be defending her girlfriends.”
READ: Awra Briguela remains in detention, faces physical injuries, assault charges
Paolo Contis reaches out to Tito and Vic
Paolo Contis. Image: screengrab from YouTube/Ogie Diaz
After accepting the hosting stint in the new “Eat Bulaga,” Paolo Contis sent a message to Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon in an effort to show that he “meant no disrespect” to the original mainstays of the noontime show.
Contis revealed this after comedians Boobay and Super Tekla saw the actor’s text message to De Leon during a “Phone Raid” challenge at “The Boobay and Tekla Show” last June 25. Contis apologized to the hosts and staff as he opted to just explain the gist of the message and not read it aloud.
“Nagpasintabi ako kay Bossing through Pauleen [Luna]—nag-message ako kay Pauleen—at si Tito Joey kasi kumpare ko. Nag-message ako sa kanya para magpasintabi lang, letting him know that I meant no disrespect and I hope we could talk eventually,” he said. “Nag-sorry—ayon.”
Contis noted that although he received no response from De Leon, what matters to him is that he was able to let the latter know that he has no bad intentions towards them in accepting the hosting stint at the revamped “Eat Bulaga.” Contis added that a mutual friend informed him that De Leon has nothing against the actor and that the veteran host knows that Contis is just doing his job.
He was then asked if all was well between him and TVJ (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon), to which he replied, “Honestly, I don’t see any reason—on a personal level—kung bakit kami hindi magiging OK kasi wala naman kaming ginagawa para i-disrespect sila.”
Contis also admitted that he is hoping to talk to the trio in person, saying he would love to work with them in future projects.
“Nirerespeto namin sila. Alam nila na hindi namin sila mapapalitan,” he said. “Kumbaga, kami ay nagpatuloy lang naman para magtuloy-tuloy ‘yung work ng mga tao, ‘yung show And I believe they’re smart, they’re professional na alam nila na trabaho lang ‘yung sa amin. Walang personalan.”
READ: Paolo Contis reveals he reached out to Joey de Leon, Vic Sotto: ‘Alam nila kung anong nasa puso ko’
TVJ, Dabarkads launch ‘EAT’
Image: screengrab from Facebook/TVJ
Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon (TVJ) and fellow original Dabarkads of “Eat Bulaga” made their comeback to the national television with their new noontime show on TV5 network, which goes by the name “EAT.”
The show started with TV5 celebrities Gretchen Ho, Kaladkaren, and Mikee Reyes making an introduction of the transfer of TVJ and fellow hosts Jose Manalo, Maine Mendoza, Allan K, Paolo Ballesteros, Ryan Agoncillo, Wally Bayola, Ryzza Mae Dizon and Carren Eistrup to the Kapatid Network.
TVJ subsequently arrived in a black Mercedes jeep, with Tito driving, Vic riding shotgun and Joey at the back. The trio, who were all in red, were then welcomed by executives of the network as well as Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos, and his daughter-in-law, Vice Mayor Menchie Abalos.
Also seen in the audience were Vic’s wife Pauleen Luna and children Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Danica Sotto-Pringris, Oyo Boy Sotto with his wife Kristine Hermosa; Joey’s wife Eileen and children Jocas and Jako de Leon; and Tito’s wife Helen Gamboa and daughters Ciara Sotto and MTRCB chair Lala Sotto.
As TVJ entered the building, they were greeted by lively music but this noticeably changed into a wistful one as they walked. Joey then turned emotional and began wiping his eyes as they took note of their portraits along the hallway. Vic and Tito also teared up as they saw the warm welcome. The three then hugged one another before facing the audience onstage. The words written on the platform were the initials of their name: TVJ.
TVJ then sang live the song “Itanong Mo Sa Akin,” an original composition of Tito Sotto and VST and Co. They changed the lyrics at the end of the chorus to “kayo ang aming mahal.” Later on, they were joined by the rest of the hosts as they sang the theme song of “Eat Bulaga,” but with a little change as they spelled out “E-A-T” instead of the original “Eat Bulaga” at the end of the jingle.
“Tatapatin namin kayo, maliit lang talaga itong studio na ginagamit namin ngayon,” De Leon said. “Pero kahit maliit ang bahay, ang importante ay sama-sama tayo.”
Before ending their pilot episode, TVJ confirmed that their new noontime show will be called “EAT.”
“Marami na tayong pinagdaanan, maraming pagbabagong sama-sama nating kinaharap, pero isa ‘to sa mga pinakamakahulugan,” Tito said. “Dadalhin namin to saan man tayo makarating.”
Vic then thanked the Kapatid network, MediaQuest Holdings, show sponsors as well as the Dabarkads supporters, and assured the public of many more segments to watch out for on the show.
READ: TVJ, fellow Dabarkads launch new show on TV5
ABS-CBN, GMA stars join forces in ‘It’s Showtime’ pilot on GTV
Image: Twitter/@itsShowtimeNa
Another proof that the supposed TV war is definitely over as stars from ABS-CBN and GMA network joined forces for the pilot episode of “It’s Showtime” on GMA’s GTV channel last July 1.
Aside from the noontime show mainstays, the star-studded production number include Kapamilya stars Erik Santos, Jolina Magdangal, Belle Mariano, Alexa Ilacad, Chie Filomeno, as well as GMA artists Rayver and Rodjun Cruz, Pokwang, Mark Bautista, Barbie Forteza and Sanya Lopez.
“Kapamilya, Kapuso unite! Ito na ang inaabangan ng lahat!” Vice Ganda said after their performance. “Ang trending na usap-usapan at inaabagan sa social media, ang ‘di natin inakalang mangyayari. It is really happening right now, right here.”
“Buong bansa at buong mundo ang saksi dito sa makasaysayang selebrasyon natin,” he continued. “Wala nang hihigit dito sa pinakamatinding plot twist ng taon. Dahil ang Kapamilya at Kapuso ngayon ay pinag-isa.”
Aside from ABS-CBN executives Carlo Katigbak and Lauren Dyogi who were seen in the audience, “Unbreak My Heart” stars Jodi Sta. Maria, Joshua Garcia, Gabbi Garcia and Richard Yap also made an appearance in the show.
READ: GMA, ABS-CBN stars unite in ‘It’s Showtime’ pilot episode on GTV
Mario Dumaual, 64
Mario Dumaual. Image from his Facebook page
Entertainment journalist Mario Dumaual has died due to septic shock as a result of his recent heart attack, his family confirmed last July 5. He would’ve turned 65 years old this coming July 31, according to a statement issued by his family on Facebook.
According to his family, Dumaual died at around 8:01 a.m., after battling “severe fungal infection,” which is said to be a “complication during his recovery from a heart attack.” He was confined for a month at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City prior to his death.
“What comforts us is he knew that we were always with him, waiting for him, and that home was wherever he felt our love. We also made it a point to let him know how loved he was by his friends in the industry and even kind strangers who have been offering prayers and help for his recovery,” a statement from the Dumaual family read.
The veteran TV reporter is survived by his wife Cherie, his children Luigi, Miguel, Maxine, William, and Thessa, and his grandchildren Sky, Alonzoe, and Tali.
Dumaual was one of the most prolific entertainment journalists in the country, and has interviewed many local and international celebrities throughout the course of his career. EDV
READ: Mario Dumaual, veteran entertainment journalist, dies at 64