Showbiz Roundup: Noontime ratings war, Heart Evangelista, and Joey de Leon’s expert tip
(From left) Heart Evangelista, revamped “Eat Bulaga” hosts, Joey de Leon. Images: FILE PHOTOS
The noontime ratings war among GMA’s revamped “Eat Bulaga,” ABS-CBN and GTV’s “It’s Showtime,” and TV5’s “E.A.T.” remains in full force, but the Kapuso show emerged victorious last July 19. Meanwhile, Joey de Leon gave an expert tip for the revamped “Eat Bulaga” to be original.
In other news, Heart Evangelista’s former makeup artist Justin Louise Soriano denied speculations that the actress-socialite fired her previous glam team, including him, over money matters, as Winwyn Marquez revealed that she made sure to inform Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, de Leon, and Dabarkads regarding her acceptance of the offer to be the guest host of the GMA-based noontime show,
But the grandest event in show business for the week was the strictly private wedding of TV host Maine Mendoza and Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde, held in Baguio City. Allow us to bring you the biggest news of INQUIRER.net’s entertainment section from July 21 to 27.
‘Eat Bulaga’ victorious in July 19 noontime ratings war
Image: screengrab from Facebook/TAPE Inc.
The hosts of “Eat Bulaga” expressed their gratitude to their viewers, after the show reportedly led the July 19 TV ratings of local noontime shows that also include “E.A.T.” and “It’s Showtime.”
The ratings, which were based on data provided by market research firm AGB Nielsen, were shared by “Eat Bulaga” hosts Isko Moreno, Paolo Contis and Buboy Villar through their respective Facebook pages last July 20.
“Eat Bulaga” reportedly garnered 4.12% average program rating versus “E.A.T.’s” 3.79% on TV5, and “It’s Showtime’s” total of 2.76%—1.81% on GMA’s GTV channel and 0.95% on A2Z.
“Una, maraming salamat sa Diyos. Pangalawa, sa ating viewers—sa pagtitiwala nila sa aming mga baguhang host ng ‘Eat Bulaga.’ Pangatlo, sa management, creatives and production staff ng TAPE Inc., at sa GMA 7 Network, sa patuloy na pagsuporta nito sa EB,” Moreno said in his post.
“Sa maliit naming kaparaanan, patuloy po naming pagbubutihin araw-araw na makapagbigay ng [tulong at saya] sa mga Kapuso natin sa buong bansa at sa buong mundo,” he continued. “Muli, walang-hanggang pasasalamat sa inyong lahat!”
Contis and Villar also thanked the Kapuso viewers by showing the TV ratings report alongside photos of all “Eat Bulaga” hosts. TAPE Inc. executive Bullet Jalosjos likewise shared the same photo through his Instagram Stories.
Meanwhile, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon (TVJ), who lead “E.A.T.,” earlier filed copyright infringement and unfair competition complaints against TAPE and GMA Network.
TVJ has asked the court to order TAPE and GMA to stop using the “Eat Bulaga” name, logo and other devices by the revamped show. The trio is asking the trial court as well to order the production company to pay damages amounting to P20.98 million.
READ: ‘Eat Bulaga’ beats ‘E.A.T.’, ‘It’s Showtime’ in July 19 TV ratings
‘My mouth will remain shut’
(L-R) Celebrity makeup artist Justin Louise Soriano, Heart Evangelista and celebrity hairstylist Jeck Aguilar. Image: Instagram/@justinlouisesoriano
Heart Evangelista’s former makeup artist Justin Louise Soriano spoke up to dismiss rumors that the actress had fired her previous glam team, including him, because they supposedly “maxed out” her credit card and spent her money.
The rumors apparently stemmed from a blind item by host DJ Jhaiho, in which he revealed that a “famous celebrity” had fired her “stylist and makeup artist” over money issues.
The glam team allegedly used the celebrity’s credit card but were delayed in settling their payment. DJ Jhaiho also claimed that one of the glam team members cried in front of the celebrity and admitted to spending the celebrity’s money without her permission.
Netizens presumed that DJ Jhaiho was referring to Evangelista and her former makeup artist and hairstylist, Soriano and Jeck Aguilar, which then led Soriano to address the issue.
Curious netizens also flocked to Soriano’s comments section on his TikTok page, with one Joey De Guia asking about the “credit card issue.”
“Hindi ‘yan ang true reason ng falling-out,” Soriano claimed. “That was created to pivot the story. But again, my mouth will remain shut.”
“Wala kasing ginamit na credit card. I have my own business; I earn my own; I have two credit cards with limits I needed and I live within my means,” he clarified.
Soriano underscored that he has “nothing to defend” as he regards the issue as a “PR thing.” Soriano also stressed that it is only Evangelista who maxes out her credit card, with the celebrity makeup artist apparently pointing out the luxurious items the actress uses every day.
He further said that there is no non-disclosure agreement between them and Evangelista, and that he’s just opting not to elaborate on the matter to have peace. He also said that he is happy to see the actress “winning in life” even when they’re no longer working together.
Meanwhile, showbiz vlogger and talent manager Ogie Diaz cited rumors that it was Evangelista’s glam team that decided to part ways with the actress because they allegedly could no longer tolerate her “attitude.”
Evangelista and hairstylist Aguilar have yet to publicly comment on the matter as of this writing.
‘Gumawa, hindi gumaya!’
Joey de Leon. Image: screengrab from Facebook/TVJ
“E.A.T.” claimed the lead once again in the July 22 TV ratings of local noontime shows, and it seems like show host Joey de Leon celebrated the feat by taking a dig at “copycats.”
The seasoned entertainer posted on his Instagram a photo card last July 24 showing the TV ratings, which were based on data from market research firm AGB Nielsen.
According to the photo card, “E.A.T.” received the highest average program rating at 4.94% versus its noontime counterparts “Eat Bulaga” and “It’s Showtime” which got 3.24% and 3.55% (combined), respectively.
“Gumawa hindi gumaya! Lumikha hindi kamukha!” de Leon’s Instagram post caption reads.
This came after the revamped “Eat Bulaga” on GMA Network beat “E.A.T.” and “It’s Showtime” in the July 19 TV ratings.
Fans agreed with the veteran TV host, with some seemingly taking a swipe at “Eat Bulaga.”
De Leon alongside brothers Tito and Vic Sotto – collectively, TVJ – earlier filed copyright infringement and unfair competition complaints against GMA Network and TAPE Inc., the production company behind the modified “Eat Bulaga.”
The comedic trio also filed a petition for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction to stop TAPE and GMA Network from using the name, logo, and other devices by the new “Eat Bulaga.” Court hearing dates for the petition for preliminary injunction have already been set.
READ: Joey de Leon offers tip as ‘E.A.T.’ leads noontime ratings again: ‘Gumawa hindi gumaya!’
Winwyn Marquez’s respect for TVJ, Dabarkads
Winwyn Marquez. Image: Instagram/@teresitassen
Winwyn Marquez made sure to inform Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and legit Dabarkads about accepting the offer to host the revamped “Eat Bulaga,” out of respect for their legacy.
Seeking the help of TV5’s “E.A.T.” staff, Marquez revealed during an ambush interview at a movie premiere that she asked the permission of the former “Eat Bulaga” hosts, according to a report from Inquirer Bandera.
“For me, I just wanted to [respect them] na magpaalam na mag-guest co-host ako,” she said. “Ang iba naman po, nag-reply. Siyempre, yung iba, naintindihan naman nila ako, wala namang problema. Okay naman. Siyempre, supportive naman sila.”
The actress-beauty queen also used to guest as co-host in the old “Eat Bulaga” show helmed by TVJ, though she admitted that she has no contact with the comedy trio. She, however, insisted that the legal battle between the former “Eat Bulaga” hosts and production company TAPE Inc. stays between them.
“Siguro kasi, it’s between them, and whatever is happening. Wala naman po silang in-explain or anything, wala naman. Sabi naman basta enjoy lang,” she added. (Perhaps, it’s between them, and whatever is happening. There’s nothing for them to explain, nothing. They just told me to enjoy it.)
While Marquez is unsure if she will be appointed as a regular host, she maintained that she will fulfill her duties to the noontime show.
The show’s cast previously included TVJ, Paolo Ballesteros, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Ryan Agoncillo, Maine Mendoza, Allan K, Ryzza Mae Dizon, and Carren Eistrup, before they transferred to “E.A.T.” amid legal dispute with TAPE.
READ: Winwyn Marquez says she sought TVJ, Dabarkads’ leave before accepting ‘Eat Bulaga’ hosting stint
Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza say ‘I do’
Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza with Fr. Jeffrey Quintela. (Contributed photo)
Exactly 10 years after the viral “Arjo cutie” tweet, Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza exchanged their vows in a strictly private wedding in Baguio City last Friday, July 28. The solemn event, organized by event planner Amanda Tirol, was attended by family members only.
The star-studded affair was held at the Baguio Country Club, attended by some of their colleagues in show business and the political scene — former Senate President Tito Sotto, Vice Sotto and Joey de Leon, Senate President Miguel Zubiri, Speaker Martin Romualdez and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Maricel Soriano and Nova Villa, who all stood as principal sponsors.
EAT Dabarkads also attended, while those who were part of the bridal entourage were Kristine Hermosa, Ciara Sotto, Maja Salvador, Sheena Halili and MJ Lastimosa.
Also in attendance were fellow actors Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Zanjoe Marudo, Ketchup Eusebio, and Ria Atayde (Arjo’s sister), Korina Sanchez, Julius Babao and wife Christine Bersola Babao, while singers Nina and Juris Soliman both performed during the reception.
Also spotted during the wedding were ABS-CBN executives Carlo Katigbak, Cory Vidanes, Deo Endrinal who were also principal sponsors, as well as Laurenti Dyogi, Mark Lopez, Ruel Bayani, and APT Studios’ Toni Tuviera and his children Celeste Tuviera and Mike Tuviera.
Up to the last hour, the couple had chosen to keep details of their wedding confidential and free from media coverage in order to keep the ceremony solemn. EDV
READ: Maine Mendoza, Arjo Atayde are now married
