Tito, Vic and Joey —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
It’s vindication time for Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon (TVJ) after they were unceremoniously booted out of their noontime show last May. The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of the Philippines ruled in favor of TVJ as the rightful owners of the “Eat Bulaga” (EB) trademark. It canceled the trademark registration of Television and Production Exponents, Inc. (TAPE) for the names “Eat Bulaga” and “EB.”
As Joey said at the press con, “The word ICON on my cap stands for I Created Our Name.” He also made a statement with his shirt’s print,”CrEATor … To EAT his own.”
Even if the title of their show of four decades was “robbed” from them, the legacy of TVJ is nontransferable. In a world full of copycats, here’s to the originals.
Here are quotes from Tito (T), Vic (V) and Joey (J):
T: Vindication is such a strong word. I would rather say that after the IPO’s decision, we are officially recognized as the owners of “EB.”
V: Technically, we could have used “EB” instead of “EAT” as the title of our show when we moved to TV5, but out of respect for due process, we didn’t do so. Now that the verdict is out, we hope that the other camp will respect IPO’s decision and use another title for their noontime show.
J: I came up with the title “EB” while I was having coffee in Tito’s kitchen. My friend Jes Espiritu was with me during that eureka moment. Ang name n’ya parang Jesus plus Holy Spirit. Since relihiyoso ako, I believe that’s a sign na heaven-sent ‘yung naisip kong title. Since the noontime show back then was “Student Canteen,” the word “eat” popped up in my head because it’s associated with canteen. I added “Bulaga” as wordplay for “It’s a surprise.”
T: It’s not about the money. It’s about the “Dabarkads” family we’ve built here and all over the world. Any true-blue Pinoy knows that EB is TVJ and vice-versa.
V: I came up with the EB theme song while I was in the comfort room. It was tricky to compose. The word “Bulaga” would not have any impact if it was just sung, so I wrote the lyrics with emphasis on “Bulaga” being blurted out.
J: The three of us have been hosting noontime shows for 50 years, including our “Student Canteen” days. We have mellowed, so revenge never crossed our mind. Mababait na kami ngayon (laughs).
Heaven Peralejo –CONTRIBUTED
Heaven Peralejo, calendar girl
As Ginebra San Miguel’s (GSM) 2024 calendar girl, Heaven Peralejo’s charms will intoxicate you. It showcases her in six stunning layouts embodying the vibrant spirit of Philippine fiestas (Panagbenga, Lantern, Higantes, Pintados, Kadayawan and Masskara).
True to GSM’s tagline “ganado sa buhay,” Heaven is an achiever on and off cam. She recently bagged the best actress plum from the Asian Academy Creative Awards and graduated with a degree in Business Management from the Southville International School. This calendar girl really makes her days count.
Here are quotes from Heaven:When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, my world crumbled. But just like GSM’s mantra “Never Say Die,” my mom and I didn’t lose hope. Now, she’s cancer-free.
I like the calendar’s fiesta theme. It reminds us that after the pandemic lull, we should be in a party mood in 2024 and celebrate life more.
After winning an award, it doesn’t mean that I will be too choosy with my next projects . My award could make me land more projects because it leveled up the confidence of producers/filmmakers in me.
Awards and box-office success are just a bonus. What’s more important is that I give my 100 percent to every project. Even if I don’t win an award or my movie is not a hit, as long as I did my best, then that’s enough for me to feel fulfilled.
Going beyond innovation
The Philippines’ Healthcare Mega App, mWell, recently introduced its HealthHub. The “Hub It All” launch was hosted by Markki Stroem. This in-app feature allows users to easily search for a wide range of health and wellness services and book appointments with just a few taps.
Manuel V. Pangilinan, MPIC (Metro Pacific Investments Corporation) chairman, president and CEO, shares, “Our mission with mWell HealthHub goes beyond innovation; it is about empowering individuals to take control of their health. It also serves as an ally for our health and wellness entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises enabling them to expand their online reach for business growth, making it truly the digital gateway for everything health and wellness.”