The iconic comedy trio of former Senate President Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon will star in a new variety show on TV5 network starting July 1.
The show’s official title however is still under wraps amid a legal dispute over the “Eat Bulaga” trademark.The outcome of the dispute will determine whether the show will keep its iconic name or unveil a fresh title to entertain viewers.
For now, TVJ intends to surprise their loyal audience with the big reveal of the TV5 program name next month.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Sotto expressed confidence in securing the rights for the “Eat Bulaga” trademark, which he asserted was coined by De Leon over four decades ago.
“We definitely are working on the legal side na ‘Eat Bulaga.’ Si Joey nag-imbento nun,” Sotto said.
“History and the law back us up. Ganoon kasimple. It might take some time, but we will be able to use ‘Eat Bulaga.’ I’m sure of that,” he said.
On Tuesday, Tito, Vic and Joey, who have formed TVJ Productions Inc., signed an investment deal with the group led by Manny V. Pangilinan for the production of its new program on TV5 network.
The trio transferred to the new network after a bitter breakup with TAPE Inc., the producer of “Eat Bulaga!” on GMA-7 network on May 31. “Eat Bulaga!” topbilled by TVJ has been on air for the past 44 years.
“Paano sa July 1? Ang usapan namin kanina nila Jane at Jeny, isu-surprise namin kayo sa July 1,” Sotto said, referring to MediaQuest president Jane Basas and Eat Bulaga creative head Jen Ferre.
Asked about Plan B if the battle for the “Eat Bulaga!” trademark goes sideways, Sotto reassured everyone: “We are working on continuing with that.”
After finding their new broadcast home, Sotto and the rest of the gang aim to provide unparalleled entertainment and joy to the Filipino homes in the coming years.
“So whether ‘Eat Bulaga!’ or ‘E.A.T.’ which can stand for ‘Eto ang Totoo,; whatever name it is, kami ‘yun eh. Whatever it is, we will strive to have it continue even past gold, even past 50 years,” he said.
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