The anticipation in the air is palpable as TV5 prepares for the much-anticipated debut of the iconic trio, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, popularly known as TVJ, and their renowned Dabarkads on the network.
The stage is already set, the lights are already aligned, and two entire studios are dedicated solely to accommodate the grandeur of the upcoming program. Yet, the OG Dabarkads are surprisingly tight-lipped about the show’s official title.
During its recent grand media conference, a TV5 executive said that they are using additional cameras and studio lighting for the still-untitled noontime show.
While the name remained a mystery, the partnership between TVJ and TV5 was solidified through a momentous agreement. MQuest Ventures, a formidable force in the media industry, signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake of 51 percent equity in TVJ Productions, Inc.
The deal ensured that the trio, Tito, Vic, and Joey, would continue their legacy of producing exceptional media content for the vast distribution channels and platforms of Mediaquest.
MQuest Ventures’ President and CEO, Jane Basas, warmly welcomed TVJ back home enthusiastically. “Welcome home, TVJ,” she declared, as the sentiment echoed through the hearts of loyal viewers who had longed for the return of their beloved idols.
The scope of TVJ Productions’ vision extended far beyond the confines of the noontime show. Basas unveiled plans to delight local audiences at home and abroad with various projects. The promise of enthralling TV series, electrifying live shows, and captivating movies emanated from TVJ Productions, assuring fans that this partnership was merely the beginning of an exciting journey.
Former Senator Tito Sotto, now serving as the Chairman of TVJ Productions, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by their Mediaquest family.
With an air of determination, he declared, “This is it. It’s good to be home.” The sentiment resonated with his fellow stalwarts, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, as they embraced the opportunity to embark on a new chapter in their illustrious careers.
Still ‘Eat Buluga’
The still unnamed program takes up the 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. time slot of the Kapatid network. TV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan emphasized that it is their duty to provide a “home” for the Philippines’ iconic entertainment phenomenon.
“It’s our obligation to provide them a home because that’s what Filipinos love. It’s as simple as that,” stated the business tycoon.
“It’s a painful thing. We have a home but no title,” Joey lamented during their Media Day held at the TV5 Studio 6 in Mandaluyong City on June 20.
“No matter what happens, we’re still Eat Bulaga!,” Vic Sotto emphasized.
“You can just imagine, after 44 years, you’ve loved it. For me, more than half of my life has been spent on Eat Bulaga! When I’m absent, it feels like something is missing from my life, and then it’s just taken by anyone. Well, that can’t happen,” Bossing went on.
His pronouncement was supported by Tito himself, the most senior member of the group.
“Eat Bulaga! is TVJ and TVJ is Eat Bulaga!,” Tito declared, while adding that they have already filed for a copyright claim with the Intellectual Property Office.
“We are definitely working on the legal side to use Eat Bulaga!. Joey invented that. History and the law back us up. It may take some time, but we will be able to use Eat Bulaga!. I am sure of that.”