# E.A.T. (TV program)

E.A.T. (stylized as EAT...) is a Philippine television noontime variety show aired on TV5. It premiered on July 1, 2023, replacing ABS-CBN Entertainment's It's Showtime on its timeslot. The show was produced by TVJ Productions, Inc., Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon served as the final main hosts.
E.A.T. served as an interim show and an iteration of Eat Bulaga! while TVJ pursued legal action to recover the trademark from TAPE Inc., following a conflict between the former and the latter's new management. The show concluded on January 5, 2024, following the promulgation of the decision by the Marikina Regional Trial Court. TVJ Productions, Inc. changed their noontime program's title to Eat Bulaga! on January 6, 2024.

## History
### TVJ–TAPE Inc. dispute

The new management of Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE Inc.) forbade Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, collectively known as TVJ, and other co-hosts from doing a live show on May 31, 2023. Instead, GMA Network aired a rerun of their show's past episodes. The incident triggered the trio to announce their resignation on the same day after a four-decade partnership with TAPE Inc, owned by the Jalosjos clan. Eat Bulaga! co-hosts Allan K., Wally Bayola, Jose Manalo, Ryan Agoncillo, Maine Mendoza, Paolo Ballesteros, and Ryzza Mae Dizon also followed suit with production staff members (cameramen, writers, and sales). Pauleen Luna, Vic Sotto's spouse, shared a copy of their resignation on social media.
The announcement coincided with reports of internal conflict between TVJ and TAPE's new management over a number of matters, including the forced retirement of Tony Tuviera as top executive, the planned rebranding of Eat Bulaga!, the replacement of longtime mainstay hosts and top-rated segments, and the salary reduction of the entire production team. Romeo "Jon-jon" Jalosjos Jr., former representative of the 1st district of Zamboanga del Norte, took over as TAPE's CEO and President following the retirement of Tuviera alongside his sister Soraya Jalosjos, who serves as the Vice President of Administration, while the company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is their half-brother, Seth Frederick "Bullet" Jalosjos, who is the current mayor of Dapitan City.
On June 8, 2023, another Eat Bulaga! host, Carren Eistrup, also confirmed her departure from TAPE.

#### Eat Bulaga! trademark case

On June 2, 2023, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) disclosed that its Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA) received a petition from the iconic trio Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey De Leon to cancel the trademark of TAPE Inc., one of the grounds is that the registration sought to be canceled was obtained fraudulently. Under the BLA protocol, IPOPHL issued a Notice to Answer to TAPE Inc. on June 6, 2023, where TAPE has 30 days to respond to said petition.
On August 21, 2023, IPOPHL clarified that the renewal of the Eat Bulaga! trademark registration is separate from the pending trademark cancellation case, amid ongoing legal disputes for its use. IPOPHL released the statement in response to questions regarding the renewal of TAPE Inc.'s Eat Bulaga! trademark, which was approved on June 14, 2023.
On December 4, 2023, the Bureau of Legal Affairs issued a ruling granting the cancellation of the trademark registration of TAPE, Inc. for Eat Bulaga! and its abbreviation EB, and crediting TVJ as the co-creators.
Three days after the initial trademark cancellation, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines denied the appeal of Television and Production Exponents, Inc. to oppose the "class 41" or "entertainment services" registration of the show's name by de Leon, effectively granting de Leon's application.
On December 13, TVJ filed an injunction in the Marikina Regional Trial Court to stop Jalosjos-owned TAPE from using Eat Bulaga! in their noontime show.
The decision was promulgated by the court on January 5, 2024 stating that TVJ are the rightful owners and creators of the Eat Bulaga! trademark, according to the court.

#### Copyright infringement case

Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon along with former TAPE Inc. creative director Jeny Ferre, asked the Marikina Regional Trial Court to prevent TAPE Inc. and GMA Network from using the Eat Bulaga! name, logo and other devices, claiming it is copyright infringement and unfair competition. A complaint for violation of the Intellectual Property Code was filed by plaintiffs before the Marikina Regional Trial Court Branch 273, seeking a writ of injunction against TAPE and GMA, which were both named as defendants. The case was filed June 30, 2023 but was only made available publicly when the parties received a copy of the complaint on July 12, 2023.
TVJ and Ferre maintain their position that they are the copyright owners and are the creative force behind Eat Bulaga!, its elements and derivative works (such as jingle, music, various logo designs and individual segments) including audiovisual recordings. As for unfair competition, TAPE and GMA continued to broadcast replays of Eat Bulaga! past episodes from June 1 until June 3, 2023, without permission from TVJ and intended to reinforce the false and misleading belief that the two parties are still connected.

### TVJ—TV5 partnership

On June 7, 2023, TVJ issued a statement about their new noontime program partnership with TV5, which was confirmed by MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., TV5's parent company. On June 20, MediaQuest Holdings acquired 51% equity in TVJ Productions, Inc., a production company set up by Tito, Vic and Joey, solidifying their partnership to produce media content for the various MediaQuest's distribution channels and platforms. MediaQuest chairman, Manny V. Pangilinan, announced an investment agreement with TVJ, expressing anticipation for a productive and long-term partnership.
After the collaboration, TV5 announced its new noontime program will air in the timeslot occupied by ABS-CBN Entertainment's It's Showtime. TV5 offered the 4:30 pm time slot to ABS-CBN Entertainment for It's Showtime as an alternative which the latter respectfully declined.
Through separate statements, ABS-CBN and TV5 announced that It's Showtime would end its simulcast on TV5 by June 30, the last day of their blocktime agreement to broadcast the program, and move to GMA Network's GTV the next day.

### E.A.T. (Bulaga!) (2023–2024)

The show officially premiered on July 1, 2023, under the title E.A.T., amidst the then-ongoing dispute over the ownership rights of the Eat Bulaga! trademark between TVJ and TAPE. It aired on TV5 from Mondays to Fridays at 12:00 nn to 2:30 pm and Saturdays at 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, with simultaneous live streaming on social media platforms. It also had a delayed telecast on BuKo Channel on Mondays at 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Tuesdays to Saturdays at 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
TVJ adapted Eat Bulaga!'s original theme song with minor alterations, particularly the omission of the "Eat Bulaga" phrase; which was then replaced with "E.A.T." to avoid possible trademark issues with TAPE. The show's official title, E.A.T., was then revealed by TVJ at the end of its premiere episode. "E.A.T." apparently stood for several meanings, including "Eto Ang Tunay," "Eto Ang True," "Eto Ang Title" and "Everyday, Always Together!" which appeared to be temporary as the trio themselves said that they would continue legal efforts to reclaim the title, "Eat Bulaga!" coined by de Leon, which has been associated with TVJ for over four decades.
In the same month, former Eat Bulaga! hosts Ice Seguerra and Miles Ocampo (after her stint on Kapamilya Channel shows Batang Quiapo and The Iron Heart) joined the show along with Nigerian content creator, Tugue Zombie.
The noontime show celebrated Maine Mendoza's bridal shower on July 22, and National Dabarkads Day on July 29, marking the 44th anniversary of Eat Bulaga! original hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon.
Atasha Muhlach, daughter of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales, was unveiled as the newest member of the show on September 23, where she immediately showed off her dancing skills in the Gimme 5: Laro ng mga Henyo segment.
On October 14, former long-time Eat Bulaga! host Jimmy Santos reunited with the Legit Dabarkads when he surprised Joey de Leon on his birthday with his cameo role in the Gimme 5: Laro ng mga Henyo segment.
On December 6, the noontime show started to use the "Eat Bulaga!" tagline after the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) canceled the trademark registration of TAPE Inc. for Eat Bulaga! and ruled in favor of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon; though the prerecorded title cards and jingle continued to reflect the interim name E.A.T. until the Marikina Regional Trial Court also ruled in favour of the trio.
On December 22, TV5 signed a deal with Nine Media Corporation, allowing the Saturday edition of the show to be broadcast on CNN Philippines (later rebranded to RPTV) starting January 6, 2024. This also marked the comeback of the original Eat Bulaga! to RPN, CNN Philippines's broadcaster where the show originally premiered on July 30, 1979.

## Hosts
### Final hosts

* Tito Sotto (2023–2024)
* Vic Sotto (2023–2024)
* Joey de Leon (2023–2024)
* Allan K. (2023–2024)
* Jose Manalo (2023–2024)
* Wally Bayola (2023–2024)
* Paolo Ballesteros (2023–2024)
* Ryan Agoncillo (2023–2024)
* Ryzza Mae Dizon (2023–2024)
* Maine Mendoza (2023–2024)
* Miles Ocampo (2023–2024)
* Carren Eistrup (2023–2024)
* Atasha Muhlach (2023–2024)

#### Featuring

* TVJ Singing Queens (2023–2024; also known as Sing-Eat Girls)
* Pedro Busita Jr. and the Hollow Blacks Band (2023–2024; also known as Pedro Band)
* Jimmy Santos (2023)

#### Former hosts / Guest co-hosts

* Ice Seguerra (2023)
* Tugue Zombie (2023)
* MJ Lastimosa (2023)
* Jervi "KaladKaren" Li (2023)

## Show segments

The noontime show's premiere episode showcased dance performances that teased various segments, some of which were adaptations from previous Eat Bulaga! segments.

### Final segments

The final segments listed here were all carried over to Eat Bulaga!.

#### Sugod Bahay, Mga Kapatid!

Sugod Bahay, Mga Kapatid! is a public service segment primarily hosted by Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros collectively known as JoWaPao while Ryan Agoncillo, Maine Mendoza and Miles Ocampo served as substitute hosts. The segment's concept is derived from the popular EB segment "Juan for All, All for Juan: Sugod-Bahay sa Barangay", where hosts provide assistance and prizes to locals. The segment was introduced on July 8, 2023.
Studio hosts Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon encouraged Manalo to run for mayor, creating the character "Mayor Jose Manalo" for the segment's opening skit and launching subsegments Palaro ni Mayor: Jose Manalo!, Mr. Cutiecles and E.A.T. Caroling.

#### Gimme 5: Laro ng mga Henyo

Gimme 5: Laro ng mga Henyo is a game segment that challenges the knowledge and logical thinking of each pair of contestants, who are tested under time pressure. The segment started on July 21, 2023, with a combined concept from the American game show Family Feud and EB's popular segment, Pinoy Henyo.
The segment features Ellen, a AI character, serves as co-host, providing contestants with detailed explanations of each round's mechanics along with her AI family members Papa Ethan Allen, Mommy Jowzee, Lola Belen, Lolo Ethan Allan, Nanny Nina, her AI boyfriend Brad and his friends Tim, Vin and Joe. Each AI-generated character has a comical resemblance with the hosts.
Atasha Muhlach portrayed Ellen's sister Tash and their other sister, Len Len. Wally Bayola, played as Lola Belen, based on his role as Lola Nidora in Kalyeserye. and later as Papa Ethan Allen, with Jimmy Santos as his personal driver. Jose Manalo was introduced as Mommy Jowzee. Allan K. and Paolo Ballesteros were revealed as Lolo Ethan Allan and Nanny Nina/Brad while Maine Mendoza unexpectedly portrayed Ellen. Ryzza Mae Dizon also joined as Ellen and Tash's cousin named Samantha.

#### Mr. Cutie: Boys Got Talent

Mr. Cutie: Boys Got Talent is a talent search for handsome, confident, and talented young men based on EB's original segment Mr. Pogi, which aims to discover the next heartthrob sensation. The segment premiered on October 4, 2023.

#### Peraphy

Peraphy (stylized as PERAPhY) is a game portion that challenges the studio player's thinking strategy. The segment started on October 20, 2023. It involves oversized playing cards faced with fruits that consists of 13 cards per fruit (banana, mango, pineapple, and watermelon) numbered 1–13. The goal is to complete a row of cards by correctly guessing whether the next one is Higher (Pataas) or Lower (Pababa) in value, with the initial prize potentially being doubled or cut in half in the final round. It also features the TVJ Singing Queens (Eunice Janine, Anne Ferrer, Jean Drillon, Sammy Rascal, and Khayzy Bueno), also known as the Sing-Eat Girls, who handles the playing cards. The segment shares similarities with EB's segment Hi-Lo Todo Panalo and is based on the American television game show, Card Sharks.

### Former/Inactive segments
#### Da Bar: Dabarkads Eatery

Da Bar: Dabarkads Eatery is a segment that features Ryzza Mae Dizon's character Miss Tapsi, who runs an eatery that gives a special musical presentation with a live band where the main hosts, together known as Legit Dabarkads, especially Carren Eistrup and celebrity guests participate in live performances, funny skits, and joke sessions. Inspired from the EB segments Da Kads Bar, Bulagaan, Eat Star Cafe and Carren Sings.

#### Password Please!

Password Please! is a segment that gives home viewers a chance to win big prizes by dialing a cellphone number flashed on the screen, based on EB segment, Bida First: Isang Tawag Ka Lang!.
44K: 44 Kabuhayan for EveryJuan was a special sub-segment sponsored by Puregold, as part of the National Dabarkads Day, 44th Anniversary celebration. 44 winning contestants will win a Tindahan ni Aling Puring Showcase from Puregold.

#### Picture Mo Is the Key

Picture Mo Is the Key is a segment intended for viewers at home to have a chance to win prizes. Participants must take a picture of themselves and a fan-sign with their complete personal information, then send it to TVJ's official Facebook page.

#### Vortas 5

Vortas 5 was a dance competition open to all men regardless of gender, who have good looks and a super fit physique but have the flexibility to dance on stage, based on EB's original segment, Macho Man. The segment's title was inspired from the Japanese anime television series Voltes V. Vortas comes from the Tagalog slang word borta, meaning muscular, while 5 refers to the television network TV5. The segment commenced on July 3, 2023.
Jero Bagaporo from Gasan, Marinduque emerged as the grand winner on August 5, 2023, after a three-week competition. The daily segment was replaced by "Gimme 5: Laro ng mga Henyo".

#### Sing Eat...

Sing Eat... was a revival of EB's original singing talent search, Sing-Eat, which was launched in 2002, seeking a qualified female singer, duo, or group to perform regularly at Da Bar: Dabarkads Eatery. It was the first noontime singing competition that aimed to showcase both beauty and voice.
Eunice Janine, a contestant from Ireland, won the competition. The segment premiered on July 10, 2023, and concluded on September 30, 2023. After the competition, the noontime show established a female group called "Sing-Eat Girls", later known as the "TVJ Singing Queens", composed of Eunice Janine, Anne Ferrer, Jean Drilon, Sammy Rascal, and Khayzy Bueno.

#### Babala! 'Wag Kayong Ganuuun...

Babala! 'Wag Kayong Ganuuun... was a segment in which a pair of contestants would carefully evaluate and determine their correct choice among a group of people with unique characteristics, past experiences and extraordinary achievements. The segment raised awareness and fostered empathy, drawing inspiration from the EB segment Bawal Judgmental. The segment, which began on July 3, 2023, and ended on October 18, 2023, was halted due to lack of airtime. It was replaced by Peraphy.

#### Dabarkads, Pasko na Naman!

Dabarkads, Pasko na Naman! is a Christmas-themed segment in the same vein as the earlier Give Love on Christmas Day on Eat Bulaga! where presents from the show's sponsors are given to the audience members in attendance, home viewers, and the barangays they had visited.

## Controversies

* On August 10, 2023, during a sketch comedy in Sugod Bahay, Mga Kapatid! segment, Wally Bayola accidentally uttered off-screen the Tagalog profanity "putang ina!", while the conversation with Jose Manalo, causing a stir among the audience. Bayola apologized for the incident a day after and admitted that he made a mistake. On the same day, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) issued a notice to the production group for a hearing on August 14, 2023, regarding Bayola's profanity utterance.
* On September 23, 2023, Joey de Leon joked about the noose as a common neck accessory during Gimme 5: Laro ng mga Henyo which caused controversy as it was widely interpreted as a reference to suicide by hanging and was deemed callous and insensitive by both viewers and mental health advocates. Creative director Jeny Ferre apologized to the MTRCB for de Leon's brief verbal incident, acknowledging that it insinuated suicide and expressed regret for those who were hurt.

## Ratings

According to AGB Nielsen Philippines NUTAM overnight data, the pilot episode of E.A.T. on TV5 earned an 8.4% rating beating other rival noontime shows, based on 8.2 million audience reach.