FOR four decades, noontime variety show “Eat Bulaga” has been the daily source of fun and laughter to millions of Filipinos worldwide. Its entertaining segments and production numbers endeared Dabarkads across all generations. But unknown to many, what they see on television is just a fraction of the work done to produce an engaging program.
Comedian and host Joey de Leon, who has been with the show since it first aired in July 1979, said it takes a team of dedicated, hard working and passionate individuals to make things happen on the small screen.
“We feel blessed that we are entering our 40th year because no one in Philippine television history can say that they’ve reached this milestone. Behind this success is not just us, the people you see daily on television, but is also due to the people who work behind the camera. They have given their undivided time, talent and loyalty to ‘Eat Bulaga,’” he said.
De Leon continued that they, the hosts, actually get the easiest part of the job as compared to the production team that works tirelessly from sunup to sundown, six days a week. “Our staff can actually replace us because they know how things work. They’re in the know about every aspect of what we do and some have been here for decades already. They can even do their job even with closed eyes. I’m really proud of this team because they are the best in the business.”
In an unprecedented move by the show’s management, de Leon and his colleagues get to dip their toes into off-camera production work through the show’s special anniversary web series entitled “Eat Bulaga Behind the Scenes” (“EB BTS”).
Made accessible for its growing following on YouTube, “EB BTS” aims to give the viewers a glimpse of the day-to-day routine of the production people—from conceptualizing a segment to its execution.
“We are a small group but we’ve always been the leader in this format and in this time slot,” said “Eat Bulaga” senior vice president for creatives and operations Jeny Ferre. “We want the viewers to see what goes behind the segments they love. I also think it is high time we acknowledge the people who work day and night to come up with quality programming.”
In “EB BTS’” first few episodes, Pauleen Luna gets to be a production assistant while de Leon and child star Ryzza Mae Dizon took over the online accounts and became social media managers.
Meanwhile, Ruby Rodriguez, Pia Guanio and Luane Dy all joined the Sugod Bahay team to work as Juan for All registration staff, executive producer and location manager, respectively.
“I appreciate them more because I saw how hard it was. In my experience as registration staff, it’s not just one house I visited—all the houses in that area. Then the work doesn’t end there because you have to go back to the office and then call each and everyone who register to verify all information,” said Rodriguez.