Meet the EB scholars

MANILA, Philippines - Eat, Bulaga!, the nation’s leading noontime show and the longest-running local program for more than 30 years now, took a break from entertaining its audience, albeit only temporarily. But the presentation was definitely for a good cause.

The show last April 13 was dedicated to presenting the 30 EBest (excellent students) scholars, who all graduated from high school in different parts of the country. Since last month, Eat, Bulaga! had been airing videos of the scholars who talked about how the noontime show greatly helped their studies.

The 30 scholars were chosen during the show’s 30th anniversary four years ago. In lieu of a grand celebration with a big-budgeted show, production numbers and lavish party, Eat, Bulaga! opted for a more tangible offering.

Eat, Bulaga! saw the students through high school, giving them tuition and monthly allowance. Apparently, the scholarship was a great help to the students, who all excelled in their studies.

A single mom from Manila tearfully thanked the show for helping her daughter get through high school. If not for the scholarship and the monthly allowance given by Eat, Bulaga!, her daughter would not have finished high school.

The scholars came from all over the country — Zamboanga, Davao, Cebu, Tuguegarao, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Cagayan de Oro, Camarines Sur, Aklan, Batangas, Iloilo, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Laguna and Metro Manila (Makati, Mandaluyong, Caloocan, Manila, Valenzuela).

Most of the EBest scholars graduated as honor students if not at the top of their class. The students were accompanied by their proud parents, who were all grateful for the financial help and educational assistance that their children received. Clearly, it was a memorable day for them.

Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon led in giving medals to the scholars, assisted by Michael V. and Ruby Rodriguez. Ryan Agoncillo and Isabelle Daza helped in giving certificates to the students.

Eat, Bulaga!’s help, however, does not end in high school as the students’ story of hope and inspiration continues. The show pledged its commitment to send the students to college.

“Four years from now, Eat, Bulaga! will see engineers, teachers, mass communication, med-tech or even doctors when this batch graduates in 2017,” Tito said after the graduates disclosed the course they wanted to take.

“You have to study hard and be dutiful sons and daughters,” added Vic.

The scholars who will continue through college are Almira Bless Morado, Angelbert Baguhin, Angelica Wella Lacsa, Ara Lambon, Caroline Faith Vidan, Cleo de la Torre, Grace Angela Pocyoy, Hanelyn Mae Milca, Hannah Rose Sibi, Isah Clarisse Lilia, Jaycee Lucero, Jenelyn de la Cruz, John Lance Fabon, Joshua Arvin Aguayo;

Joshua Estrella, Joyce Mae Gilboy, Kate Marie Viray, Ma. Myka Barbilla, Maribel Singian, Marjorie Pagulayan, Melvin Dugan, Nikko Angelo de la Rosa, Prince Jomari Soriano, Regine Benito, Rica Daniella Sapigao, Romar Angelo Ponce, Rosette Caballero, Shaira Pateno, Sylvan Dan Moldes and Yllor Sedol.

Eat, Bulaga! celebrates its 34th year this July and it is with pride that the show wants to see their scholars finish college and pursue their dreams. Vic gave laptops to all the 30 scholars, assisted by the other hosts — Allan K, Jimmy Santos, Pauline Luna, Pia Guanio and Paolo Ballesteros — who also congratulated the students.

Throughout the ceremony, there was not a dry eye in the audience. Christian Bautista and Aiza Seguerra provided song numbers.

As the show continues to commit and promise, Hangga’t may bata, may Eat, Bulaga!.