New Year, New Studio and New Segment for ‘Eat Bulaga’

As one of the longest-running noontime shows in the Philippines, “Eat Bulaga” has undergone numerous transformations over its more than four-decade history.

Since its debut in 1979, it has become a staple of Filipino entertainment, delivering a mixture of comedy, game segments, live performances, and heartfelt stories that resonate with a broad audience.

Now, as the show is preparing for its 46th anniversary this 2025, the Legit Dabarkads surprised us just last Jan. 1 with a much more spacious and wider studio.

The decision to move to a bigger studio marks a significant moment for the show, as it reflects the mission of “Eat Bulaga” to stay competitive in a rapidly changing media landscape.

This columnist interviewing Vic about the future of his MMFF entry ‘The Kingdom.’

The move is also seen as an answer to the demands of expanding its audience reach, providing more room for innovative segments, and adapting to the new normal in entertainment — where digital interaction and high production value are essential.

Since their transfer to TV5 in 2023, they already promised to extend their studio, and they indeed delivered.

The Dabarkads were complete, led by Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, also known as TVJ, as they did their live show.

We visited the set in the new year and learned from TVJ that they revamped the studio with the audience in mind.

The decision of ‘Eat Bulaga’ to move to a bigger studio marks a significant moment for the show. It reflects its mission to stay competitive in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Now, the audience has more comfortable, well-cushioned seats and snacks from their numerous sponsors while watching the show live. Henyo master Joey added, “Forty-six year(s) at tsaka ang 2 and 5 letter E and B! Diba? Tagalog man o English, let’s be EB!!” Nice entry from the henyo master!

The expansion of the studio is just one part of “Eat Bulaga’s” larger strategy for the new year and beyond. In recent years, the show has embraced a multi-platform approach, where viewers can interact with the show through social media, live streaming, and various digital channels. “Eat Bulaga” was the first noontime show to integrate AI into their segment with “Ellen” from Hollywood, which was debuted in the hit “Gimme5” segment. Soon enough, her AI family was also well-loved by the public.

So now, besides AI, the new studio will likely be designed to integrate these platforms more effectively. Interactive segments will be more possible that will allow real-time voting, audience comments, and live reactions to become more prominent, with the physical studio providing a space to enhance these digital interactions. Let’s also not forget the hit “Eat Bulaga Olympics.”

Furthermore, a larger studio will give “Eat Bulaga” flexibility to experiment with new formats and explore more ambitious productions. It might include bigger set designs, advanced lighting and camera techniques, and the incorporation of augmented reality or other technologies that elevate the visual experience.

Such innovations could significantly enhance the appeal of the show for younger audiences who are more accustomed to high-tech, immersive entertainment experiences.

Speaking of new formats, the show also launched “The Clones,” a singing contest segment that handpicks the best of the best when it comes to mimicking iconic artists.

At the helm of it is Allan K., who brought in his talents from comedy bar Klownz during the pilot episode.

“Para siyang sing alike. Hindi mo kailangan maging lookalike, basta kaboses mo talaga at meron kami niyan,” he said.

“We are highlighting ang galing ng bawat Pilipino sa kantahan,” Tito Sen added.

TVJ assured us that this is just the beginning.

Besides the noontime show, Vic Sotto is also gearing up for the expansion of his box-office hit “The Kingdom.”

During the New Year episode, he teased that Ryzza Mae Dizon should be a babaylan in the franchise. A character that was well-executed in the film by actress extraordinaire Ruby Ruiz.

We followed up the question to bossing Vic, to which he confirmed that there is indeed a possibility. “Depends sa pag-uusap namin ni Ryzza Mae Dizon kung tatanggapin niya ang offer.”

So, what is next for “The Kingdom”?

Bossing said that there have been meetings already.

Piolo Pascual, on the other hand, told us in an interview that, “This is just a prelude to something bigger.”

“The Kingdom” is still showing in cinemas nationwide.

Meanwhile, watch “Eat Bulaga!” Mondays to Saturdays at noontime on TV5.