The popular noontime show Eat Bulaga! has always been a platform for strong personalities, but recently, a comment made by Paolo Contis sparked controversy and led to a rare moment of frustration from Joey De Leon.
Paolo Contis, who has been with Eat Bulaga! for several years, recently made a public statement claiming that he has been with the show for 44 years. This statement caught the attention of many, including Joey De Leon, one of the iconic hosts and pillars of the show.
Joey, who has been a part of Eat Bulaga! since its early days, was visibly upset by Paolo’s claim. During a recent episode, Joey expressed his frustration, pointing out that Eat Bulaga! has been on-air for more than 40 years, and the original core group of hosts had been around since the show’s inception in 1979. He clarified that while Paolo has been a beloved part of the Eat Bulaga! family, the 44 years claim did not accurately reflect the history of the show or his own extensive time as a host.
Joey’s reaction surprised many viewers, as he has always been known for his humorous and light-hearted demeanor on the show. However, in this instance, his passion for the show’s legacy and respect for the veteran hosts who have contributed to its success was evident.
In the heat of the moment, Joey expressed that Eat Bulaga!’s legacy is built on the hard work of its original team, including him, Tito Sotto, and Vic Sotto, who have been part of the show for over four decades. While Paolo’s statement may have been an attempt to share his own long-standing relationship with the show, Joey made it clear that the history of Eat Bulaga! is not something to be overlooked.
The incident quickly became a topic of discussion on social media, with fans and netizens weighing in on the situation. Some supported Joey’s perspective, acknowledging the long and rich history of Eat Bulaga! and the importance of honoring its original hosts. Others, however, sympathized with Paolo, recognizing his own contributions to the show.
In the days that followed, both Joey and Paolo addressed the incident with more composure. Paolo clarified that his statement was not meant to disrespect the original hosts, and Joey, in turn, expressed that he had no ill will toward Paolo. Despite the tension, both are expected to continue their work on the show, which has been a beloved staple in Filipino television for decades.
Ultimately, this exchange was a reminder of the strong personalities and deep passion that surround Eat Bulaga!—a show that has consistently evolved and brought joy to generations of Filipino viewers. As for Joey De Leon and Paolo Contis, their professional relationship and shared history with the show remain important, and the moment of tension is likely to be part of the ongoing dynamic of the show’s talented team.
