At na-BULAGA ang lahat
THE recent fiasco between Tape Inc. and the Philippines entertainment industry legends Tito, Vic, and Joey (TVJ) reflects a poor management decision and a lack of understanding of the show’s value and impact. Eat Bulaga!, with its 44-year history, is a legendary primetime noontime show that has stood the test of time and connected with its audience in profound ways.
The show has not only weathered numerous challenges but has also introduced segments that have touched people’s lives, such as Bayanihan ni Juan, Bulagaan, Bawal Judgmental, Pinoy Henyo, and Little Miss Philippines. It even sparked the ALDUB fever, which brought a refreshing rawness and uniqueness to the noontime show landscape.
Eat Bulaga! is deeply rooted in Filipino culture and has become a habit for many Filipinos to watch. The exceptional wit and creativity of TVJ have been instrumental in making the show a success and fostering a strong connection with viewers. It would be an insult to their creative freedom and decades of making Filipino viewers happy to disregard their contributions.
While management decisions should be respected, the actions of Tape Inc. demonstrate a lack of understanding of the show’s significance. It seems they wanted to bring about change without considering the fact that the show’s existing formula had worked for the Filipino audience. Although Eat Bulaga! is imperfect, the overall impact and connection with the audience cannot be denied. While change and innovation are essential for the growth and sustainability of any organization, it is equally important to strike a balance between innovation and preserving what already works well. Eat Bulaga! had a successful formula that had resonated with viewers for decades. Before implementing major changes, organizations should carefully evaluate the potential impact on their existing audience base and the core elements that have contributed to their success.
It is questionable whether the executives at Tape Inc. are even viewers of Eat Bulaga!, considering their innuendo that nobody watches it anymore or that it is too old. Such assumptions should have been based on audience research to understand the viewership demographics. Even in today’s digital age, many people still watch Eat Bulaga! through social media platforms. Tape Inc.’s decision to make changes to Eat Bulaga! without fully understanding the show’s audience is a clear example of disconnect.
Lastly, if Tape Inc. executives had openly communicated their intentions, shared their reasoning, and engaged in a dialogue with TVJ and the staff of Eat Bulaga!, it might have led to a more collaborative and constructive process. Transparent communication helps to build trust and ensures that all stakeholders are informed and involved in decision-making processes.