Laughter and tears at launch of coffee table book of ‘Eat Bulaga!’

There were tears – and laughter, too, of course – during the launch of the coffee table book commemorating the phenomenal program "Eat Bulaga!"
The book "Eat Bulaga! Ang Unang Tatlong Dekada" is a celebration of the show’s colorful three-decade history. "Unang tatlumpung taon," stressed host Joey de Leon, as the longest-running show, airing six times a week without fail through political uprisings, revolutions, coup d’ etats, typhoons, earthquakes, remains as strong as ever now on its 32nd year. "Eat Bulaga!" – which has occupied three networks in its 32-year run, is the undisputed number one noontime program. And neither the show nor its hosts – Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon or TVJ – seem ready to call it a day.
In jest, Joey even said that Apple founder Steve Jobs, who passed away that day, must have said in his last moments: "Magpapahinga na ako. Ang tarantadong Tito, Vic, at Joey, ayaw pa!"
Seen at the launch celebrating with local comedy’s triumvirate were TAPE president Antonio Tuviera and vice president Malou Choa Fagar.
Of course, the shows dabarkads were in attendance: Keempee de Leon, Pauleen Luna, Julia Clarete, Anjo Yllana, Jimmy Santos, Ruby Rodriguez, Alan K., Toni Rose Gayda, Jose Manalo, Ryan Agoncillo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Pia Guanio, plus singer Aiza Seguerra, who was, according to the book, a precocious tot when she helped the show regain its number one status in the ‘80s against "Lunch Date."
Former hosts Lougee Basabas, Gladys Guevarra and pinch hitter Lani Mercado, now Cavite Congresswoman, graced the occasion.
The book launch was a family affair with Ryan Agoncillo’s wife, actress Judy Ann Santos and Joey’s wife, former EB co-host Aileen Macapagal in attendance. Joko de Leon, the son of Joey and Aileen, was the one who conceptualized the project.
In full force were the Magalonas to represent master rapper Francis M. – Pia Magalona and sons Elmo and Arkin and daughters Maxine and Clara. Magalona and former Mutya ng Pilipinas title holder Rio Diaz, the two "dabarkads" who have passed away, are given tributes in "Ang Unang Tatlong Dekada." (Incidentally, it was Magalona who coined the term "dabarkads" to encompass the whole "Eat Bulaga!" family behind, in front and beyond the cameras.)
Also given special mention in the book, written by Butch Francisco, are Romy Jalosjos, the show’s big boss, and Chiqui Hollman, its first female co-host.
Also present were GMA executives led by Atty. Felipe Gozon and his daughter, Annette Gozon-Abrogar, Jimmy Duavit, Wilma Galvante and Regal’s Mother Lily and Roselle Monteverde.

SOURCE:http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct14/ent4.html