PEP.ph photo courtesy

A new era for noontime shows has begun as “E.A.T” and “It’s Showtime” go head to head in a thrilling competition.

The legendary trio Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, known as TVJ, have made their much-awaited comeback with their new program “E.A.T” on TV5. Simultaneously, “It’s Showtime” started airing on GTV, a subsidiary of GMA Network Inc.

The Twitter trends worldwide immediately lit up with hashtags like #GnaGsaShowtime, #LegitDabarkads, and #TVJonTV5.

The show “E.A.T” kicked off with KaladKaren, Mikee Reyes, and Gretchen Ho from TV5’s news program “Frontline” welcoming the hosts of the “Legit Dabarkads” – Maine Mendoza, Paolo Ballesteros, Allan K, Ryan Agoncillo, Wally Bayola, Ryzza Mae Dizon, and Carren Eistrup.

Meanwhile, TVJ had a heartfelt entrance into the TV5 studio in Mandaluyong City, embracing each other and shedding tears. They performed VST & Company’s popular hit “Ikaw Ang Aking Mahal” and their theme song “Isang Libo’t Isang Tuwa,” which was originally played on their previous program, “Eat Bulaga.”

Vic Sotto expressed, “Tuloy ang kwento ng pagbibigay ng isang libo’t isang tuwa. Moving on, moving forward” (The story of giving a thousand and one joys continues. Moving on, moving forward).

He continued, “Ito ang tadhana. Dinala kami dito sa TV5 – ang tahanan ng TVJ, ang tahanan ng mga Legit Dabarkads. Pupunuin natin ang ating bagong tahanan ng kasiyahan, gagawin natin itong tahanan ng mga sorpresa at entablado para ipakita ang galing at kamanghamanghang kwento ng mga Pilipinong patuloy na nangangarap” (This is destiny. We were brought here to TV5 – the home of TVJ, the home of the legit dabarkads. We will fill our new home with happiness, make it a home of surprises and a stage to showcase the greatness and amazing stories of Filipinos who keep on dreaming).

To celebrate their comeback, TV5, in partnership with Cignal TV, Inc., organized a nationwide viewing party, inviting fans from “Apparri to Jolo” to watch the premiere episode together. With over 20 venues for the nationwide viewing party, TV5 and Cignal TV Inc. provided interactive activities for all attendees to enjoy.

On the other hand, “It’s Showtime” on GTV brought together stars from both Kapuso and Kapamilya networks to mark their airing on the new platform. Dancer-actors Rayver and Rodjun Cruz performed a dance production with Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario. Jugs Jugueta and Teddy Corpuz teamed up with Erik Santos and Mark Bautista for a performance. Kim Chiu shared the stage with Belle Mariano, Alexa Ilacad, and Barbie Forteza.

Jackie Gonzaga performed with Sanya Lopez and Chie Filomeno. Anne Curtis sang Jess Glynne’s “Hold My Hand” while the rest of the cast, including Ryan Bang, Ion Perez, and comedians MC and Lassy, showcased their talents. Vice Ganda surprised viewers as he performed at the GMA Network Center in Kamuning, Quezon City, singing The Wanted’s “Glad You Came” before transitioning to the “It’s Showtime” stage at the ABS-CBN studio with the other performers.

The pilot episode was also graced by ABS-CBN executives, including President and CEO Carlo Katigbak and TV Production Head Laurenti Dyogi. (ai/mnm)