Manila, Philippines — The world of Philippine entertainment was shaken once again as veteran comedian and TV legend Joey de Leon reportedly issued a fiery comeback following what fans described as disrespectful treatment toward the iconic TVJ trio—Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and himself—by Paolo Contis, the current lead host of the revamped Eat Bulaga.

Social media has been ablaze after Paolo made controversial comments in an interview where he allegedly threw subtle jabs at the original trio, saying that “legacy doesn’t always mean relevance” and that the “new generation” of hosts should be given more credit and less criticism.

But while TVJ and their loyal fans kept silent for weeks, it seems Joey de Leon has had enough.

Joey’s Subtle But Powerful Strike
In a now-viral social media post, Joey shared a cryptic but loaded message that many believe was directly aimed at Paolo:

“Pag di mo naranasan ang hirap ng pagbuo ng isang alamat, wag mong husgahan ang kasaysayan na hindi mo naiintindihan.”

(“If you haven’t experienced the hardship of building a legend, don’t judge a history you don’t understand.”)

The post immediately drew reactions from both TVJ loyalists and new Eat Bulaga supporters. Many praised Joey for finally standing up, while others warned that the ongoing tension may escalate into a full-blown industry feud.

Legacy vs. Fresh Start: The Real Battle Behind the Scenes?
Since the split between the original TVJ hosts and the Jalosjos-owned TAPE Inc., the entertainment industry has been divided. Paolo Contis, as one of the main faces of the “new Eat Bulaga”, has received both praise for his charisma and flak for seemingly dismissing the legacy of those who built the brand.

Critics argue that Paolo’s remarks lacked respect and humility, especially toward a group that pioneered lunchtime television for over four decades.

“No matter how talented you are, you don’t spit on the foundation that gave you a platform,” one netizen wrote.

TVJ Fans Rally Behind Joey
The moment Joey de Leon’s post went up, fans immediately began trending hashtags like #RespectTVJ and #JoeyDeLeonSpeaks.

Even fellow celebrities have subtly chimed in, with some posting emojis of clocks, implying that “in time, the truth will come out.”

Meanwhile, fans of the new Eat Bulaga defended Paolo, saying he is simply “trying to establish himself” and that comparisons to the iconic trio are “unfair and unnecessary.”

A Rift or Just Media Drama?
Despite the heated exchange online, insiders close to both parties suggest that there may not be personal animosity between Joey and Paolo, but rather a clash of generations and perspectives.

One producer who requested anonymity said:

“Joey is old school. Paolo is from the new school. They both have points—but the problem is, the viewers are emotional and loyal, especially when it comes to TVJ.”

What’s Next for Joey and Paolo?
Will this escalate into a public confrontation? Or will both stars choose the high road and focus on their respective shows?

So far, Paolo Contis has not responded directly to Joey de Leon’s viral post. But as the tension brews, fans are now closely watching both programs, waiting for another word, another post, another bombshell.

In the world of Philippine showbiz, no feud stays buried forever.

Paolo Contis Preps Eat Bulaga! Hosts
What will Joey and Vic’s response to Paolo’s message be?
After a month of rest due to silent seizures, Boobay will be back as the host of The Boobay and Tekla Show this Sunday night, June 25, 2023.

It’s not just Boobay’s return to his and Tekla’s comedy talk show that televiewers will be able to witness because their guest is Paolo Contis, who has become even more controversial since becoming the host of Eat Bulaga!.

For the first time, Paolo confessed in an interview with Boobay and Tekla that he sent a message to Joey de Leon and Vic Sotto—through his wife Pauleen Luna—to step aside because he accepted the offer to host Eat Bulaga! when he said goodbye to TAPE Inc. the original hosts of the country’s longest-running noontime variety show on May 31, 2023.

Paolo has some revelations about the results of his text messages to Joey and Vic that will surely make those who follow the intriguing and controversial issue laugh.

Paolo’s confessions on The Boobay and Tekla Show match Joey’s statements during the media day of the original hosts of Eat Bulaga! and Dabarkads on June 20, 2023.

“Actually, someone texted me. ‘Yes,’ I said, ‘that’s okay,’” Joey said, refusing to reveal the name of the person who sent him the text message.

He simply jokingly replied, “No, someone else. Do you know someone else? Ivan Mayrina…

“No. No. Someone texted me but I won’t say anything of course. What else are you going to put in there…

“You guys are so happy you had content, ah. That’s true. Everything came alive. That’s why it came alive!

“Our president [Manny V. Pangilinan of TV5] said, ‘TV came alive.’

“They thank us. No…there’s really no arrogance,” Joey said.

Paolo mentioned during his guest appearance on Boobay and Tekla’s program that he took Joey aside because apart from comparing them, he respects the pioneer hosts of Eat Bulaga!.