Eat Bulaga Creates Another Made-for-TV Movie

Never mind that ‘Eat Bulaga’ is no longer a ratings juggernaut as they were in years past.

The now 40-year-old variety show (technically 39 but the number is considered unlucky for them) is content with what they do best: to make viewers happy. In fact, for the past two years, they even ventured into filmmaking with 2017’s ‘Love Is…’ and this year’s offering.

On Saturday, July 28, ‘Eat Bulaga’ will premiere the mini-movie ‘Pamana’, starring Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros and Maine Mendoza as the Pamilya Nunal from ‘The Barangay Jokers’ series. The show’s other hosts and some unnamed special guests will also play bit roles in this upcoming film.

‘Pamana’, a suspense/comedy thriller, will also mark the directorial debut of Ariel Manalo (birth name of Jose Manalo). Yes, you heard that right: Jose himself directed the film.

For viewers who have watched ‘Eat Bulaga’ for years, going into made-for-TV film territory is something unusual for the long-running variety show even on a normal day. The only times the show dropped its typical segments (e.g. Juan for All) is when it airs its annual Lenten drama specials.

But a show like ‘Eat Bulaga’ is definitely not content in visiting barangays and giving the audience an opportunity to win prizes on a regular basis. Going above and beyond the basics is something the show has long desired to do for years.

Which is why last year’s ‘Love Is…’ and this year’s ‘Pamana’ is a refreshing break from the norm. After all, no one wants to get bored with the same old formula over and over again.

Good luck, ‘Eat Bulaga’. May ‘Pamana’ be worth the price of admission to your viewers.

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After Long Wait, Ryzza Finally Takes the Drama Route

‘The Ryzza Mae Show’ is now a drama series.

Yes, TAPE still calls it as ‘The Ryzza Mae Show’, but starting this Monday, it will now retire the talk show format that has been in place for over two years. In its place is a drama series subtitled ‘Princess in the Palace’, again starring the eponymous former Little Miss Philippines winner.

Ryzza Mae Dizon is no stranger to dramatic roles, having done so in ‘Eat Bulaga”s annual Lenten specials and in her life story in ‘Magpakailanman’. However, this will be the first time that she will play a major role in a weekday drama series.

As the title suggests, ‘Princess in the Palace’ will feature a story of a young and cheerful girl who was found and adopted by the President of the Philippines following an unexpected accident. From there, Princess (Ryzza) began to live a wonderful life as an adopted presidential daughter.

‘The Ryzza Mae Show Presents Princess in the Palace’ will also star fellow LMP alum Aiza Seguerra and seasoned actress Eula Valdes. Also playing supporting roles will be Boots Anson-Roa, Dante Rivero, Ciara Sotto, Neil Perez, Ces Quesada, Marc Abaya, Lianne Valentin, Miggy Jimenez, Vince de Jesus and Rocky Salumbides.

The transition of ‘The Ryzza Mae Show’ into a drama series came at a not-so opportune time. Ryzza’s budding career has taken a backseat with the AlDub phenomenon, and rival child actress Jana Agoncillo has made ABS-CBN’s ‘Ningning’ a must-watch since premiering in late July.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how Ryzza can adapt to a full-time role in a teleserye. Having shown glimpses of her dramatic ability in both ‘Eat Bulaga’ and ‘The Ryzza Mae Show’, she should have no problem making the move to serious dramatic actress after years of hosting and harnessing her comedic abilities.

‘Princess in the Palace’ is a big challenge for Ryzza, so good luck.

‘The Ryzza Mae Show presents Princess in the Palace’ premieres starting this Monday at 11:30 a.m. on GMA.