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The multi-awarded and longest running noontime show Eat Bulaga renewed its contract with the undisputed number one TV network in the country GMA-7 this Friday morning, February 1.

Eat Bulaga

The contract signing event was a star-studded one with all the main hosts of Eat Bulaga attending the historic milestone.

Present at the contract signing were GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong and First Vice President of Program Management Joey Abacan.

On the part of T.A.P.E., the management behind Eat Bulaga, Mr. Antonio P. Tuviera, President and CEO and its Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ms. Malou Choa-Fagar attended the contract signing.

IN PHOTOS: 'Eat Bulaga's' new home

In an interview with the GMA-7 press, Atty. Gozon stressed that the strong partnership forged by both GMA-7 and Eat Bulaga “is mutually beneficial.”

Atty. Gozon said, “To be exact 24 years na sa atin ang Eat Bulaga, apatnapu't taon na sa TV.

“So, mahigit na one half, I think that should say it all na ang samahan natin sa Eat Bulaga ay talagang mutually beneficial.”

He also believes that Eat Bulaga is here to stay for many more years to come.

“And we are very comfortable with them at ako ay talagang hangang-hanga dito sa grupo ng Eat Bulaga na walang kupas talaga kaya matagal pa yan.

“Ang tandem nila Tito, Vic at Joey tsaka 'yung mga susunod palagay ko mahaba pa yan,” he said.

LOOK: Sino ang mga lalaking aktor na nagsimula sa 'Eat Bulaga'

Meanwhile, Mr. Yalong was particulary impressed with the staying power of the Eat Bulaga pioneers Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon.

He said, “Kasi I think Eat Bulaga is the longest-running, continuously show in the world with the original hosts na Tito, Vic and Joey still on board.

“So, nagagalak kami na they we will continue to be with the Kapuso Network.”

The Dabarkads were in full force at the contract signing led by Eat Bulaga veterans Joey de Leon, Vic Sotto and Senate President Tito Sotto.

Also showing their support for the event were Pambansang Bae Alden Richards and Phenomenal star Maine Mendoza, including the “Sugod Bahay” hosts Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, and Paolo Ballesteros.

Also at the contract signing were Allan K, Pauleen Luna, Ryan Agoncillo, Anjo Yllana, Ruby Rodriguez, Pia Guanio, Jimmy Santos, Maureen Wroblewitz, Laune Dy, Ryzza Mae Dizon, and Bae-by Baste.

LOOK: Sino ang mga lalaking aktor na nagsimula sa 'Eat Bulaga'

Eat Bulaga's 40th anniversary

T.A.P.E. big boss Tony Tuviera expressed his profound gratitude for the Kapuso Network for all their support throughout the years.

“Pang 24 years na namin ngayon sa GMA-7 nagpapasalamat kami kasi ang GMA-7 ang nagbigay sa amin ng daan at hindi lang 'yun ang ibinigay sa amin, binigyan pa kami ng pagkakataon na i-celebrate 'yung 40th year anniversary namin kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa GMA-7.”

For his part, Daddy's Gurl lead star Vic Sotto feels invigorated and is looking forward to their big 40th anniversary celebration.

“Feeling ko parang nag-uumpisa pa lang kami. Itong araw na 'to 'yun 'yung feeling ko na parang excited, looking forward to more and more years.

“And of course, looking forward to the 40th anniversary ng Eat Bulaga.”

Joey de Leon added, “Totoo 'yung sinabi ni Vic nag-uumpisa pa lang kami dahil ang feeling namin bumabalik na kami sa pagkabata [laughs] medyo tagilid na ang labanan. 'Uy thank you GMA-7 at sa lahat ng mga Kapuso at tayo ay magkakasama-sama pa.”

Senate President Tito Sotto is extremely proud to say that TVJ was born in GMA-7 and revealed that the key to Eat Bulaga's success is that it is a “public service program.”

“Talagang lumabas na 'yung sikreto na matagal ko nang sinasabi na ang Eat Bulaga is really a public service program masquerading as an entertainment show.”