The legendary noontime show “Eat Bulaga” has long been a cultural institution in the Philippines—so when news broke that TAPE Inc. had officially lost the rights to the iconic title, the entertainment world was shaken. But now, a new layer of drama has emerged: insiders say Paolo Contis, one of the show’s lead hosts in its rebranded era, has been blamed internally for the embarrassing defeat.

Multiple sources close to TAPE Inc. reveal that following the legal decision to transfer the “Eat Bulaga” trademark back to its original creators, a tense and emotional confrontation took place behind closed doors. In the eye of the storm? Paolo Contis—once hailed as the face of the show’s “new chapter,” now allegedly being held accountable for its downfall.

According to reports, Paolo was sermoned—a Filipino term meaning harshly scolded or confronted—for his perceived role in the fallout. The exact content of the confrontation remains tightly guarded, but sources describe the moment as heated, intense, and deeply disappointing for the actor-host who had tried to breathe new life into the show amid fierce public backlash.

The issue stems from a long and highly publicized legal battle between TAPE Inc. and the original hosts of “Eat Bulaga,” Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ). When the original trio departed the program in 2023, it triggered an explosive chain reaction—loyal fans followed them, ratings dipped, and social media lit up with criticism of the new format led by Paolo Contis and a new set of co-hosts.

Despite early optimism from TAPE Inc. that the show could survive with fresh faces and a modern twist, many felt that it lacked the heart, humor, and history that made “Eat Bulaga” a household name. The court’s recent decision to restore the name rights to TVJ only confirmed what fans had been saying for months: “Eat Bulaga” was never just a title—it was a legacy.

Now, with the name officially removed from TAPE Inc.’s version of the show, the production company finds itself facing a full-scale identity crisis. The show has already undergone rebranding attempts, but the damage may be irreversible. Viewership continues to struggle, and the public perception remains overwhelmingly in favor of TVJ’s camp.

In this chaos, Paolo Contis is caught in the middle.

An actor known for his versatility and recent comeback stories, Paolo took on the Eat Bulaga hosting role at a time when few others would. He faced brutal online criticism, countless memes, and a divided fan base. Many praised his professionalism for sticking with the show despite the hate—but now, it seems that goodwill may be fading internally.

One insider revealed that TAPE executives were “extremely disappointed” with how the transition was handled and that Paolo, being the most prominent face of the show during its rebranding, was ultimately made to shoulder much of the blame. Whether that’s fair or not is still up for debate.

Observers point out that Paolo was not the one making legal decisions or strategic brand choices—he was a talent, brought in to execute someone else’s vision. Yet in times of crisis, it’s often the public face that bears the brunt of the fallout.

“He tried to make it work,” another source said. “He took the hits, showed up every day, and did the job. But in the end, it wasn’t enough to save the brand.”

It remains unclear how Paolo has responded to the alleged internal reprimand. He has not issued any public statements about the loss of the “Eat Bulaga” title, nor has he addressed the rumors of being blamed. Some speculate that he may soon distance himself from the program altogether, especially if the relationship with TAPE Inc. continues to sour.

Meanwhile, fans of the original “Eat Bulaga” continue to celebrate the court’s decision as a victory for legacy, integrity, and loyalty. Tito, Vic, and Joey have already resumed their version of the show under the same name, bringing back classic segments, familiar energy, and the same dynamic that kept the show alive for more than four decades.

As for TAPE Inc., the future remains uncertain. Losing the title isn’t just a legal setback—it’s a cultural and emotional blow that may take years to recover from. And if Paolo Contis walks away, the network could lose its most recognizable remaining figure.

What started as a bold attempt to rebrand and rebuild now appears to be unraveling in full view. With hurt feelings, finger-pointing, and legal defeats mounting, one thing is clear: “Eat Bulaga” may be back where it belongs—but the scars left behind are far from healed.

This story continues to develop, but for now, Paolo Contis stands in a harsh spotlight—caught between loyalty to the show and the heavy burden of being blamed for a legacy lost.