CEBU, Philippines - If reports of “Eat Bulaga” host Paolo Ballesteros’ six-month suspension from the noontime show are to be believed, then there’s only one more week left since his punishment was served March 10.
When Pep.ph chanced upon another “Eat Bulaga” host, Allan K, Friday night at his Zirkoh bar in Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City, the “Superstar Duets” judge confirmed that Paolo is set to return in a few days.
“Malapit na. Baka this week or next week. Tapos na suspension niya, naka-six months na siya, eh,” Allan revealed.
Asked if “Eat Bulaga” normally meted out such severe punishment to erring staff and crew, Allan replied, “After 37 years? Sa ‘Eat Bulaga’ naman, no one is indispensable. As long as there’s Tito, Vic, and Joey, tapos ang kuwentuhan.”
Does he feel Paolo’s long absence was a huge loss for the program which saw a renewed major spike in viewer interest since AlDub and the Kalyeserye was introduced last year? Pep.ph reported that Allan laughed at the query before shooting back the same question to reporters.
“Siyempre kawalan din kasi may naitutulong naman siya. Lalo na nung lola-lola sila, siya yung kiti-kiti character. Sikat na sikat yung Regine, woooh!,” added Allan.
Paolo, who has two upcoming movies and has made waves here and abroad for his epic makeup transformation skills, played the flirtatious Lola Tidora, one of the three De Explorer sisters also portrayed by Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola.
He also did the daily barangay rounds in the popular “Juan For All, All for Juan” segment with Jose and Wally. Collectively, they are dubbed Jowapao and are said to be heirs to the TVJ (Tito, Vic and Joey) comedy triumvirate. (FREEMAN)