I am obviously writing from the perspective of someone greatly influenced not just by Eat Bulaga but by Tito, Vic, and Joey as well. But I'll try to be as objective as possible in this post.
First, the not-so-good
Eat Bulaga is not a perfect noon-time show and its influences are not altogether good. If I am not mistaken, it is them who started involving sexy dancing girls with skimpy clothes and "daring" dance moves that are most commonly (and supposed to be limited there) seen in cabarets or beer houses.
Much as I do not want to sound too orthodox or too pure, I don't think the role that these dancers play in the show is essential. Aside from seemingly "commodifying" women, they downgrade women to merely "backgrounds" and never equally important as that of the hosts.
Eat Bulaga also popularized TV pageants that seem to be just a level higher than that of Barangay Beauty pageants. Again, this segment seems to have become a venue for the "boys" to stare at women in underwear for free (and in the middle of the day!) In the past years, Eat Bulaga has successfully injected their brand of machismo in every man and woman. Sexy dancers and pageant contestants have created a culture of "liberalism" that tells that young that "Hey! It's OK to show some skin off..." and "Being teased by men is just 'normal' "
I grew up with these, and though I could have had my own choices, of course, I think the "womanizing" antics of Vic and Joey have gotten into my system. (Fortunately, I was able to remove it through God's grace.)
Good thing they have removed these pageants.
Moving on to the good
Despite the bad taste of Eat Bulaga's production team in the past years, I think EB has finally come of age. Could it be caused by the "maturity" (literally and figuratively) of TVJ? Whatever the reason is, I strongly commend the team.
First, the introduction of PINOY HENYO repackaged the concept of entertainment in noon time shows. This, for me, is highly commendable since we have been soaked with too much "stupid games" that are, aside from no-brainers, usually disdainful or a form of mockery. While it is true that the hosts would still often chide and tease contestants who failed to guess the word, the audience now realize (hopefully) that it is entertaining and exciting to think.
Secondly, EB's Juan for All, All for Juan has become more of a social movement rather than a simple portion of the noon time show. This has created a benchmark too high for other networks, that despite all efforts, they have subtly given up the fight. I commend EB for re-defining the concept of Bayanihan, a Filipino culture that has slowly disintegrated with the continuous Westernization (and lately Koreanization!) of Philippines.
Back in elementary, our textbooks had pictures of men carrying a nipa hut and transferring it to another place. I hope textbooks have been changed because this might have created a subconscious notion that "it;s ok to transfer and build a house anywhere we want" (giving birth to illegal settlers). I strongly suggest that writers integrate Eat Bulaga's concept of Bayanihan in the textbooks. Aside from being timely, it is relevant, and realistic.
EB also constantly modifies their mechanics and the most recent is the disqualification of rowdy and chaotic players and the whole barangay itself. On the other hand, EB provides extra gifts and rewards to those who peacefully participated in the game: both the individual and the whole barangay. As I write this, EB has just awarded a barangay in Gapan Nueva Ecija. They gave a fire truck to the barangay which is very helpful and practical, instead of giving out money which could just go elsewhere. What particularly called my attention is the criteria for judging the best barangay. One criterion is sustainability, i.e. if the barangay continued with the bayanihan even in the absence of Bulaga staff. (Although I wonder how they were able to monitor this.)
I couldn't help but think, shouldn't the government follow EB's example? I mean, instead of giving Pork Barrel to greedy congressmen, why not just have a centralized treasury where politicians request for purchase and they do the purchasing. The province then receives whatever they need in kind and not in monetary form. This way, I think, corruption will be lessened.
While these moves may be criticized for being too behaviorist (because people do things wanting of a reward in return), I think for starters, this would be acceptable.
BULAGA! not merely an 'initial shock'
Eat Bulaga is merely a noon time show and it can't and will not be able to change culture. They have just started a spark and still, change should start from an individual. That's a fact.
I hope and pray for two things:
1. That those Bulaga has visited will be able to come up with sustainable development and realizable goals which would lead to massive societal change; and
2. That the government will emanate from Eat Bulaga's example (While they can reach "mula Aparri hanggang Jolo" through airwaves, they cannot bear everything upon their shoulders.)
In the end, the change that BULAGA has initiated will only create a lasting impression if the government and the whole country will start to become more creative and driven as Tito, Vic, Joey, and the rest of the Dabarkads.
