After months of emotional upheaval and uncertainty, the iconic noontime show Eat Bulaga finally received the moment fans had been waiting for — Tito Sotto, one of its original pillars, has made his highly anticipated return to the show that helped define Philippine television.

The studio erupted into thunderous cheers as Tito Sen stepped back onto the stage, greeted by the euphoric cries of “Dabarkads!” from both the live audience and viewers watching at home. With a wide smile and misty eyes, the legendary host waved at fans who have stood by the show through thick and thin.

“Parang umuwi ang tatay sa tahanan,” one fan commented on social media, summing up the atmosphere perfectly.

This emotional homecoming marks a new chapter for Eat Bulaga, which has faced a turbulent year involving major transitions, network controversies, and the departure of key figures. The return of Tito Sotto, a figure synonymous with the show’s golden years, brought a deep sense of joy, nostalgia, and healing.

“You know, you never forget where you came from,” Tito Sotto said during his heartfelt opening remarks. “This stage, these people, and this energy — it’s home.”

Fellow hosts and longtime friends Joey de Leon and Vic Sotto were visibly moved, embracing Tito as the crowd chanted his name. The trio, often referred to as TVJ, once again stood united — a symbolic image of resilience and camaraderie.

Behind the scenes, producers and staff were equally emotional. One crew member said, “This is what Eat Bulaga has always been about: family, laughter, and loyalty. Tito’s return gave us all new hope.”

Fans flooded social media with messages of celebration. Hashtags like #TitoIsBack, #EatBulagaForever, and #DabarkadsUnited trended within minutes.

The episode was packed with surprises, musical numbers, and a touching tribute to the show’s legacy — and to the many lives it has touched for decades.

Tito Sotto’s return isn’t just about nostalgia; it signals a renewed spirit for the noontime show, and a bold statement that the Dabarkads are stronger than ever.

As the cheers echoed and the laughter returned to full force, one thing was clear: in the world of Philippine television, there truly is no place like Eat Bulaga — and no one like Tito Sen.

Tito Sotto stated on Monday that their camp is now in talks with a number of networks and that they may soon announce the new home of the longest-running noontime show, “Eat Bulaga.”

Sotto said that they have yet to decide and agreed that they will make an announcement on June 7, Tuesday emphasizing that if things work out the way they want them to, maybe they could air on the first week of July.

The longest-running noontime variety program went off the air on television on May 31 after its primary pillars, Sotto, his brother Vic, and Joey de Leon (TVJ), announced their retirement from TAPE Inc., the show’s production firm.

Its other hosts, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Allan K., Ryan Agoncillo, Maine Mendoza, and Ryzza Mae Dizon, all resigned shortly after.

Mistrust between hosts and management, wage concerns, plans to replace the old presenters, including the so-called TVJ, and plans to cease top-rating segments such as “Juan for All, All for Juan,” and “Bawal Judgmental,” were among the reasons cited by Sotto for their decision.

Following last week’s statement, the former Senate President stated that they have received invitations from four to five television stations, requesting consideration for a prospective move to a new network.

He also expressed gratitude for the help they have received.

Meanwhile, Eat Bulaga resumes its broadcast on Monday, introducing a new set of hosts.

On May 31, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon announced their departure from TAPE, Inc., the producers of “Eat Bulaga” and a GMA-7 block timer.