Anjo Yllana, a former host of the iconic Filipino noontime show “Eat Bulaga,” has publicly given up on any aspirations of returning to the program, citing an internal policy that prevents previous hosts who resigned from rejoining the cast. In a candid interview with Ogie Diaz, Yllana discussed the emotional complexities surrounding his departure and the nostalgia he feels for his time on the show.
Yllana revealed that despite his open desire to return to “Eat Bulaga,” a longstanding policy among the show’s executives effectively bars anyone who has resigned from coming back. This rule has been consistently applied, with no former hosts making a return after exiting, regardless of their personal wishes or circumstances.
The actor and host expressed that while he cherishes the thought of reuniting with former co-hosts like Jimmy Santos and reliving the camaraderie they shared, he understands that it’s an unlikely scenario. He described his longing to be part of “Eat Bulaga” again as a mere dream, acknowledging the reality that official policies do not support his return.
This reflection comes after Yllana’s resignation from “Eat Bulaga” in August 2020, following a remarkable 21-year stint. Shortly after his exit, he joined a competing noontime show, “Happy Time,” on Net 25, which directly rivaled his former program. Yllana hinted at potential strained feelings from the “Eat Bulaga” hosts, known collectively as TVJ (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon), due to his move to a competing show.
Despite the circumstances, Yllana still identifies as a “Dabarkads,” a term of endearment for the “Eat Bulaga” family, indicating his lasting emotional connection to the show and its people. His interview sheds light on the challenges media personalities often face when navigating career transitions within the tightly-knit entertainment industry.