“Eat Bulaga,” the long-standing noontime show, has announced the eagerly awaited return of its Lenten Specials, a hallmark of the program’s Holy Week observance. Vic Sotto, one of the show’s mainstays, shared the news during the March 9 episode, revealing that the cast for these special episodes was chosen through a random draw. These episodes, set to air on Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, and Holy Wednesday, are part of a tradition that blends entertainment with reflective stories during the Lenten season.
The Lenten Specials lineup includes three compelling episodes: “Selda ng Kahapon,” featuring Joey de Leon, Allan K, Paolo Ballesteros, Wally Bayola, and Carren Eistrup; “Love Thy Neighbor,” starring Tito Sotto, Jose Manalo, Maine Mendoza, Ryzza Mae Dizon, and Ciara Sotto; and “Para Di Makalimot,” with performances by Miles Ocampo, Vic Sotto, Ryan Agoncillo, Atasha Muhlach, Tirso Cruz III, and Ice Seguerra. Notably, this year’s specials will mark the first acting ventures for Eistrup and Muhlach and Ocampo’s debut in the anthology series.
The “Eat Bulaga Lenten Special” is a cherished annual anthology that first aired in 1981, running until 2008 and then making a comeback in 2014. After a brief hiatus following 2019, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the specials return to offer stories of family, love, and hope. These narratives are particularly resonant during Holy Week, providing a reflective backdrop to the season’s observances.
Over the years, the Lenten Specials have featured a mix of the show’s regular cast alongside guest actors, including renowned names like Gina Alajar, Pilita Corales, and Ai-Ai delas Alas. This blend of talents has made each episode a unique and meaningful experience for viewers, contributing to the specials’ legacy as a significant part of Philippine television during Holy Week.
With its return, “Eat Bulaga’s” Lenten Specials continue to be a testament to the show’s enduring appeal and its commitment to offering content that resonates with the cultural and spiritual sentiments of its audience.