Tito and Vic Sotto, ‘Eat Bulaga!’ hosts celebrate Joey de Leon’s 80th birthday

Maine Mendoza and several "Eat Bulaga!" co-hosts joined friends and colleagues from the entertainment industry in celebrating Joey de Leon’s 80th birthday on Wednesday, October 14. 

Maine, 31, posted a series of photos from the celebration the following day. Familiar faces from Philippine TV graced the event, including the brothers Tito and Vic Sotto. Netizens got a peek into the special occasion honoring the veteran comedian and TV host.

The attendees included Maine’s husband, actor-politician Arjo Atayde, Paolo Ballesteros, Wally Bayola, Allan K., Jose Manalo, Ryan Agoncillo and his wife, actress Judy Ann Santos, Miles Ocampo, Pauleen Luna, Ciara Sotto, Carren Eistrup, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Bimby Aquino, and Ice Seguerra.

One of the highlights was a jam session featuring TVJ, who performed the Bloomfields’ “Iskul Bukol.” The song, originally sung by Vic Sotto, was the theme of the Tito, Vic and Joey show in the 70s and 80s . 

The celebration also gave Tito and Vic an opportunity to share heartfelt messages to Joey, reflecting on their decades-long friendship.

In his message, Vic, 72, explained how their close bond has helped keep TVJ strong over the years. “Palagi kong kini-kwento ito, si Joey is not just a friend, he’s a brother. 

"Kaya ganon katibay ang TVJ dahil kami ni Tito magkapatid pero ang turingan namin magkaibigan.  Kami ni Joey magkaibigan pero ang turingan namin magkapatid. So, ayun yung pinaka sikreto ng samahan namin kaya hanggang ngayon matibay pa rin ang TVJ,” he said.

Vic also shared a funny story about Joey almost changing his surname to Sotto. “As a matter of fact, si Joey muntik nang palitan yung pangalan niya ng Sotto,” he said in jest.

Vic also thanked Joey for his friendship and the role he played in his career. 

“Salamat sa pagkakaibigan. Malaki ang utang na loob ko kay Joey eh, kasi nung araw mahiyain ako. Tahimik lang.

"Dahil sa’yo na-expose ako sa mundo natin ngayon and I’m very thankful. Alam ko na kahit anong pagdaanan ko sa buhay nandyan ka, pare,” Vic said as he wrapped up his message.

Tito, 78, also spoke about his special bond with Joey. “Ibang klase iyong pagsasama namin sapagkat kahit na ako’y hindi nila kasama sa bahay, pagdating naman sa trabaho kami lagi yung magkasundo,” Tito said during his birthday speech.

He also praised Joey’s creativity, describing him as a "magician" for his talent in writing songs and lyrics.

To cap off his tribute, Tito raised a toast to Joey, celebrating their friendship with a playful line: “There are ships to sail. There are good ships, there are wooden ships but the best ships is friendship. Joey de Leon, mabuhay ka!”

Maine also took to her Instagram Stories to share more glimpses of the celebration and send Joey a special birthday greeting.

“The man, the myth, THE 80-YEAR-OLD LEGEND. Happy birthday! We love you, our Henyo Master!!” she wrote. She also joined Joey onstage and sang “Happy Birthday” to him.

Meanwhile, Jose Manalo paid tribute to Joey in his own entertaining way. In a separate post, Jose delivered a comedic performance of the Bloomfields’ “Ale.” 

With a career spanning more than six decades, Joey has established himself as one of the Philippines’ most recognizable comedians, actors, and television hosts. As a member of the iconic TVJ trio, he has been part of numerous comedy films and television programs, including “Tartan,” “I Have Three Hands,” “Tatlo Silang Tatay Ko,” “Super Wan-Tu-Tri” and “TODAS.”

He is also one of the pioneering hosts of “Eat Bulaga!,” the country’s longest-running noontime show.

Beyond comedy and television, Joey has also made significant contributions to the Philippine music scene. He is credited as a principal songwriter and lyricist for VST & Company and helped popularize Manila Sound hits such as “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” and “Ipagpatawad Mo.”