‘Eat Bulaga’ shows why its winning formula still works
If there was one thing that became clear at TV5’s recently concluded thanksgiving celebration, it was this: the “Eat Bulaga!” family still knows exactly how to bring the house down.
Led by henyo Joey de Leon and Allan K, the Dabarkads proved that their chemistry, humor and undeniable camaraderie remain a winning combination. In fact, nearly a thousand guests were on their feet, dancing and celebrating alongside the noontime show’s beloved personalities.
Among those who joined the festivities was none other than Paolo Ballesteros, fondly known as Mama Pao, whose hilarious exchanges with fellow Dabarkad and rising heartthrob Hyeon Yul Kim have recently been making the rounds online. The two have even earned their own fan-favorite tandem name: PAOYUL!
Apparently, there are days when Yul, the Korean-born Foreignoy, joins the Dabarkads during their “Sugod Bahay” adventures, giving audiences a glimpse of his growing familiarity with Filipino communities and everyday Pinoy life.
And while Mama Pao is no stranger to making people laugh, it seems his latest partner-in-crime has been giving him a run for his money.
In fact, Yul’s growing familiarity with Filipino humor and culture has made their interactions even more entertaining.
As Paolo shared, Yul may be Korean by nationality, but he is certainly learning the ropes when it comes to connecting with Filipinos.
“Magaling naman kasi si Yul. Kahit Korean, Seoul, magaling siya, eh. Pinapakita talaga namin sa kanya yung buhay ng mga Pinoy,” Paolo said.
And judging by the clips circulating online, Yul is definitely keeping up.
Of course, seeing Mama Pao back in action also makes longtime fans wonder whether they will ever see his iconic celebrity transformation videos return to social media.
After all, his spot-on transformations have become a signature part of his online personality, with fans always looking forward to seeing which celebrity he will impersonate next.
Unfortunately, Paolo revealed that he has already retired from that particular activity. These days, he seems happy watching and mentoring the next generation of talented performers through “Drag Race Philippines,” where he serves as a mother mentor and host, guiding aspiring drag queens through their own journeys of self-expression and transformation.
But while Mama Pao’s transformation era may be on pause, another Dabarkad has just undergone quite a transformation of his own.
Because from barangayan looks to full-on royal royalty, Hyeon Yul Kim has certainly given everyone something to talk about.
Dashing oppa!
Just when audiences thought they had already seen every charming side of Yul on “Eat Bulaga!,” the Dabarkad surprised everyone with a completely different look at Disney+’s Imperial Ball in celebration of the premiere of “The Remarried Empress” earlier this month.
Gone was the familiar, easygoing guy audiences had grown accustomed to seeing during barangayan segments. In his place was a dashing gentleman who looked ready to step straight into a royal romance.
And naturally, the Internet had something to say about it.
Yul’s appearance quickly became another talking point among fans, with many expressing their admiration for the heartthrob’s princely transformation.
Even his fellow Dabarkads have not been shy about teasing him and joining in on the fun.
From Miles Ocampo to Ryzza Mae Dizon and, of course, Mama Paolo, Yul has become the subject of some seriously entertaining matchmaking conversations.
One particularly amusing moment involved Mama Pao, who jokingly expressed his wish for the two of them to end up together.
“Ang wish ko po ay sana magkatuluyan tayo, Yul,” Paolo quipped.
Paoyul tandem
Looks like the Internet has officially found another favorite pairing.
The so-called PAOYUL tandem has been getting its fair share of attention, with fans creating edits and sharing clips of their interactions across social media.
And apparently, Yul is very much aware of all the shipping happening around him.
When asked about the growing number of people pairing him with different personalities, the Korean heartthrob admitted that even he sometimes gets confused.
“The Dabarkads are very good at making stories. I also enjoy watching when I see it on TikTok,” Yul shared.
Well, at least we know that our resident oppa is enjoying the entertainment just as much as everyone else.
Another funny exchange happened when Ryzza relayed that Mama Pao supposedly missed him.
Yul’s playful response? “Thanks! Gamit ko, bigay mo na Spray Net!”
Talk about being comfortable with the Dabarkads.
It is precisely these spontaneous moments that make Yul such an interesting addition to the “Eat Bulaga!” family. He is not afraid to laugh at himself, join in on the jokes and embrace the uniquely Filipino brand of humor that audiences have loved for decades.
But beyond the kilig, funny exchanges and viral social media edits, there is a bigger story behind Yul’s growing popularity.
Foreignoy’s Philippines showbiz story
Having moved from South Korea to the Philippines nine years ago, Yul admitted that he never expected to receive the kind of opportunities and blessings that have come his way.
Today, he is not only a familiar face on “Eat Bulaga!” but is also steadily establishing himself as one of the country’s newest Korean personalities to watch.
His growing presence even extends beyond television.
Recently, Yul appeared alongside Melai Cantiveros in a Disney commercial, another milestone that demonstrates just how much his local appeal has grown.
From being a Korean newcomer navigating life in the Philippines to becoming a recognizable personality embraced by local audiences, Yul’s journey has certainly come a long way. And he knows that he did not get here alone.
The personality credits much of his adjustment to the entertainment industry to the people who welcomed him into the Dabarkads family.
He particularly acknowledged the guidance of the show’s hosts, director Pat, Poochie and Miss Jenny, who helped him understand the demands of local showbiz and navigate his new environment.
“The big help from the Dabarkads hosts, direk Pat and Poochie. They also guide me how to survive, and I’m grateful to have them all,” Yul shared.
It is a testament to the importance of having a supportive community, especially for someone who had to build a life and career in a country far from home.
And perhaps this is what makes Yul’s story even more endearing. While his Korean roots have undoubtedly added to his appeal, it is his willingness to embrace Filipino culture, humor and relationships that has helped him connect with viewers.
He may have arrived in the country as a foreigner, but he is certainly becoming one of the most entertaining additions to the local entertainment scene.
With the growing popularity of Korean entertainment in the Philippines, it is no surprise that audiences have developed a soft spot for personalities who can bridge both cultures.
But Yul is carving out his own space, one barangayan segment, hilarious punchline and viral TikTok edit at a time.
For now, fans can catch Hyeon Yul Kim on weekdays on “Eat Bulaga!,” where he continues to bring his own brand of Korean charm and Filipino humor to the noontime stage.
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