Lunch Out Loud takes pride in its healthy, happy workspace

Many said they wouldn’t make it. There were even times that the staff and hosts doubted, too, if they would. But with their show’s ratings continuing to soar to an upward trend since its launching and its awareness as well, looks like Brightlight and TV5’s Lunch Out Loud (LOL) is steadily finding its place to be a long hauler in the industry.

Just this week, the show was the talk of the town in showbiz as its mentor and director Bobet Vidanes finally broke his silence as to why he left his former program after 10 years, It’s Showtime, on ABS-CBN.

“Pinili ko po iyong health kasi po yung pag-trabaho ko sa kabila hindi na po healthy, mamamatay po ako ng maaga. Ang ganda po ng programa, pero it’s not healthy anymore. I’m here sa Lunch Out Loud or any program, no pressure I am happy now.”

We spoke to Billy Crawford, one of the show’s main hosts, as to what his thoughts were, having come from the same program as well. All he had was respect for direk Bobet, who was vulnerable enough to share his reason.

He also highlighted how happy and authentic their environment is in LOL. “Siguro matatapang na kami lahat so if there is an issue or no issue or even a question, rektahan na kami. There is a certain respect for each other, no matter the age we hear each other out.”

Billy cited that before direk Bobet joined LOL, he would text Billy and share with him life learnings and reflections.

“Ninong ko si direk Bobet, he is one of my best friends and mentors, and he gives us life advices so to have him here as our mentor, ang sarap ng pakiramdam,” said he.

Most of the team in LOL already know one another and working at a 2.0 or rebooted environment paved the way for all the improvements. Work does not feel like work for Billy and his LOL family because of this. He also added that with all the challenges and birth pains the first year brought to LOL, he wanted to thank all the detractors.

“Sa mga hindi naniwala, sa mga taong nagsabi hindi kayo tatagal, peke yan, hindi totoo yan,” said he. “Thank you! Because you just have me to steady for one year. Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyo because sila ang nagtutulak sa amin to do a better job.”

Lunch Out Loud airs Mondays to Saturdays at 12 noon on TV5.

Ciara airs disappointment on Kiko Pangilinan’s VP bid

We all know Ciara Sotto (photo) has been one of the most silent people in her family. Even during a tumultuous time in her marriage, she kept mum. But not this time around. Ciara released a statement because she wanted it to be known to the public how disrespected she felt for her parents, Senate president Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa, after their close family member, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, will go head on with her father for vice president in the May 2022 elections. It is a known fact that Ciara has been very close to her cousin, Sharon Cuneta, and the whole family of the Megastar.

Here is her statement:

“I have always been quiet, ignoring negative, mean and slanderous comments about my Dad made by judgmental people, whether I know them personally or not, as if they know everything and us very well. I prayed if I should voice out my true emotions when asked about Kuya Kiko running against Dad for VP? I cried because I am so hurt and disappointed. It made me feel that my parents were of no value after all. Ate has always been considered and treated like a daughter by my Dad and especially my Mom.

“I will continue to pray for them, and of course, for my Dad and his protection, wisdom, discernment, and I praise and Thank God for giving me him as my earthly father.”

Last Tuesday, Sharon came home to the Philippines with a post on her Instagram account acknowledging the hard situation she is in. She wrote that she hopes that when the election season is over, the family could patch things up and heal all wounds.