Title: “‘ANG KAPAL NG MUKHA MO!’ Joey de Leon Allegedly EXPLODES at Ryan Agoncillo—Is There Trouble Among Dabarkads?”
Manila, Philippines – In a shocking turn of events that has left fans stunned and gossip mills spinning, veteran comedian Joey de Leon is rumored to have clashed with fellow “E.A.T.” co-host Ryan Agoncillo, following an explosive behind-the-scenes encounter that allegedly ended with Joey shouting, “Ang kapal ng mukha mo!”
The incident, said to have occurred just minutes before the noontime show’s live airing, has sparked intense speculation: Is there a brewing rift within the beloved Dabarkads family? And could this mean trouble for the long-standing brotherhood of the former “Eat Bulaga” stars?
The Tension That Started It All?
According to an anonymous insider who claims to work closely with the production team of “E.A.T.” on TV5, the tension between the two personalities has allegedly been simmering for weeks.
“You could feel something was off,” the insider revealed. “Joey wasn’t laughing as much at Ryan’s jokes. There were times during script readings when he would interrupt Ryan or correct him in a sarcastic tone. It was subtle… until it wasn’t.”
That tension reportedly exploded last Monday during a production meeting when Ryan offered a suggestion about changing part of a game segment to make it “more youthful and updated.” Joey allegedly snapped, shouting:
“Ang kapal ng mukha mo! Sino ka ba para baguhin ang format na kami mismo ang bumuo? Wala ka pa noon!”
The room reportedly went dead silent, with some staff visibly shaken by the outburst. Ryan, known for his composed demeanor, is said to have simply nodded and walked out of the meeting room.
On-Cam vs Off-Cam: Two Different Worlds
Fans who watched the live episode that aired immediately after the alleged confrontation noted a visible awkwardness between Joey and Ryan.
“They didn’t interact at all during the entire show,” one viewer noted on Twitter. “Usually, may asaran or banter. Ngayon, parang may invisible wall sa pagitan nila.”
Another eagle-eyed fan uploaded a clip showing Joey rolling his eyes as Ryan spoke during the “Babala! Wag Kayong Ganun” segment—a move that has now been viewed over 2.4 million times on TikTok.
The hashtag #JoeyVsRyan began trending within hours, with netizens split between those defending the comedic legend and those siding with the younger host.
Joey de Leon: No Stranger to Controversy
This isn’t the first time Joey de Leon has made headlines for fiery comments.
In 2017, he came under fire for making insensitive remarks about depression on-air, which later forced him to apologize after massive public backlash.
“Joey has always been outspoken. That’s his strength and his weakness,” said media critic Liza Romero. “But in an era of collaboration and sensitivity, that kind of blunt authority is being questioned.”
Some fans argue that Joey may be struggling to adapt to a new era of television, one dominated by younger voices and evolving formats—a space where Ryan Agoncillo, known for his level-headed professionalism and openness to innovation, thrives.
Ryan Agoncillo: The Silent Professional?
As of this writing, Ryan Agoncillo has not released any official statement about the alleged clash.
However, fans noticed that the usually cheerful host shared a cryptic Instagram story later that evening: a black-and-white photo of a stormy sea, with the caption: “Sometimes, silence speaks louder than thunder.”
Followers quickly speculated that the post was aimed at Joey de Leon.
“Ryan is too classy to air dirty laundry. But that post was a statement,” one fan commented.
Despite the drama, Ryan appeared on the next “E.A.T.” episode with a smile on his face, but observers once again noted the complete lack of interaction between him and Joey throughout the program.
Tito and Vic: The Middlemen?
Sources close to the show claim that Tito Sotto and Vic Sotto, co-creators and longtime collaborators of both Joey and Ryan, are now stepping in to mediate the situation before it spirals out of control.
“Tito Sen has already spoken to both parties privately,” the source said. “There’s a deep respect there, but also big egos. It’s not easy.”
Allegedly, a closed-door meeting is scheduled within the week with the core Dabarkads to “clear the air” and “remind everyone of their shared mission.”
Fans React: A Family Falling Apart?
For many long-time fans, the rumored feud is deeply heartbreaking.
“We grew up watching them laugh, cry, and win together. They’re not just a TV cast—they’re a family,” said a netizen named Grace Mendoza.
“Seeing them fall apart like this feels like our own parents fighting.”
Others, however, see it as a natural growing pain in the face of change.
“Times are changing. You can’t expect old-school legends to always agree with younger ideas. But they have to meet halfway. Or else, the show will suffer,” commented one user on Reddit’s r/Pilipinas.
Will the Dabarkads Survive This Storm?
As rumors continue to swirl and fans anxiously watch the dynamics unfold on screen, one question looms large: Can the Dabarkads survive this internal storm?
If the team fails to resolve their differences, it could spell serious trouble for “E.A.T.” — a show that has been fighting tooth and nail to maintain its ratings against competitors like “It’s Showtime” and the newly rebranded “Eat Bulaga.”
Already, advertisers are allegedly concerned, with one sponsor requesting a “clarity memo” on the show’s direction and internal issues.
A Message to the Public?
On Thursday, Joey de Leon posted an unapologetic message on X (formerly Twitter):
“I say what I say. If truth offends you, maybe it’s not the truth that’s the problem.”
Meanwhile, Ryan posted a new story—a peaceful video of him with his children, simply captioned: “Family first. Always.”
Final Thoughts
Whether this is just a temporary misunderstanding or the beginning of a deeper crack in the iconic Dabarkads group remains to be seen.
What’s clear is this: audiences are watching closely, and in the world of Philippine showbiz—especially when it comes to legends like Joey de Leon and Ryan Agoncillo—every word, gesture, and silence carries weight.
For now, the nation waits: Will the Dabarkads reconcile… or rupture?
This is a developing story.