SHOCKING REUNION! Jimmy Santos and Julia Clarete RETURN to Eat Bulaga—Tito, Vic & Joey Moved to Tears!
“We were never really gone… We were just waiting for the right moment to come home.” – Julia Clarete

The Unexpected Return That Shook Philippine Television

In an episode that will surely go down in showbiz history, two of Eat Bulaga’s most beloved former hosts—Jimmy Santos and Julia Clarete—stunned the entire nation with a surprise comeback on the iconic noontime show. The moment was so emotionally overwhelming that Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, the legendary TVJ trio, were visibly in tears on live television.

The explosive comeback comes after years of speculation, silence, and mystery surrounding the duo’s sudden departure from the show. Fans had long given up hope of ever seeing Jimmy and Julia grace the EB stage again. And yet—there they were, walking through the studio doors as if time had stood still, met with a thunderous standing ovation.

The Tension Before the Storm

The buzz started early that day. Viewers noted that the show’s official Facebook page had posted a cryptic teaser the night before: “Tomorrow’s episode… someone returns.”

No one could have guessed that “someone” meant two of the most iconic Dabarkads.

At exactly 12:30 PM, just after a nostalgic flashback segment aired, the studio lights dimmed. A video montage played—slow-motion clips of laughter, dancing, and behind-the-scenes moments from past Eat Bulaga episodes. Familiar voices echoed. Then, the screen faded to black. A heartbeat sound pulsed through the studio speakers.

And just like that… Jimmy Santos appeared at the top of the stairs, smiling his classic wide grin, arms stretched open.

Seconds later, Julia Clarete stepped out behind him—waving to fans, her eyes already filled with tears.

The studio erupted.

Tito, Vic & Joey—Overcome with Emotion

As Jimmy and Julia made their way down to the main stage, Tito, Vic, and Joey couldn’t contain their emotions.

Vic Sotto, normally reserved and composed, hugged Jimmy tightly and was caught on camera whispering, “We thought we lost you for good.”

Joey de Leon, ever the joker, held Julia’s hands and said with a trembling smile, “Now this… this is a twist even I didn’t see coming.”

But it was Tito Sotto who stole the moment. With tears welling in his eyes, he said, “Today, Eat Bulaga becomes whole again.”

Where Have They Been All This Time?

Rumors swirled for years after Julia Clarete left Eat Bulaga in 2016. She quietly moved abroad, married a foreign businessman, and started a new life away from the spotlight. There were whispers of personal struggles, health issues, and even heartbreak.

As for Jimmy Santos, his departure from the noontime show in 2021 was just as mysterious. He vanished from television without much explanation, save for a few cryptic interviews where he hinted at burnout and a need for peace.

In a deeply personal sit-down interview aired after the live show, Julia finally addressed the elephant in the room:

“I didn’t leave because I was unhappy. I left because I had to find myself again. The pressure, the fame… it was consuming me. But Eat Bulaga was always in my heart. Always.”

Jimmy, now 72 but as energetic as ever, shared his own revelation:

“I needed time to heal. To be quiet. But one day I woke up and realized—my home is the stage. My heart is with the Dabarkads.”

The Inside Scoop: A Secret Reunion Plan Months in the Making

Sources close to the production reveal that the reunion was not a last-minute decision. In fact, it had been in the works for over six months.

Julia had reportedly reached out to Joey de Leon back in February, saying she was “ready” to return—if the time was right. Jimmy had been spotted visiting the Eat Bulaga studio quietly in March, fueling early speculation among insiders.

Producers remained tight-lipped, determined to preserve the element of surprise. Only TVJ and a handful of top-level staff knew the full plan.

The entire EB family rehearsed the scene secretly at midnight tapings, using stand-ins to block the moment Jimmy and Julia would enter. According to crew members, everyone was sworn to secrecy under a strict NDA.

The result? One of the most unforgettable moments in noontime television history.

The Fans React

Social media exploded within minutes. The hashtag #JimmyAndJuliaBack trended globally on X (formerly Twitter), with over 3 million mentions within the first two hours.

“This is not just nostalgia. This is healing.” — @PinoyShowbizFan
“Eat Bulaga brought back the heart of the show. Welcome home, Jimmy and Julia!” — @Kapamilya2Dabarkads
“I CRIED. Like… ugly cried. I missed them so much.” — @TitaOfManila

Even celebrities joined in. Alden Richards posted a heartfelt Instagram story:
“LEGENDS. Eat Bulaga just proved it’s still the home of legends.”

What’s Next for Jimmy and Julia?

According to Executive Producer Malou Choa-Fagar, the duo is not just back for a one-time guesting.

“Jimmy and Julia are officially back in the fold. Expect to see them in regular segments, new games, and yes—live performances.”

Rumor has it that a Jimmy & Julia spinoff segment is being developed, focused on heartwarming stories, fan interactions, and throwback sketches from EB’s golden era.

But for now, the focus is on celebration.

The Final Word

As the credits rolled on that unforgettable episode, Julia turned to the camera and said:

“To everyone who waited, hoped, and never stopped believing—this one’s for you.”

Jimmy added, smiling:

“We’re back. For good.”

And just like that, the Dabarkads family is whole again.

🟡 What did you think of the big comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments!
👇👇 Read more updates, behind-the-scenes secrets, and exclusive interviews below!