After more than a month-long absence following a serious road accident, TV host-comedian Wally Bayola made a highly anticipated virtual return to Eat Bulaga! on Saturday, May 2.
Joining the show via live video from his hometown in Naga City, the comedian celebrated his 54th birthday while providing fans with an update on his recovery.
During the popular segment “The Age Is Right,” Bayola detailed the harrowing motorcycle crash he figured in while traveling to Bicol during Holy Week.
The accident occurred on March 29, 2024, along the notorious Andaya Highway in Lupi, Camarines Sur—a stretch of road frequently cited for its hazardous conditions.
“1:30 ng hapon… malawak yung highway tapos nag-overtake ako dun sa van, pagbalik ko sa lane may lubak na malalim, nag-struggle na yung motor, pag-ahon sa lubak may batong malaki na nauna sa akin, naigilid na, nawalan na ng kontrol yung manibela, napunta na ako dun sa gutter, sa ano, sa pader,” Bayola shared.
The comedian described a split-second decision-making process as he struggled to maintain control of his bike.
He recalled the moment he realized he could no longer stay on the road, hitting a large rock that sent him careening toward a concrete barrier.
“Nung nag-struggle na yung manibela, sabi ko hindi ako mame-mreno kasi tutumba ako, iikot, eh pag-ahon ng motor doon sa lubak, siguro natamaan ko na yung bato, nawalan na ng direksyon, papunta ako sa gutter at sa pader, ang sabi ko na lang, Diyos ko, wag naman po, tumilapon na ako sa pader, buti sa pader kasi ang sunod nun, bangin,” he added.
Bayola was reportedly thrown approximately 15 meters from his motorcycle upon impact. Despite the violence of the crash, he sustained manageable injuries described as multiple abrasions on both his upper and lower extremities. Rescuers who arrived at the scene reportedly credited his experience as a professional rider and his use of proper safety gear for preventing more life-threatening trauma.
This is not the first time the veteran comedian has faced danger on the road; he was previously involved in a motorcycle accident on Marcos Highway back in 2013.
While he is officially on leave to focus on physical therapy, Bayola’s appearance brought a mix of relief and celebration to his co-hosts and viewers.
He assured his fans that he is in stable condition and is eager to return to the studio once his recovery is complete.