Judge Joselito Villarosa of Branch 66 of the Makati RTC, decided to push through with ABS-CBN’s presentation of evidence for a possible TRO amid motions raised by the defendants, including a motion to dismiss the case, a motion for Villarosa’s inhibition as presiding judge, a motion to defer the TRO hearings, and another motion requesting to drop TV5 President Ray Espinosa as one of the defendants.

Villarosa told both parties that he will decide on the various motions filed by the defense before he rules on the TRO application.

Atty. Bienvenido Somera, who is representing ABS-CBN, argued that there should be no delay in the TRO application proceedings since the Supreme Court has ruled that the filing of a motion to dismiss is not a ground for a court to stop hearing a TRO application.

Somera also argued against the motion to dismiss filed by the defendants by refuting their claim that this case is the same as that Revillame filed against ABS-CBN in the Quezon City Trial Court.

Somera reiterated that ABS-CBN’s claims against Revillame in the QC case were for breach of contract by the latter, as a talent. The new case, on the other hand, focuses on the infringement of ABS-CBN’s intellectual property by Revillame et al, as producers of “Willing-Willie.”

The 33-page complaint alleges that the “look and feel” of “Wowowee” were copied by “Willing Willie” through the imitation of the expression and execution of several elements of the program. These include the opening song and/or dance number led by its host, the singing and/or trivia game wherein contestants share their personal stories and then showcase their talents before playing the game, and the set design, stage, studio viewers’ seats lay-out, lighting, music, and camera angles of “Willing Willie,” which are strikingly similar to “Wowowee.”

In an earlier statement, ABS-CBN claimed that Revillame and company “deliberately and intentionally imitated Wowowee to steal the goodwill that Wowowee has built over the past 5 years of airing in ABS-CBN.”

ABS-CBN further said, “it filed case in good faith and simply to protect its rights under the law. It’s not motivated by ‘vengeance’ to get back at anyone. Infringement of Intellectual Property rights is a very serious matter akin to stealing another’s property. It’s also like plagiarism which the public has condemned in recent events. ABS-CBN has a valid case and we will pursue it in court.”

Revillame, meanwhile, was a no-show in the court hearing yesterday, where ABS-CBN executive Marilou Almaden, the Business Unit Head for the program “Wowowee,” took the witness stand for ABS-CBN.

The legal team of ABS-CBN is set to present more evidence as the hearing on the TRO continues tomorrow morning (Dec 3).

Court Hears TRO Application of ABS-CBN Against TV5′s ‘Willing Willie’ originally appeared on Starmometer on December 2, 2010.

Here is the press statement on Willie Revillame which was sent by ABS-CBN to Starmometer minutes ago:

Walang naging kasunduan ang management ng ABS-CBN at si Willie Revillame hinggil sa pagbabalik niya sa Wowowee noong July 31.

Ang suspensiyon ni Willie ay matatapos sa August 24 pa. Si Willie ang may intensiyong bumalik sa Wowowee noong July 31.

Ang totoo, wala pang desisyon ang management bilang pagbibigay halaga sa damdamin ng mga manonood na ang iba ay tutol sa kanyang pagbabalik sa telebisyon dala ng inasal niya noong May 4 at iba pang mga naunang pangyayari.

Isang patunay na hindi pa siya nagbabago ng ugali ay ang paglalahad niya ng mga kondisyon sa kanyang pagbabalik.

Pinapatanggal niya sina Mariel Rodriguez at Pokwang sa programa at dapat din daw siyang suwelduhan habang siya ay suspendido.

Naniniwala ang management ng ABS-CBN na dapat isabuhay muna ni Willie ang mga pinahahalagahang values at work ethics ng kumpanya bago s’ya bumalik sa telebisyon.

ABS-CBN Refutes Willie Revillame’s Statements Against the Network originally appeared on Starmometer on August 21, 2010.

Here are the comparative People/Individual Ratings of ABS-CBN and GMA-7 programs from July 30 to August 1 based on the overnight ratings of AGB Nielsen Phils among Mega Manila households:

July 30, Friday

Daytime:

Rescue Replay (GMA-7) 0.5%; Gising Pilipinas (ABS-CBN) 0.4%; Kabayan (ABS-CBN) 0.8%
Unang Hirit (GMA-7) 2.3%; Umagang Kay Ganda (ABS-CBN) 2.1%
Doraemon (GMA-7) 2.3%; Dora The Explorer (ABS-CBN) 2.1%
Pokemon (GMA-7) 2.4%; Detective Conan (GMA-7) 3%; Spongebob Squarepants (ABS-CBN) 2.6%
Knock Out (GMA-7) 3%; Simply KC (ABS-CBN) 2.6%
Danz Showdown (GMA-7) 3%; Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA-7) 5.3%; Showtime (ABS-CBN) 4.6%
Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) 8.7%; Wowowee (ABS-CBN) 5.9%
Trudis Liit (GMA-7) 6.2%; Rosalka (ABS-CBN) 4.9%
Basahang Ginto (GMA-7) 5.5%; Impostor (ABS-CBN) 4%
Wachamakulit (GMA-7) 3%; Banana Split Daily Servings (ABS-CBN) 3.2%; Panahon Ko ‘To! (ABS-CBN) 3%
Hole in the Wall (GMA-7) 3.8%; Midnight Phantom (ABS-CBN) 4.6%

Primetime:

Langit Sa Piling Mo (GMA-7) 7%; Momay (ABS-CBN) 8.1%
24 Oras (GMA-7) 13%; TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) 11.3%
Pilyang Kerubin (GMA-7) 14.7%; Noah (ABS-CBN) 14%
Endless Love (GMA-7) 14.7%; Agua Bendita (ABS-CBN) 13.5%
Diva (GMA-7) 14.4%; Magkaribal (ABS-CBN) 11.4%; Rubi (ABS-CBN) 10.6%
Bubble Gang (GMA-7) 7.9%; SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon (ABS-CBN) 6.8%; Bandila (ABS-CBN) 2.9%
Saksi (GMA-7) 2.5%; S.O.C.O. (ABS-CBN) 2.3%
OFW Diaries (GMA-7) 2.1%; Trip Na Trip (ABS-CBN) 1%; Music Uplate Live (ABS-CBN) 0.6%

July 31, Saturday

Daytime:

PJM Forum (GMA-7) 0.1%; Adyenda (GMA-7) 0.3%; Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko (GMA-7) 0.6%; Pinoy MD (GMA-7) 1.5%; Salamat Dok (ABS-CBN) 0.7%
Shonen Inmyoji (GMA-7) 2.5%; Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (ABS-CBN) 1.5%
Black Jack (GMA-7) 3.2%; Honey Watch Out (ABS-CBN) 1.3%
Art Angel (GMA-7) 2.6%; Math Tinik (ABS-CBN) 1.4%; Dora The Explorer (ABS-CBN) 1.9%
Sunnyville (GMA-7) 1.4%; Avatar: The Legend of Aang (ABS-CBN) 2.5%
Ka-Blog (GMA-7) 2.2%; Spongebob Squarepants (ABS-CBN) 3.1%
Maynila (GMA-7) 2.5%; Kulilits (ABS-CBN) 2.8%
Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA-7) 6.1%; Showtime (ABS-CBN) 5.5%
Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) 9.9%; Pilipinas, Win Na Win! (ABS-CBN) 8.7%
Startalk (GMA-7) 4.8%; Entertainment Live! (ABS-CBN) 4.5%; Cinema FPJ: Da King on ABS-CBN (ABS-CBN) 4.8%
Wish Ko Lang (GMA-7) 8%; Failon Ngayon (ABS-CBN) 5.4%

Primetime:

24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) 10.6%; TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) 6.7%; Elias Paniki (ABS-CBN) 7.4%
Kaya ng Powers (GMA-7) 9.3%; Twist and Shout (ABS-CBN) 8.3%
Claudine (GMA-7) 9.4%; Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (GMA-7) 14.6%; Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) 9.2%
Imbestigador (GMA-7) 12.3%; M3: Malay Mo Ma-develop (ABS-CBN) 5.7%; Banana Split (ABS-CBN) 4.4%
Comedy Bar (GMA-7) 4.7%; The Bottomline With Boy Abunda (ABS-CBN) 1.6%
Walang Tulugan With The Master Showman (GMA-7) 1.2%; Sports Unlimited (ABS-CBN) 0.8%

August 1, Sunday

Daytime:

Ecclesia In Asia (GMA-7) 1.1%; Jesus The Healer (GMA-7) 0.4%; The Healing Eucharist (ABS-CBN) 2.1%
In Touch (GMA-7) 0.4%; Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (ABS-CBN) 0.8%
Race-Tin Flash & Dash (GMA-7) 2%; Salamat Dok (ABS-CBN) 1.3%
Super Yoyo (GMA-7) 2.4%; Hana Yori Dango (ABS-CBN) 1.1%
Knock Out (GMA-7) 2.4%; Huntik Secrets & Seekers (ABS-CBN) 1.8%
AHA! (GMA-7) 3%; Matanglawin (ABS-CBN) 3.2%
Kapuso Movie Festival: Once Upon A Time In Manila (GMA-7) 6.5%; Kapamilya Sunday Blockbusters: A Very Special Love (ABS-CBN) 5.1%
Party Pilipinas (GMA-7) 5.9%; ASAP XV (ABS-CBN) 6%
Lovebug: Exchange of Hearts (GMA-7) 4%; Your Song Presents Maling Akala (ABS-CBN) 5.7%
Showbiz Central (GMA-7) 5.1%; The Buzz (ABS-CBN) 6%

Primetime:

24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) 7.9%; TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) 9%
Pepito Manaloto (GMA-7) 11.6%; Goin’ Bulilit (ABS-CBN) 8.1%
Kap’s Amazing Stories (GMA-7) 12.2%; Rated K (ABS-CBN) 9.3%
Mel & Joey (GMA-7) 13%; Sharon (ABS-CBN) 6.4%
Show Me Da Manny (GMA-7) 7.2%; Twist and Shout (ABS-CBN) 5.4%
Sunday Night Box Office: The Echo (GMA-7) 4.3%; Sunday’s Best: As1 The Experience (ABS-CBN) 1.4%
Diyos At Bayan (GMA-7) 0.6%; Urban Zone (ABS-CBN) 0.8%

TOP 10 DAYTIME AND PRIMETIME PROGRAMS IN MEGA MANILA
(July 30 to August 1, 2010; AGB People Ratings)

July 30, Friday

Daytime:

1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) – 8.7%
2. Trudis Liit (GMA-7) – 6.2%
3. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) – 5.9%
4. Basahang Ginto (GMA-7) – 5.5%
5. Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA-7) – 5.3%
6. Rosalka (ABS-CBN) – 4.9%
7. Showtime (ABS-CBN) / Midnight Phantom (ABS-CBN) – 4.6%
8. Impostor (ABS-CBN) – 4%
9. Hole in the Wall (GMA-7) – 3.8%
10. Banana Split Daily Servings (ABS-CBN) – 3.2%

Primetime:

1. Pilyang Kerubin (GMA-7) / Endless Love (GMA-7) – 14.7%
2. Diva (GMA-7) – 14.4%
3. Noah (ABS-CBN) – 14%
4. Agua Bendita (ABS-CBN) – 13.5%
5. 24 Oras (GMA-7) – 13%
6. Magkaribal (ABS-CBN) – 11.4%
7. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) – 11.3%
8. Rubi (ABS-CBN) – 10.6%
9. Momay (ABS-CBN) – 8.1%
10. Bubble Gang (GMA-7) – 7.9%

July 31, Saturday

Daytime:

1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) – 9.9%
2. Pilipinas, Win na Win! (ABS-CBN) – 8.7%
3. Wish Ko Lang (GMA-7) – 8%
4. Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA-7) – 6.1%
5. Showtime (ABS-CBN) – 5.5%
6. Failon Ngayon (ABS-CBN) – 5.4%
7. Startalk (GMA-7) / Cinema FPJ: Da King on ABS-CBN (ABS-CBN) – 4.8%
8. Entertainment Live (ABS-CBN) – 4.5%
9. Black Jack (GMA-7) – 3.2%
10. Spongebob Squarepants (ABS-CBN) – 3.1%

Primetime:

1. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7) – 14.6%
2. Imbestigador (GMA-7) – 12.3%
3. Talentadong Pinoy (TV5) – 11%
4. 24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) – 10.6%
5. Claudine (GMA-7) – 9.4%
6. Kaya ng Powers (GMA-7) – 9.3%
7. Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) – 9.2%
8. Twist and Shout (ABS-CBN) – 8.3%
9. Elias Paniki (ABS-CBN) – 7.4%
10. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (TV5) – 6.8%

August 1, Sunday

Daytime:

1. Kapuso Movie Festival: Once Upon A Time In Manila (GMA-7) – 6.5%
2. ASAP XV (ABS-CBN) / The Buzz (ABS-CBN) – 6%
3. Party Pilipinas (GMA-7) – 5.9%
4. Your Song Presents Maling Akala (ABS-CBN) – 5.7%
5. Kapamilya Sunday Blockbusters: A Very Special Love (ABS-CBN) / Showbiz Central (GMA-7) – 5.1%
6. Lovebug: Exchange of Hearts (GMA-7) – 4%
7. Matanglawin (ABS-CBN) – 3.2%
8. AHA! (GMA-7) – 3%
9. Super Yoyo (GMA-7) / Knock Out (GMA-7) – 2.4%
10. The Healing Eucharist (ABS-CBN) – 2.1%

Primetime:

1. Mel & Joey (GMA-7) – 13%
2. Kap’s Amazing Stories (GMA-7) – 12.2%
3. Pepito Manaloto (GMA-7) – 11.6%
4. Rated K (ABS-CBN) – 9.3%
5. TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) – 9%
6. Goin’ Bulilit (ABS-CBN) – 8.1%
7. 24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) – 7.9%
8. Show Me Da Manny (GMA-7) – 7.2%
9. Talentadong Pinoy (TV5) – 6.9%
10. Sharon (ABS-CBN) – 6.4%

Source: AGB Nielsen Phils.

‘Eat Bulaga! Anniversary’ Beats ‘Wowowee’ and ‘Pilipinas Win na Win!’ in Mega Manila originally appeared on Starmometer on August 3, 2010.

The kapamilya network’s head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Bong Osorio, emailed Starmometer the following statement:

“Ang mga lumalabas na bali-balita tungkol kay Willie Revillame at sa Wowowee ay mga espekulasyon. Nag-usap na ang ABS-CBN management at si Willie kung ano ang options o mga posibleng gagawin pagkatapos ng kanyang break. Wala pang napagkakasunduan ang ABS-CBN at si Willie. Kung mayroon mang pagbabagong magaganap, ito’y opisyal na ipahahayag ng ABS-CBN sa takdang panahon.”

– Bong R. Osorio
Head, ABS-CBN Corporate Communications

ABS-CBN Releases Statement Regarding Willie Revillame and Wowowee originally appeared on Starmometer on July 15, 2010.

The Singing Bee’s main man Cesar Montano is the next special host in the leading daily noontime show.

In Wowowee’s special segment Cash Mo Tour, Bulakeños are set to have a chance to win big cash prizes as it goes to Meycauayan Bulacan tomorrow (Saturday), July 3.

Cesar Montano Hosts Wowowee originally appeared on Starmometer on July 2, 2010.

Naging special guest host ng top-rating noontime variety show na Wowowee ang isa sa mga matalik na kaibigan ni Willie Revillame na si Rico J. Puno.

Sa pagbubukas ng show, naghiyawan ang lahat ng sabihin nila Mariel Rodriguez na si John Lloyd Cruz ang makakasama nila. Laking gulat at naghalakhakan ang live studio audience nang ang lumabas sa backstage ay ang “Macho Gwapito” ng dekada ’70.

Nang tanungin si Rico J. kung anong klaseng Wowowee ang ihahatid niya sa televiewers, simple lang ang sinabi nito. “Ako’y 35 years na rin sa industriya at hindi ko pinaplano ang kahit anong gagawin ko. Galing lang sa puso lagi. Spontaneous! I play with the crowd of course with the guidance of the script.”

Sa kanyang kauna-unahang pagho-host sa Wowowee, binati ni Rico J. ang kaibigang Willie at nabanggit pang ang suot niyang T-shirt nang hapong iyon ay sa kaibigan. Nag-text din daw siya kay Willie para sabihing manood ng episode niya.

Lalong nagpiyesta sa studio nang naging galante si Rico J. sa pagbibigay papremyo sa contestants at maging sa live audience. Sa katunayan, pinagkatuwaan pang hanapin ni Rico J. ang taga-Makati na bumoto sa kanya. matatandaang tumakbo bilang vice-mayor ng Makati si Rico J ngunit hindi pinalad na nanalo. Kaya pabirong nagkomento ang singer na, “Ang dami niyo, bakit hindi ako nanalo?”

Samantala, sa mga gustong manood ng Wowowee sa studio nang live, patuloy pa rin ang “Wowowee Text Promo.” Para sumali, manood lamang ng Wowowee araw-araw at hintayin ang sagot sa ibibigay ng mga hosts. Tumutok sa commercial break at abangan ang tanong. Araw-araw, dalawang tanong ang lalabas kaya dalawang winners ang ia-announce sa dulo ng show. Mananalo ng tig-P5,000 cash at dalawang Wowowee tickets ang mga unang mabubunot na may tamang sagot. Kaya load at text na!

Para sa karagdagang updates, patuloy ang programa ng bawat Pilipino sa buong mundo, Wowowee, tuwing tanghali, pagkatapos ng Showtime sa ABS-CBN.

Rico J. Puno Hosts Wowowee originally appeared on Starmometer on June 12, 2010.

Kumpirmadong tanggap talaga ni Wowowee special host Robin Padilla ang kapatid niyang si Bebe Gandanghari!

Sa “Willie of Fortune” segment ng Wowowee, kung saan tampok ang mga sumali sa Bikini Open competitions, naka-relate si Binoe sa istorya ng isang contestant na may kapatid na bading.

Nang pansinin ni Pokwang ang pananahimik ni Robin habang ini-interview ang kuya ng contenstant, paliwanag ni Binoe, “Nananahimik ako kasi alam mo namang meron din akong kuya na naging ate.”

Sa gitna ng programa, binati ni Robin ang kapatid, “Gusto ko lang hong batiin si Bebe! I love you tol! Kung nasaan ka mang lumalop, I love you!”

Dagdag pang hirit ni Robin kay Pokwang na tinawag si Bebe nang Tom, “Wag mong tatawaging Tom! Pumanaw na si Rustom. Iba na ngayon, may bagong panganak, si Bebe.”

Patuloy na tutukan si idol Binoe, sa tunay na programa ng bawat Pilipino sa buong mundo, Wowowee, tuwing tanghali, pagkatapos ng Showtime sa ABS-CBN.

Robin Padilla Greets Bebe Gandanghari on Wowowee originally appeared on Starmometer on May 25, 2010.

According to the official statement, the TV host apologized and the kapamilya network has accepted it. Although it’s not mentioned if Willie will return to Wowowee and when but according to reports, the controversial noontime show host will be back after three months of rest.

Here is the official statement released by ABS-CBN:

ABS-CBN management and Willie Revillame pushed through with their scheduled talk yesterday afternoon.

Willie has realized his mistake and apologized to ABS-CBN management for his outburst on air in Wowowee on May 4, 2010, and his failure to report to work since May 5, 2010.

ABS-CBN management has accepted Willie’s apology.

ABS-CBN and Willie agreed that he takes an indefinite break effective immediately, but his contract obligations with ABS-CBN hold. This disallows him to perform similar work for any person or entity in direct competition with ABS-CBN.

At some point, ABS-CBN management and Willie will discuss what will be in the best interest of the viewing public.

Meanwhile, Wowowee will continue to provide entertainment and inspiration to Filipinos worldwide.

BONG R. OSORIO
Head, ABS-CBN Corporate Communications

ABS-CBN on Meeting Between Management and Willie Revillame originally appeared on Starmometer on May 25, 2010.

Robin answered several issues concerning him and the top-rating Primetanghali show of ABS-CBN.

When asked why he accepted the hosting job, the “Idol ng Bayan” directly replied, “Noong tinanggap ko po itong Wowowee, gusto ko lang pong makipag-bayanihan sa ABS dahil kailangan po nila ng kaagyat na tulong.”

He also cleared the issue that he would be the permament host of Wowowee, “Ako po ay pansamantala lang po diyan. Tayo po ay tumutulong lamang sa mga tao dahil ayaw po nating mawala ang Wowowee. Marami po ang natutulungan diyan. Nakikita naman po natin sa araw-araw. May pag-asa at kaligayahan. Tayo po ay nandidito lahat. Tayong lahat nandito sa ABS-CBN para magbigay ng kaligayahan at impormasyon sa tao. Hindi po tayo nandito para makigulo,” said Robin.

But when asked if he is closing his doors to the possibility of hosting the show full-time, Robin shared his concerns, “Siguro po kailangan lang magkaroon ng malinaw na usapan dahil ang dami ko pong iniwan. May dalawang pelikula po ako na nahinto. ‘Yun pong sa amin ni Toni Gonzaga. Mayroon din po akong ginagawa, yung “Tatay Kong Hudlum.” Papaano po yung dalawang pelikula na yun?”

He added, “Kasi ang buhay po ng isang host ay araw-araw po yan eh, katulad po ninyo na maaga palang nandito na, eh ganun din po sa amin, buong araw po yun. Eh malulungkot po ang bank book. Baka masarado po ang eskwela natin. Naku!”

Amid the intrigues, Robin still has high hopes for the reconciliation of Willie Revillame and showbiz reporter Jobert Sucaldito. “Gusto ko muna maayos kung anuman yung nangyari kay Ka Willie at kay Ka Jobert. Kasi ayoko naman ho na parang ang pagkatapos po nating umayos, itong labanan na napakasimple hindi natin maawat. Eh ang hirap naman po yata nun.”

The action superstar also shared to Ted and Pinky that he was able to talk with Willie prior his launch as special host of Wowowee. “Noong bago po ako sumalang, Ako po ay nagpadala ng mensahe sa kanya dahil siya po ay nasa ibang bansa. Kaya po sinabi ko sa kanya na ako ay nagbibigay pugay, hindi ito ibig sabihin na ako’y nang-aagaw ng anuman kundi ito’y hakbang para maayos kayong dalawa.”

Watch out for more of special host Robin’s surprises on Wowowee, Mondays to Saturdays, right after Showtime on ABS-CBN.

Wowowee Special Host Robin Padilla Visits Ted Failon at DZMM originally appeared on Starmometer on May 22, 2010.

Here’s the email sent by Mr. Bong Osorio, ABS-CBN’s Head of Corporate Communications, to Starmometer regarding the publication of Willie Revillame‘s letter today in The Philippine Star:

Even prior to the publication of Willie Revillame’s letter to ABS-CBN in the May 21 column of Ricky Lo in The Philippine Star, a meeting has already been scheduled between Willie and ABS-CBN management next week. ABS-CBN chooses not to comment on his letter until after the meeting.

ABS-CBN believes that issues are best resolved when discussed with the parties concerned privately before they are made public.

– BONG R. OSORIO
Head, ABS-CBN Corporate Communications

Statement on Willie Revillame’s Letter to ABS-CBN originally appeared on Starmometer on May 21, 2010.

Willie Revillame has been absent on his noontime show Wowowee for two weeks now in protest against Jobert Sucaldito whom he accused of attacking him with “destructive criticisms” in the latter’s program on DZMM, ABS-CBN’s AM radio station. That time, Willie even challenged ABS-CBN management to either fire Jobert or he will leave the noontime show.

This morning, Willie Revillame‘s resignation letter to the ABS-CBN management dated May 12, 2010 was published by Ricky Lo in his column in the Philippine Star.

Here it goes:

12 May 2010

MR. EUGENIO LOPEZ, III
Chairman of the Board
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.
Mo. Ignacia Ave., Quezon City
Through: Ms. Charo Santos-Concio

President

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

Dear Sir Gabby and Ma’am Charo,

I have labored over the past week on what to do in the face of another setback in my relations with the management of the network. ABS-CBN has been my home for the last five years and five months and it has given me the greatest gift – the opportunity to reach out to people who have so little in life.

In the process, I have come to realize that my gratitude to the network would be more meaningful if I considered the impact of my recent actions which has placed the station in a bad light. This is among the reasons, as I will explain in this letter, that I humbly request the management, to release me as a talent of the network. (Willie’s contract is good for one year and a half more. — RFL)

It is no secret that the program “Wowowee,” for almost five and a half years, has been the core of my existence. The program gives me a sense of purpose because I make people happy and I give them hope that, despite their difficulties, they can make things happen for themselves. Because of this, my world has revolved around the show. The desire to make it the best noontime show, has consumed my waking hours, as I conceptualize its format and contents from Monday to Saturday. Apart from this, I want the show to give the network excellent ratings to maintain its reputation as the leader in the broadcasting industry.

My devotion to the show is unparalleled that I have even been besieged by health problems due to the long hours I spend daily, thinking of how to bring “Wowowee” closer to the public. In fact, I have developed a heart blockage, which has already once posed a real threat to my life. I have sacrificed so much. Now, I have to accept the reality that I also have to take good care of my health.

Hence, it is very painful to hear every time my show is the target of unwanted and unnecessary tirades. I do not think that these people even have the slightest clue of what I go through to put together a show like “Wowowee”’. The show is not for me, but for those people who dream of a better life. Is it too much to ask that we be respected for what we do? Is it too much to ask that we be defended from such attacks?

My outburst last week during the live presentation of the show is nothing more than a reflection of my frustration over these things, and was not at all meant to disrespect the network and its management. I implore you to understand that several incidents, which were beyond my control which have marred the reputation of the show to some extent, have already taken their toll on me.

There was the “Wilyonaryo” incident wherein we were accused of deceiving contestants about their winnings; the Ultra stampede wherein I was blamed and severely criticized; the misunderstanding about my remarks when the coverage of the funeral of the late Pres. Corazon Aquino was unexpectedly shown in the giling-giling portion of “Wowowee”’s airing, for which I have apologized. In all these incidents, I took responsibility even if I was not at fault.

I do not want to cause any further embarrassment to the network. I know that all these have caused so much strain on our relations and I would like to save the situation by asking that I be released as a talent of the station. This way, I will have the much-needed space and time to contemplate on my direction in life and, at the same time, maintain the relationships I have built within the network, which are all worth preserving.

Before I end this letter, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all the important people I have had the good fortune to work with during the years I have been with ABS-CBN. Ma’am Charo, maraming salamat sa lahat ng pagkakataon na naibigay ninyo sa akin. Kayo po ang tinuturing kong ina na patuloy akong tinatanggap at minamahal sa kabila ng lahat ng aking kahinaan. Hinding-hindi ko po kayo makakalimutan at lahat ng mga bagay na ginawa ninyo para sa akin.

Kay Mr. Gabby Lopez, maraming salamat po sa inyong pagtitiwala sa aking kakayanan na magbigay ng mahusay na programa. Kay Tita Cory Vidanes, maraming salamat sa pagiging maunawain ninyo sa akin. Kay Mr. Johnny Manahan, maraming salamat sa walang-sawang pag-suporta ninyo sa akin at sa “Wowowee,” at lalong lalo na sa pagtayo ninyo bilang aking pangalawang ama. Kay Ms. Linggit Tan, Mr. Jay Montelibano at Mr. Edgar Mortiz, maraming salamat sa suporta at tulong ninyo na mapabuti and programang “Wowowee” para sa ikaliligaya ngmga natutulangan natin. Sa lahat ng bumubuo ng management ng ABS-CBN, maraming salamat sa tulong ninyo sa aking programa.

Higit sa lahat, sa lahat ng mga taong sumuporta at patulong na sumusuporta sa show na “Wowowee,” maraming salamat at kayo ang nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas na gawin ang mga dapat kong gawin. Sana po ay maunawaan ninyo ang aking kahilingan sa sulat na ito. Ayaw ko na pong may masasaktan pa at gusto ko lang na maisaayos lahat. Taos-puso akong humihingi sa inyo ng tawad at lubos na pang-unawa sa lahat ng pinagdadaanan ko ngayon.

There will never be enough words to express my gratitude to all of you…

Salamat at mabuhay po kayong lahat!

Respectfully yours,

— Willie B. Revillame

Copy furnished:

Ms. Charo Santos-Concio

Ms. Cory Vidanes

Mr. Johnny Manahan

Ms. Arlene De Castro

Ms. Linggit Tan

Mr. Jay Montelibano

Mr. Edgar Mortiz

Willie Revillame’s Resignation Letter to ABS-CBN Leaked originally appeared on Starmometer on May 21, 2010.

From ranking number 5 in Twitter’s ‘worldwide top trending topics’ during his launch last May 16, Robin has successfully charmed the televiewers as Wowowee topped in the latest TNS national ratings with 20.5% last Saturday and carried over the same rating on Monday.

Robin has captured the hearts not only of ladies, men, and kids but also of his co-hosts Pokwang, Mariel Rodriguez, Valerie Concepcion, Carmen Soo, Kelly Misa, Isabelle Abiera and Jed Montero, who all look thrilled everyday to share the stage with Robin.

Recently, Robin and the Wowowee girls had a fun opening banter regarding Pokwang and Carmen. Robin thanked Pokwang for the hearty breakfast and recognized Carmen’s revealing outfit.

As if competing for Robin’s heart, Mariel wittily commented, “You know Carmen, I’m so nice to you. After all those translating and everything, you’re gonna wear that? Why Carmen, why? Why are you joining the ‘agawing’?”

With these everyday romantic rivalries, is it possible for one of them to fall in love with Robin for real?

Watch out for more of special host Robin’s surprises on Wowowee, Mondays to Saturdays, right after Showtime on ABS-CBN.

Wowowee Girls Compete for Robin’s Heart? originally appeared on Starmometer on May 20, 2010.