For Yahoo! Southeast Asia
ABS-CBN is experiencing a massive headache right now and all because
it decided to tangle with one of its prized property. I’m talking, of
course, of Willie Revillame who managed to turn the noontime show
“Wowowee” into a monster hit, giving its GMA competitor “Eat Bulaga” a
run for its money. Depending on which surveys and press releases you
choose to believe, Willie has been able to outrate “Eat…” or at the very
least equal the erstwhile noontime leader.
With Willie gone, the network has had to scramble for a replacement
show but so far, “Pilipinas Win na Win” has not been able to match the
success of “Wowowee.” At first the Kapamilya bright boys thought Kris
Aquino would be able to do the trick but that didn’t work. Eventually,
they had to ask the President’s sister to abandon ship and looked around
for other shows she could do.
I don’t know what the bright boys were thinking but now, they’ve
decided to target a much older audience segment by replacing Kris with
veteran singers Rico J. Puno, Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuniga and Rey Valera.
That’s what I call a time warp. Maybe, they think they can duplicate the
success of “EB’s” Tito, Vic and Joey who are no spring chickens either.
But that’s because the three have been on TV for decades and are
considered TV icons. Rico J and company have little or no experience as
TV hosts.
Rico J and the others still have to prove themselves and from what
I’ve seen, only Rico J has the potential of succeeding as a TV host. The
other three have so far contributed only their musical talent to the
show and they’re going run out of OPM hits very soon. Aside from Rico J,
only Pokwang has managed to shine on the show.
The program segments don’t help either. The show spends close to an
hour on their “Theme Song ng Buhay ko” where contestants air their
lament like they were in a soap opera. To be fair, there are a few light
moments but they’re not enough to break the lugubrious atmosphere on
the show.
Round one to Willie
Willie has won Round one in his fight with his former home. He was
able to launch his show on TV 5 last Oct. 16 when the judge denied
ABS-CBN’s motion for a Temporary Restraining Order. Knowing the
Kapamilya bosses, they’re not just gonna take this lying down. They have
tried to obtain another TRO against “Willing Willie.’ Willie’s response
was to appeal to his many followers in the studio and the viewing
audience. His ploy: what will happen to his loyal followers who are in
need, some of whom take long rides to watch his program? In other words,
there will be no more monetary prizes for his needy followers if the
TRO is approved.
Why can’t Willie argue his case on the basis of issues? Why doesn’t
he explain why he broke his contract? How about TV 5? Why is the station
airing Willie’s show when the case has not been resolved in court?
Compared to “Win Na Win.” Willie’s early evening show is a much
livelier production. My beef against the show is the presence of
gyrating, scantily clad dancers that give “Willing Willie” the look of a
girlie bar like the ones on Quezon Avenue. They even have this sexy
dancer who moves provocatively and goes writhing on the floor just to
give prizes. This in a contest where families compete for prizes. Newly
appointed MTRCB Chairman Grace Poe Llamanzares should take time to
monitor this early evening show and decide if the dancing is suitable
for general audiences.
Stereotypes are true sometimes
There is this stereotype that beauty contestants have nothing to show
between their ears. Of course that has been proven false many times by
beauties like Gloria Diaz, Gemma Cruz, Miriam Quiambao and many others.
Recently, some contestants of Miss Teen Earth Philippines guested on
“Pilipinas Win na Win” so naturally they were asked what they would do
to protect the environment.
Would you believe no one had a sensible answer? They thought their
smiles and sexy figures would carry the day for them. Sorry girls, you
have no right to compete in a contest that promotes environmental
awareness. Probably, you should audition for Willie’s show where
knowledge of the pressing issues of the day is not a qualification.
Karen Davila and the name game
Recently, broadcast journalist Karen Davila interviewed Filipina
model Pauline Prieto on ANC’s “Headstart.” Prieto participated in the
Elite Model Look competition that was held in China. Eighty models from
50 countries joined the contest. Karen did a fine job with Prieto until
she asked Pauline if she was related to actress and DZMM host Francine
Prieto.That’s the standard question one asks when a person shares a
family name with somebody else. Karen didn’t seem to realize that
Francine Prieto is a screen name. Movie fans and other knowledgeable
people know that Francine’s real name is Ana Marie Falcon. Maybe, Karen
hasn’t had time to bond with her fellow announcer.
Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN
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