The D Spot

The co-hosts (and alternate hosts), the guests, the viewers and many others (like the production staff and dancers) are crying–some wlll be losing their jobs, some will be missing the show that they have been watching 6 days a week for the past 5 years (for TFC subscribers more than 6 times a week because it seems like the show is aired a number of times during the day).

For others, it does not matter at all, while others who have been averse of the game show for various reasons are heaving a sigh of relief.

Let’s face it–Wowowee has been part of the lives of many Filipinos here and all over the world–it is a phenomenon. It has touched the lives of people from all walks of life. Even The Lettermen, during their concert at the Araneta Coliseum last Wednesday said that they have been watching Wowowee, that they look for Wowowee wherever they are. They know that Filipinos, at least a great number, are fans of the daily game show.

What now? After the latest Wowowee fiasco which caused Willy Revillame’s 3-month leave (or was it suspension?), the fans are kept in the dark. A lot of old people have only Willy as their source of entertainment; a lot of those abroad hold on to Wowowee as their connect to home; a lot of people in the streets and those who are less blessed in life and who have lost faith in what the government can give them look at the show with HOPE in their hearts, sacrificing a day’s work just to have the chance to be in his show, show their talents and have 2-3 minutes all their own, speak their hearts out, say “I love you” to their spouses/parents/children for the first time in their lives, and try their luck with the promised thousands, hundred thousands and a million pesos everyday; some even to the point of idolizing Willy.

Who’s fault is this show’s closure then? Had Willy been less vocal with what he felt, had he settled his differences off air, had he been more discerning and guarded of his actions–Wowowee should still been on air. He must have his own reasons–still he should have taken into consideration the sentiments of his host channel and his millions of fans. But it has really been a pattern, there were controversies in the past, there were suspensions, but he was able to get away with them. His millions of fans have been supportive, they have been forgiving, they have been a ‘waiting, they have welcomed him again and again with open arms. And they will definitely miss him.

Willie must have faced his millions of fans to say good-bye (or see you soon) on the show’s last day but he is keeping quiet (the show is not over yet, who knows?). His supposed return appearance tomorrow 31 July will not happen, instead a new show hosted by Kris Aquino and Robin Padilla will be launched.

Willy would have been the real idol that people idolize, he should have been the best example to emulate. Many people would not have lost their jobs. ABS-CBN would still have a show that continues to propel it to greatest heights in terms of viewership. It would have been still all laughter, at least from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. He had the chance, but he blew it!

What now, Willie? Will there be a great comeback for you–with whispers of following the footsteps of Oprah Winfrey and put up your own studio (Wil Network is it?) in the Wil Mall across the street from ABS-CBN?

Abangan…

Related Posts

• On Willie Revillame (Where are the puppet masters? The monster makers? The real exploiters?)
• WILLING WILLIE—a week after (a review)
• Who cares about Willie Revillame? And about P-Noy anyway?
• Wowowee--will it be good-bye or see you soon?
• Wowowee--A phenomenon no doubt (Some may hate it, some do not care, but many love it, and me? I cried.)