ABS-CBN filed a copyright case against its former talent, Willie Revillame, his production outfit (WilProductions, Inc.), and TV5, before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC).

For imitating ABS-CBN’s crashed noontime show Wowowee, a P127-M copyright case is to defend by Willie and others.

On its second day of hearing, ABS-CBN presented a video presentation served as evidence on the similarities of
Wowowee and Willing Willie. The two shows were put in a split screen to show that the “look and feel” of the two shows are the same.

ABS-CBN’s witness Alou Almaden pointed out similarities of the segments of “Willing Willie” with “Wowowee through a narration before each video clip that was presented.

Some of the copycats pointed out were the use of a DJ [disc jockey] at the beginning of the show, similar circular production stage, the introduction of Willie as he enters the stage, and the segment with dancer “Congratulations.
“Ang ipinaglalaban ng ABS-CBN dito ay ang kabuoang programa na pinagbuhusan nila ng panahon, pera at isip, na alam naman po nating lahat na parehong-pareho po ng Willing Willy,” she said.

TV5 defended that concepts, ideas and themes are not against intellectual property rights, and therefore, there is no basis for the copyright infringement case.

Moreover, Revillame’s lawyers also defended their motion to inhibit Judge Villarosa, and presented evidence that he has connections to the CVC Law (Villaraza, Cruz, Marcelo & Angangco) firm, the firm which represents ABS-CBN.
The hearing did not take long because of parties’ other commitments.

Hearing will resume on Tuesday.

Popular noontime show Wowowee is set to replace by a new game show led by Kris Aquino starting July 31.

(more…)

Willie Revillame sends his resignation letter to the heads of ABS-CBN after weeks of leaving the show Wowowee.

In his letter, Willie asks that he be released from his contract with the network which is still 1.5 years premature. Here is a copy of the letter of resignation of Willie:

****************************

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

The whole staff and crew of Wowowee fled to Las Vegas Nevada to have their series of shows last week. Meanwhile, fans put up colorful banners as a sign of their support for Willie, which further inspired the host to get back to work despite the nonstop intrigues surrounding his absence for almost a month now. The show was held in Lake Tahoe Nevada were Kapamilya Stars entertained them including Charice Pempengo who sang for them. It was indeed a very successful event for Wowowee as they continue to bring new hope and a lot of entertainment to people from all walks of life.

Actress Meryll Soriano shared her views about the issues involving his father Willie Revillame about his reaction to the funeral coverage of the late President Cory Aquino. She said that it was just a misunderstanding that her father requested not to include the inset of the funeral coverage while they were doing some merry making in the show out of respect for the late President. Her father reacted on air and delivered a statement in a wrong way. She also said that her father already apologized to the Aquino family that the latter accepted it. When asked about the rumored Willie’s dissapointment to ABS-CBN regarding the issue, she just said that she cannot speak on her father’s behalf as they were not talking about that issue. Willie Revillame is about to come back to Wowowee this coming September 21.

Wowowee Co-Host Valerie Concepcion confirmed that she’s no longer be part of the upcoming afternoon series, Pat is Tin. This was after some conflicts regarding her role, specially her schedule. According to her, it was her manager Becky Aguila who decided to withdraw Val from the project.This was after her role as Tin was changed to Pat, who requires some prosthetics that would take a lot of time for the production, later on it goes back to Tin again, and when it happened, Tin’s role got only the minor role in the series. It was really a sad thing for Valerie but she’s still putting all the things into a broghter side and focuses more on her hosting for Wowowee despite of Willie Revillame’s absence.

Wowowee show consultant Bobot Mortiz confirmed in nan interview that Willie Revillame will be back to the noontime show next week. This was after the host filed his leave of absence because of the controversial statement he said during the coverage of President Cory’s funeral mass. He already sent his apologies to the Aquino family and to the audience he offended. Direk Bobot also cleared out that the reason why Willie filed a leave of absence was to spend time for him to rest fr a while. Actor Gabby Concepcion was one of the stars who filled in for Willie to the noontime show. Even if Willie is not present to the show, its ratings remains stable.

Wowowee co host Valerie Concepcion is not just successful on her showbiz career but as an entrepreneur as well. She just recently had a franchise of Posh Nails Salon located at the Venetian Mall at the Fort. It will be open this coming month according to her. She also had an Aquaquest Mineral Water Station and Magic Waffle franchise. With all these blessings coming to Valerie’s life she was very thankful enough that her career goes well. Valerie will be starring soon in an afternoon series in ABS-CBN entitled, ” Pat is Tin “.

Wowowee host Willie Revillame proved to the supporters of his show that he’s not dead as rumors spread in the net that he died last July 23. He said that he doesn’t know anything about computers or internet but he thanked all of those perpetrators as he appeared in the show, alive and kicking.

Primetime TV Programs In Mega Manila Ratings for June 29, Monday

Daytime:

1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) – 27.4%
2. Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat Sa Akin (GMA-7) – 22.9%
3. Ngayon at Kailanman (GMA-7) – 22.3%
4. Daisy Siete (GMA-7) – 20.1%
5. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) – 18.3%
6. Hole In The Wall (GMA-7) – 16.5%
7. Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) – 15.3%
8. Mr. Bean (ABS-CBN) – 12.5%
9. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) – 12.4%
10. One Piece (GMA-7) – 11.6%

Primetime:

1. Zorro (GMA-7) – 34.6%
2. Tayong Dalawa (ABS-CBN) – 32.8%
3. 24 Oras (GMA-7) – 32.6%
4. Totoy Bato (GMA-7) – 30.8%
5. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) – 29.9%
6. Only You (ABS-CBN) – 29.5%
7. Adik Sa ‘Yo (GMA-7) – 24.8%
8. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) – 23.9%
9. All My Life (GMA-7) – 23.6%
10. The Wedding (ABS-CBN) – 21.1%

Source: AGB Nielsen Philippines and taken from PEP site

Viewers and audience of Wowowee cried for every episodes on it’s segment Willie of Fortune.It tacles stories of struggles and survivals among players. Even the host, Willie Revillame felt every stories that he wants to reach out to them.

It is in the paper today that Willie Revillame lost 3M when his house hit by robbers while he was on vacation last weekend. On the other angle of investigation, an inside job is being considered.

Wowowee host Willie Revillame is set to buy a brand new chopper. This, as reported by Cristy Fermin in her column in a tabloid. Willie also recently purchased a top of the line sports car (the eleventh of his collection) and a yacth.

Willie Revillame, host of the ABS-CBN noontime show Wowowee, made an appearance at the Bureau of Internal Revenue Office in Quezon City to pay more than P6.2 million in taxes (that’s quarterly, and for April, May, and June).

Willie said he dutifully pays his taxes, and does not intend to cheat the government as gratitude for the blessings he has been receiving all these years.

Mariel Rodriguez dismisses rumors that she had an abortion, allegedly care of boyfriend Zanjoe Marudo.

ABS-CBN reports that the pretty host even love kids so having an abortion is very unlikely. Even boyfriend Zanjoe denies the issue, explaining that he and Mariel are so busy, with Mariel always on tv for people to see. Mariel is busy with Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition, Uber, and Wowowee. Zanjoe , in turn is busy with ABS-CBN’s upcoming series “Dyosa” opposite Anne Curtis and and the sineserye “Florinda” with Maricel Soriano.

Expect Mariel to about the issue on “Entertainment Live” and “The Buzz”.