Willie with producers Rey Tapia and Lourdes Celestino and composer Lito Camo.

LAKE TAHOE, NEVADA – Once more, Willie Revillame has brought joy and hope to Kapamilyas in America with the staging last Sept. 6 of his popular “Wowowee” show at the 7,000-capacity Harrah’s & Harvey’s Outdoor Arena. The show drew about 5,000 Filipinos from all over California – Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Stockton, Sacramento, San Diego, and even Las Vegas and Canada.

All roads truly led to Lake Tahoe that Labor Day weekend, and the motorists were mostly Kapamilyas whose enthusiasm was enhanced by Willie’s month-long absence from his show. It is recalled that he went on a self-imposed leave of absence from “Wowowee” on Aug. 6, 2009 following a controversy caused by the insertion of footages of Pres. Cory Aquino’s funeral march in the show.

(He is slated to go back to hosting “Wowowee” on Sept. 21, and he has promised an exciting comeback with a mardi gras themed opening number and many other exciting segments. Sept. 21 being the anniversary of Martial Law, “It will be a Martial Law ng Saya, Martial Law ng Pag-asa,” Willie said. He will wear white, to signify “that wala akong kasalanan. Na innocent ako…”)

Willie is the very first Asian performer allowed to have a show at the Harrah’s & Harvey’s Outdoor Arena, the venue for the Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series, according to the producer, Ms. Reynald Tapia of D’ Platinum Prods. The show brought good business to the area that weekend as the hotels were fully booked. Even the motels, inns and rental homes including log cabins were all rented out. Still many had to drive to Lake Tahoe and had to drive back home after the show, and after trying their luck at the casino, for lack of a place to stay.

But initially, ticket sales to the show were somehow affected, because of some negative reports in the Internet saying Willie may not show up. But when word spread that he has arrived, the producers were able to sell more tickets. “Hindi puwedeng di ako sisipot, commitment ko ito noon pa,” Willie said when interviewed by Gel Santos-Relos on “Balitang America” at the TFC studios.

Anyway, the Lake Tahoe “Wowowee” show started out with dance numbers rendered by local dance groups. After that, Willie wearing Bench shirts (green over fuschia) came out on stage to sing his signature songs. He was joined by Pokwang, Mariel Rodriguez and all the dancers (including Luningning, Saicy and the other “Wowowee” dancers). By the way, also with Willie’s 36-member entourage were Edgar Mortiz, creative director of the show, Bentong and Lito Camo, who composed all the songs in Willie’s album under Universal Records. Lito sang a few songs during the show. Song numbers were also rendered by Pokwang, Anne Curtis and Charice Pempengco who will be joining David Foster’s US concert tour that’s why she’ll be away three months.

There were 20 who were chosen from the audience for the “Bigaten” portion with Pokwang and Mariel in change of course. Cash prizes were given out to the participants, and the winner was awarded $1,500. This is always a happy segment of “Wowowee.”

But the audience got emotional when a mother of a cancer-stricken girl shared her touching story. Annabelle Jones said her 13-year-old daughter Yanie was diagnosed with brain cancer and has since been undergoing chemotherapy. Annabelle is a nurse but she had to stop working in order to take care of her daughter, she said. She described her American husband, Bernie as “the greatest guy in the world, he is my hero, and who I would marry over and over again if needed.” Bernie petitioned her five children in the Philippines and they are now with them in America.

Yanie’s wish is to see Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla of “May Bukas Pa”) in person “and maybe he can cure me,” the girl said. Willie asked when she would like to go to the Philippines, and Yanie said “now.” Willie offered the girl a round-trip ticket to the Philippines and the chance to meet her idol, Santino.

Willie also pledged a free ticket to the Philippines (and a visit to “Wowowee”) to a 75-year-old Rogelio Aqui, a native of Binalonan, Pangasinan who did not feel shame when he described himself as a “scavenger.” He believes (and rightly so) that there is money is trash (may pera sa basura). He told us he is receiving pension now but “kulang na kulang naman. Kaya namumulot ako ng basura, mga soft drink cans, etc. para may pandagdag sa pension ko,” he said when we interviewed him. During the show, Mang Rogelio sang “Nalinak Lay Labi,” a Pangasinense folk song. When we told him we were from Asingan, the next town to Binalonan going north, he recalled having courted a woman from Barangay Dupac. “Pero hindi niya ako gusto, binasted niya ako,” he chuckled.

About ‘Wowowee’ producers

Ms. Reynald Tapia (who together with husband Alex, Lourdes and Ralph Celestino, and Mark and Maria-Quynh Caranto are the people behind Platinum Productions) got into production because her mother, now deceased, was a big fan of Willie. She wouldn’t miss watching “Wowowee,” and when she was undertaking chemo treatment (she had cancer) she somehow forgot her ordeal just watching Willie’s show, Rey said. “Wala siyang maramdamang sakit kapag nanonood ng ‘Wowowee.’”  She produced “Wowowee” in Houston, Texas a couple of years ago for her mother to see Willie in person. Not long after, she passed away. The show was a big success, it drew about 18,000 people.

After Lake Tahoe, on Sept. 13, Rey’s D’Platinum Productions will bring “Wowowee” to Tacoma, Seattle. The group is also producing Lea Salonga’s concert in Houston, Texas on Nov. 6. Last June 15, they also produced Sharon Cuneta’s show.

By the way, the Lake Tahoe “Wowowee” show would have lasted more than three hours but because of the traditional Labor Day fireworks, it had to end at 8 p.m.

“Wowowee Live in Lake Tahoe” is a presentation of D’Platinum Prods. and Prime Media Unlimited, in cooperation with Pacific Prime LLC USA (Globe), Michael Gurfinkel Law Offices and Peppermill Reno. Sponsors include Ramar Foods Int’l, Lake Tahoe Asian Store, Know Your Roots Apparel, Asian Journal Phils. Inc., Dental Smiles (Houston), Caring Professional Health Services, Inc., Pera Ko Pera Mo, Keyrose Corp.; filmnation.com, Seafood City, ACC Health Services, Inc., Philippine Fiesta, Pilipinas Café, Manila Forwarder, CW Marketing Solutions, Chicken D’Lite, Healthcare Synergy, Inc., WIN, Merck Medical, My Wedding Expressions and Gilson Auto Body Inc.

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Celebrities Go Pink at PinkWheels launch

From the pigeonhole:
A host of female celebrities, power executives and career women will all congregate Monday, Sept. 14 to 16, at the Atrium of the Eastwood Mall as they share the benefits and perks of PinkWheels, the country’s first and only car insurance service for women.

Acknowledging the growing population of female drivers and car owners in the country today, PinkWheels is an innovation in the car insurance service industry as the first to exclusively cater to the female consumer market. Moreover, PinkWheels offers various services that encompass the essential needs of the female driver.

Backed by UCPB General Insurance Inc., one of the leading Non-Life Insurance Companies in the country today, PinkWheels spells convenience, reliability, and affordability in its services. It offers the lowest premium rates for women, a courtesy car when your own car is under repair, assistance with registration, 24/7 assistance, your needs in just one call such as emergency towing assistance, among many others.

As part of the program, PinkWheels also encourages women to gather together and celebrate their unique individualities as they venture into a whole new ride. Thus, PinkWheels created Club Pink, a special guild where PinkWheels clients with comprehensive insurance can enjoy various perks and privileges that would enhance their active lifestyle.

From Sept. 14-16, get tickled pink as PinkWheels offers free car insurance quotes, free pampering at Eastwood Mall, and a chance to win exciting raffle draw prizes during the invitational cocktails on Sept. 16, 6 p.m. to be hosted by Mia Lauchengco.

So come celebrate with us the joys and perks of being a woman. Come to the Eastwood Mall Atrium on Sept. 14-16, and get tickled real pink!

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Monday, Sept. 14, go to former OMB chairman Edu Manzano, Sen. Santanina T. Rasul, actor Patrick Garcia, Josefino Cenizal, Ryan Sy, Erwin Ching, Patricia ‘Tisha’ Espiritu, Albert Bautista of LA, Jessie Gabriel, Lynnie Yu Grace Pizarro-Espiritu, Pachot Mapa, Mia Defensor Besa, Dr. Editha Tan, UP Economic’s Prof., Luis ‘Tito’ T. Manapat, Bridgette Meggie N. Clariño, Bridgette Meggie N. Clariño, Cecille S. Ferrer of Rotary Club, Government stenographer of QC Gloria P. Mananao, Analyn Melgaso, Violy Chua, Gen. Avelino Razon, Jojo Perez a.k.a.Tyron Perez, John James Uy and Yes Magazine editor Joan Maglipon-Marcelo…