During the grand launch of Willie Revillame’s new daily show “Willing Willie” on TV5, among those he expressed gratitude to was ABS-CBN, his former home studio, and producer of his former game show “Wowowee” which catapulted him to international fame. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa ABS-CBN,” Willie said choking with emotion, and to which Manuel V. Pangilinan, head of the Kapatid Network, applauded with a nod.

Willie also thanked Sen. Manny Villar who came to the “Willing Willie” pilot episode. Willie took pride in the fact that the two of them have remained close friends, together through thick and thin. It is recalled that Willie, together with Dolphy and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, now congressman, campaigned whole-heartedly for Senator Villar in his presidential bid in the last national elections.

“Between the two of us, walang iwanan,” Willie stressed as he added the happy news that when he asked for 12 units of Camella house-and-lot, the senator immediately gave in to his request. These will be given away every month to the lucky participants of the game show.

Now that Willie is back, many of our less fortunate brothers and sister, especially the senior citizens, are rejoicing to high heavens. Because Willie has somehow restored their hopes for a better, happier life. And this is the essence of “Willing Willie,” to give hope to the hopeless, to entertain the masses.
In Willie’s words, “gusto ko lang magpasaya ng tao, at makatulong sa kanila.”

“Willing Willie” is aired on TV5 from Monday to Saturday on primetime, pitted against news broadcasts. Willie’s rationale: People would rather watch an entertaining show rather than the gory and bloody details of crimes and negative news on TV.

So far, the feedback generated by “Willing-Willie” has been very positive.

Reports reaching us say WW’s weeknights ratings has continued to go up. Last Oct. 27, there was only one point difference between “TV Patrol” which got 9.4 percent as against “Willing Willie’s” 8.3 percent. This was based on AGB overnight Individuals MEGATAM.

Congratulations Willie for getting back on your feet and onto national TV in your desire to make people happy.

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Kris happy for ex-hubby James

Kris Aquino is happy that her ex-husband James Yap is reportedly dating again, saying this could make the annulment case she filed easier to accomplish. When she recently came face to face with Isabel Oli, the rumored current “apple of the eye” of James, Kris said she was the one who approached her to introduce herself.

Interestingly, Kris seems to be busier these days even without a daily show (her new show, “Pilipinas Got Talent,” would start in November yet) because of her many new endorsements.

Kris is also back with what she referred to as “the best” in beauty procedures – the Belo Medical Group – and her return to her (once again) best friend’s (Dr. Vicki Belo) domain was marked in a grand formal fashion at the Shangri-La Makati. It was in May that Kris signed up again with Belo. She said she has been to other dermatology centers, has tried other skin doctors and facialists but for Kris, Belo is “the best.”

Kris’ current favorite is Belo’s multi-polar procedure, a non-surgical way to remove fat which is also ideal for skin tightening and firming. She loves the herbal diet pills which made it easy for her to lose weight.

Up to now, Kris remains pleased with the results of the sophisticated and state-of-the-art Smart Lipo procedure.

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‘Startalk’ still tops after 15 years

GMA-7’s multi-awarded showbiz-oriented talk show “Startalk TX” has managed to keep its reputation as a showbiz authority after 15 years, a no mean feat indeed. The show, hosted by Lolit Solis, Butch Francisco, Joey de Leon and Ricky Lo, marked its 15th anniversary last Oct. 23, and has vowed to be more inquisitive than ever in “Startalk VX3!” rather than dwell on how long they’ve been on TV or take pride on how many shows they have received.

“Startalk VX3” is definitely another milestone in the history of Philippine entertainment industry.
“Startalk” is aired every Saturday after “Eat Bulaga” on GMA Network.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Oct. 30, go to Christine Bersola-Babao, Mrs. Roslyn Magsaysay, Benny Soliven, Manolet Legaspi, Oscar Clarino, Marissa Ceilla Salonga, Marlene Bautista of LA, Glen Cuevo, Jayson Bactat, Axcel Ramos, Rhodora Isidro, Aila Marie Amoyo-Reyes, Mary Ann Sta. Ana, Maribella P. Tuazon, Lord Jay Christian Reyes, Eunica Eilineer of Public Affairs Div., Manila Int’l. Airport, Pia Pilapil, Carmela Anne B. Cordoba, and Dr. Nemy Esguerra… Belated b-day greetings to Marian Gutierrez-Carona (Oct. 29)...