ABS-CBN claimed in its P127-million copyright infringement case which the network filed against Willie Revillame last Wednesday (Dec. 1) that “Willing Willie” the latter’s new show on TV5, “is undeniably a copycat of “Wowowee” despite the show’s segment titles. Earlier, ABS-CBN failed to get a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) for the airing of “Willing Willie.”

In its 33-page complaint, the Kapamilya Network claimed that Willie and TV5 infringed on ABS-CBN copyright over “Wowowee,” a toprating show that Willie hosted until he rescinded his contract last August. ABS-CBN said that as the producer of “Wowowee” it owned copyright over the show and its episodes, so it is entitled to protection, citing Chapter 11, Section 172.2(1) of Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

Cited in the complaint of ABS-CBN as acts of plagiarism include “Willing Willie’s” opening song and dance number; the Biga-Ten of “Wowowee” versus Big Time Ka of “Willing Willie,” “Wowowee’s” Willie of Fortune versus “Willing Willie’s” Willtime Bigtime, and April Gustilo’s “Congratulations” act. It was also claimed that the set design, the viewers’ seats layout and lighting and camera angles of “Willing Willie” are also strikingly similar to “Wowowee.”

In a statement, Ramon “Bong” R. Osorio, head of ABS-CBN’s corporate communications department said: “Mr. Revillame’s new show ‘Willing Willie’ on TV5 is so closely similar to ‘Wowowee’ leaving no doubt that Mr. Revillame and the other defendants deliberately and intentionally imitated ‘Wowowee’ to steal the goodwill that ‘Wowowee’ has built over the past five years of airing in ABS-CBN.”

The case was filed in the Makati Regional Trial Court where many of Willie’s supporters showed up. Willie, his main co-host Councilor Shalani Soledad and other performers of “Willing Willie” were also there to show their support. In last Monday’s episode of “Willing Willie,” the host appealed to ABS-CBN to let him move on, “bigyan na nila ako ng freedom to continue my desire to serve and make happy the people na umaasa sa tulong ko, mga kababayan natin na nangangailangan... sana pakawalan na nila ako para tuluy-tuloy ang show natin para tuluy-tuloy ang saya.” He promised his fans and supporters that “ipaglalaban ko ang karapatan ninyo na sumaya ng libre.” But if “Willing Willie” will be given a TRO, they will come up with another show with the concept of making people happy.

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Gerald Santos, the ‘Prince of Ballads’

It has been a year full of blessings for Gerald Santos, 20, grand prize winner of the second season of “Pinoy Pop Superstar,” but fulfilling the promise people saw in him did not come easy. It took several false starts, breaks that didn’t quite materialize, and controversies he could have done without – before getting to where he is now.

As a way of announcing that he’s back and out to reclaim his title as local music’s Prince of Ballads, Gerald (who’s now under new management) has released a repackaged edition of his much talked-about 2008 album, “Pinakahihintay.” A compilation of 12 original songs, the album is a breath of fresh air in an industry that has all but been killed by remakes.
Like its original predecessor, “Pinakahihintay: The Repackaged Edition” is being released under the Prinstar Music Philippines label.

Gerald is currently a freelance artist and is a semi-regular on TV5’s “PO5 (Party on Five)” and has appeared in some of the network’s shows. He is also busy promoting the album via mall tours. He hopes to finish the Luzon leg by February 2011 and start a Visayas and Mindanao tour in March next year.

Gerald is also slated to kick off a campus tour via a homecoming concert at the Tangos National High School in Navotas today, Dec. 3.

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Shintaro Valdes: On top of his game

Shintaro Valdes at 40 remains one of the country’s premier cyclists. As a designated sprinter for the Liquefied Petroleum Marketers Association (LPGA) American Vinyl Cycling Team, he relies on his powerful burst of speed to finish strong in his races.

“It takes a bit longer to recover now that I’m 40 compared to when I was in my 30s,” says the award-winning cyclist. The recovery heart rate is often used as a measure of fitness in cycling and in many other sports. The faster the rate, the better the athlete’s conditioning, and the better his or her body will perform.

To compensate for these effects of aging on his racing performance, Shintaro not only trains harder, but also turns to his “secret weapon:” Immuvit.

“Since I started using Immuvit, I noticed a significant change in my recovery time in between hard efforts. My heart rate returns to normal faster after sprinting,” Shintaro says.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Dec. 3, go to OMB Chairman Ronnie Ricketts, Amb. Felimon Cuevas, former Rep. Albertito Lopez, F. Sionil Jose, former Min. Jolly Benitez, Perla Ocampo, Arch. Mita Colet Montinola, Jodie Lacsa, Carmen Gabriel, Sofronio de Guzman, Antonio Seva, Jolina Ann Sarmiento, Rich Victor Gabriel Antonio, Cesar Salonga, Henry Ocier, Tessy Mendiola, Mica Roi Torre of Star Magic, and Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr... Happy wedding anniversary to Al and Cindy Lopez...