MANILA, Philippines - Popular and well-loved albeit controversial TV host Willie Revillame’s latest album “I Love You” is now the No. 1 selling album in the country, and without any promotion at all. Most of the fans that he amassed while hosting ABS-CBN’s “Wowowee” has remained faithful to him, supporting him in his new endeavors. Balikbayans are avid buyers of his new CD, distributed by Viva Records.

Produced by Vehnee Saturno, “I Love You” has been in the market for only two weeks but already is expected to reach the coveted sales of 20,000 copies by the third week of this month. This will indeed be a most welcome birthday gift for Willie who is turning a year older on Jan. 27. The success of his album is proof of his remarkable popularity, whether as a singer or TV personality.

“I Love You” is a collection of ballads composed by the prolific Vehnee Saturno, who also wrote and produced such hits as “Be My Lady” for Martin Nievera, “Forever’s Not Enough” for Sarah Geronimo, and “Isang Lahi” for Regine Velasquez. Now added to the list is his latest, “I Love You,” which is also the carrier single for Willie’s album.

Also featured in “I Love You” are “Kanlungan,” “Matapos Man Ang Kailanman,” “Sa Yakap Mo,” “Kung Para Sa ‘Yo,” “Ikaw Na Nga,” “Yun Ka,” “Akala Ko Ay Ikaw Na,” “Silong Na,” “Munting Hiling,” “Naririto Ako” and a duet version of “Ikaw Na Nga” that Willie sang with his lovely “Willing Willie” co-host Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad.

Willie started as a musician. He was the drummer and back-up vocalist of a boy band before he turned to acting and eventually hosting.

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Reunion concert held at Gateway

A special family “Reunion Concert” was held recently at the Gateway Room at the Araneta Complex in Cubao. Performers were the popular Bloom Brothers headed by J. J. Lozano who happily obliged to every request from the audience. Also a performer was Rusty Salazar, dubbed “Asia’s Frank Sinatra,” who of course sang with gusto his favorite Sinatra songs such as “How Do You Keep The Music Playing,” “The Lady Is A Tramp,” “Sunshine Of My Life” and many more. The show lasted for three hours!

Due to the success of the show, a repeat is being scheduled due to insistent public demand. Rusty said the date and venue will be announced shortly.

Earlier, the Bloom Brothers, with Rusty Salazar as special guest, performed at Maxim’s Hotel at the NAIA 3, courtesy of Ma. Theresa Ponce Roldan.

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2nd Avenue shows now on primetime

Starting today, Jan. 17, some of 2nd Avenue’s most loved shows will be in an all-new time slots with “Avenue In Prime,” a nightly roster of shows designed to suit your urban lifestyle.

Hollywood news is now delivered at 7 p.m., with “Entertainment Tonight” and “The Insider.” Get the latest news on what’s happening in Hollywood every night with these two celebrity authorities. “Entertainment Tonight” with Mary Hart, Mark Steines and newest correspondent Nancy O’Dell delivers breaking news stories, exclusive set visits, the first look at upcoming films and TV projects, and one-on-one interviews with the biggest stars. While “The Insider” with Chris Jacobs and Lara Spencer at 7:30 p.m. takes the audience literally inside the world of their favorite celebrities using first-person interviews.

Filling the primetime spot at 8 and 9 p.m. are the biggest series and reality shows the Avenue has to offer. Monday nights are loaded with movie goodness as “The Screening Room” offers movie titles that speak to the generation of today’s professionals. Food rules on “Top Chef Tuesdays” as “Top Chef: Just Desserts” premieres back-to-back with the seventh season of “Top Chef: Washington D.C.” New episodes take over Wednesday nights with the Asian premiere of “Modern Family Season 2” and the intense workout reality show “Thintervention Drama” takes over Thursdays and Fridays with a dose of “The Mentalist Season 2” and the latest season of “Royal Pains Seasons 2.”

End your night with 2nd Avenue’s award-winning comedienne Ellen DeGeneres on a later timeslot as her hit talk show moves to 10 p.m. on weeknights.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Jan. 17, go to Rep. John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña, awarded actress Hilda Koronel, socialite Minnie Osmeña, hairdresser Tony Galvez, Mrs. Letty Jorman, former HACAP president Nick Diaz, Lito Relos, singer-actress Lilet, entertainment columnist Tonee Corraza and Hanna Trinity J. Dumaual of GMA Corporate Communication… Happy wedding anniversary to Bobbit and Bing Bautista…