Future uncertain for 'Wowowee'

More than 70 people died Saturday morning due to a stampede at Ultra where a huge throng gathered to watch the first anniversary celebration of the popular noontime show "Wowowee." Instead of the promise of fortune, tragedy befell on the crowd that included kababayans from the provinces in what host Willie Revillame and ABS-CBN hoped to be a grand celebration to mark the program's anniversary.

Many of those who had camped out for that chance to win some of the magnificent prizes at stake like house and lot, two passenger jeepneys, and cash, instead lost their lives and left many grieving in this sad aftermath of what had been hoped to be as a shower of fortune during these times of dire economic situations. Come to think of it: some of the victims might have even borrowed money just to be able to make the trip to Ultra and watch "Wowowee".

ABS-CBN wouldn't want a tragic ending to what was expected as a grand celebration that would supposedly make people happy. Maybe the organizers may have erred in some way in ensuring the safety of the people who gathered for the event. Since it was an ABS-CBN event, the network should have been responsible enough to guarantee that things would run smoothly and orderly.

Who wouldn't be lured by the promise of spectacular prizes that "Wowowee" is offering its captive audience, especially the poor? These people are desperate, and any promise of a way to alleviate their sad plight no matter how fleeting it may seem is enough to drive them to make that frenzied beeline for the gate that might open the doors for a shot at getting some money into their hands.

Would ABS-CBN still continue airing the show? It has been suspended indefinitely at this time but it's hard to guess whether the network would decide to go on with it, under a different name, with a different host. But with the show's name had been stained by blood, don't you think it's best to do away with it?

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Masahista directed by Brillante Mendoza was named Best Film of the Year by the Film Desk of the Young Critics Circle.

Produced by Gee Entertainment and Centerstage Productions, the dramatic film about a young man working in a massage parlor catering to gay clients also captured all other top honors in the 16th Annual Circle Citations for Distinguished Achievement in Film for 2005 handed out by the country's main organization of academe-based critics.

Masahista is the lone nominee and ultimate winner of the critics group's top plum as well as other prizes for such categories as Best Editing and Best Sound and Aural Orchestration. For Best Screenplay, it won over an only other nominee, namely, Mac Alejandre's Let the Love Begin (GMA Network Films; Regal Entertainment). For Best Cinematography and Visual Design, it also bested an only other nominee-Toto Natividad's Paraiso (World Arts Cinema). Lead actor Coco Martin garnered the Best Performance award, beating co-star Jaclyn Jose, the entire cast of Cholo Laurel's Nasaan Ka Man (Star Cinema; ABS-CBN Film Productions) and John Lloyd Cruz in Rory Quintos' Dubai (Star Cinema; ABS-CBN Film Productions).

YCC will pay tribute to its latest batch of honorees in ceremonies set for March. Film year 2005 is particularly significant for YCC with Masahista as the first film in YCC history to have a clean sweep of all the awards. It also marks in years the leanest slate of films to be given recognition. The very few titles to pass the grade emerged from the total of 50 films plus the five digitals that had the benefit of a full play date and a commercial theatrical run in 2005. For the succeeding years, YCC is seeking ways for other motion picture productions, especially the digitals, that although they may not have a regular release, they can still qualify for YCC honors.

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Is it true that Herbert Bautista is playing the role of "Super Inggo," the new TV series premiering soon on ABS-CBN? The fantasy series marks the return of current Quezon City Vice Mayor to the TV screen. He was reportedly called in to fit his costume, so his stint in the new ABS-CBN Program is certain. All he needs to do is for him to adjust his political calendar to be able to tape for "Super Inggo." Herbert's favorite hang-out these days is the new restaurant and bar of his younger sister, Harlene, located along Kamuning Road in Quezon City, where he is often seen trying out its sumptuous dishes with his two kids Athena and Harvey.

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Angel Locsin didn't want to talk anymore about her rift with former manager Becky Aguila. That's why she was surprised to learn that certain matters that she and her manager discussed with their respective lawyers had landed in the papers. While she has not said anything about what actually transpired during the meeting, Angel was surprised that items came out in the newspapers.

The star of Regal Films and GMA Films' I Will Always Love You admits she was affected personally by the issues involving her and her former manager. After all, it was she who was being talked about and her future is at stake. During those times of stress, Angel turned to God and prayed hard for guidance and discernment.

Yes, she did shed buckets of tears, but felt relieved in the process. "I leave everything up to Him," she says. "The truth will come out. Besides, I owe her a debt of gratitude. She was the one who brought me to GMA and I thank her for that."

The only reason she allowed herself to be interviewed on "24 Oras" regarding the issue was because there were matters, which they initially agreed on keeping to themselves, that leaked out and written about by the press.

Nevertheless, Angel is willing to keep her side of the bargain; keep quiet and let her lawyer handle the matter in her behalf. She wouldn't want to accuse anyone of having leaked the matter to the press.

"If they really want the matter settled, sana may naayos kami noong nag-usap kami. Kaya lang, there were issues coming out through text messages so instead of having things settled, wala kaming naayos," says Angel who will soon start work in a new show for GMA.