ABS-CBN TFC draws biggest crowd in 'Wowowillie' in Hawaii

Dancing in grass skirts. Donning colorful Leis. Partying in festive luaus. Surfing the waves. For years, Hawaii has been home to these holiday escapades. In recent years however, this island paradise is experiencing a new 'wave' that promises to be a permanent fixture - a growing number of Filipinos who have migrated to the U.S. state.

No less than Governor Linda Lingle can vouch for this surge as she personally witnessed the largest crowd of Pinoys who gathered at the Kapi' olani Park in Waikiki recently. The Filipinos trooped to the famous park to see one of the Philippines' entertainment icons- Willie Revillame at ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel's (TFC) hour at the 14th Annual Hawaiian Telcom Filipino Fiesta.

As host of the top-rating show Wowowee, Wille has endeared himself to the C, D and E crowd in the Philippines not only for giving away generous prizes but also inspiring them to do better in their lives as well. Willie has also gotten the interest of the A and B crowd not only in the Philippines but worldwide, wherever TFC is aired to countless well-to-do oversees audience who want to share their blessings.

Thousands of this kind of mixed crowd trooped to the annual Filipino fiesta (and parade) to take their shot at winning exciting prizes and see how they can help Willie help others as well. For years now, ABS-CBN TFC through its World Tours, has been bringing its stars to this annual festivity but this year could very well be the biggest so far.

Will Hoover, writer for Honolulu Advertiser, Hawaii's largest newspaper, quoted some of the attendees as saying "it was the largest bunch of people that had squeezed into the park in living memory. Certainly the total topped any Filipino crowd that had gathered anywhere on Oahu." Bryan Andaya, Chairman of the annual event volunteers that they welcomed 20,000 by midday and had given up counting as the crowd swelled to 40,000 in the late afternoon.

Elderly women wiped off Willie's sweat and offered leis and macademia nuts that could very well fill up two, entire balikbayan boxes. Willie was squeezed, kissed and dumbfounded and could only let out a short reply in amazement "I was here a couple of year ago (for Magandang Tanghali Bayan), but it was not the same, because it was before Wowowee! It's all right, though. I love these people and enjoy being with them." Surely the immensely popular host enjoyed the trip not only because of the attention but also because he spent a honeymoon he never enjoyed with his wife, the former Liz Almoro, who shared his indulgence in seafood.

ABS-CBN TFC's Wowowillie is just a prelude to the forthcoming Wowowee in San Francisco, USA in June 11 where Willie will be joined by co-hosts Janelle and Tseena to mount Pera O Bayong. The event, produced by TFC World Tours is expected to draw as much, if not more than the Hawaii crowd.

ABS-CBN TFC and its shows are available worldwide. For information on subscription, partnerships and other details, text TFC to 2366 or contact the following: in Manila (632) 924-4101 to 20 locals 2317 and (632) 411-9115 ; in the Middle East (9714) 3902180 or (9714) 397 9075 ; in North America 1-800-FILCHNL (3452465) ; in Europe (39) 02 294 273; 44 (0) 16 2860 6860 and in Australia 1800 ABSCBN (227 226) or visit www.abs-cbnglobal.com