ABS-CBN Big Boss on Willie Revillame issue: "Stars come and go, institution stays"

“Stars come and go, but the institution stays.” That I believe best describes the mindset of ABS-CBN Chairman Gabby Lopez in dealing with Willie Revillame. Mr. Lopez had given that answer in response to a question during the ABS-CBN stockholders’ meeting last week. That was several days after his meeting with the “Wowowee” host in which the network management decided that Willie go on an “indefinite break” from the show.

The management also said Willie has apologized for his outburst against Jobert Sucaldito. At the same time, it turned down his request to be released from his contract, which expires in September next year.

ABS-CBN’s big boss admitted that he realizes “the financial impact that a star like Willie brings to the network. But we are also aware that an institution like ABS-[CBN] will deal with stars all the time.” “So we will take into consideration the wide variety of factors that are involved in dealing with stars like Willie. He is not the first or the last star that will reflect this kind of behavior. It goes with the territory,” Lopez said.

Resolving the issue will take “several months,” according to him. That means Willie will be cooling his heels while ABS-CBN takes its sweet time deciding what to do with him.

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The vote was close, but in the end, paint store clerk Lee DeWyze edged out Crystal Bowersox to emerge as the ninth “American Idol” champion. DeWyze was crowned in a spectacular two-hour finale that featured such musical bigwigs as Christina Aguilera, Robin and Barry Gibb, Janet Jackson and Joe Cocker performing with past Idols.

The show also bade goodbye to Simon Cowell, who will be leaving the show after nine seasons. A film tribute recalled the highlights of Simon’s career in the show. Former judge Paula Abdul also joined in.

 “I've loved all the fun we've had together,” Paula cooed to Simon. In his parting remarks, Simon said, “I didn't think I was going to be this emotional and I genuinely am ... Everybody asks who's going to replace me, who’s going to be the next judge. The truth is you guys are the judge of this show and you've done an incredible job over the years.”

Bowersox, a single mom, was clearly the judges’ favorite, but the phoned-in votes went to DeWyze. According to host Ryan Seacrest, only 2 percent separated the two finalists.

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It’s going to be a boy this time for Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo. The baby is due in October. The couple already has a baby girl. They haven’t decided yet on the baby’s name.

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Master showman German Moreno couldn’t believe that his friend Nora Aunor has lost her voice after a cosmetic procedure in Japan. Kuya Germs said that the last time he talked with the Superstar, she told him that she needed six months to rest for six months after her surgery.

She was also able to sing during her concert in Toronto, Canada, recently, Kuya Germs said.

La Aunor was supposed to restart her showbiz career in the Philippines after a long stay in the US. But she never showed up after her trip to Japan for a cosmetic procedure.

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Charice has laughed off a blog report that she is appearing in the TV musical series “Glee” that is making waves in the US. “I just want to let you all know, that it’s not true that i’m going to be on Glee... How i wish! haha. That’s really funny. i didn’t know about the Glee. hahaha. until i saw Perez’s blog. this is really confusing,” Charice tweeted.

In his blog, Perez Hilton wrote that Charice’s manager confirmed that the Pinay performer “was just signed on as a series regular for the coming season of Glee.”

But in an update, Hilton said the report was not true.