FEEDBACK ON: "On Willie"

I got some pretty interesting comments on my piece on the Willie Revillame and Wowowee brouhaha. I’ve said this before, and I’m saying it again, I appreciate readers’ feedback and comments, even the dissenting ones, especially on controversial issues, because any discussion is an indication that people still care about something enough to actually speak up. And we all know how rarely Filipinos do that.

While it’s funny that we can be silent about some political scandal and yet rage for or against a person like Willie, I’m still taking it as a positive sign that there’s still some fire in our hearts that can be tapped into action.

Unfortunately, a lot of those who commented, especially those who disagreed with me, failed to give their names. Nevertheless, I’m sharing many of these comments below.

“Alam mo, mabait si Willie. ‘Wag mo siyang siraan. Baka jealous ka lang kasi wala kang natulungan. Inggit ka lang.” - 0939.224.4465

I always try to separate the person from the action. I don’t recall attacking Willie’s person, but if I did, I didn’t intend to do so. I don’t really know Willie from Adam, but I am quite familiar with his showbiz persona, and I still maintain that I do not like what he stands for, at least as far as Wowowee is concerned. People, especially the poor Filipinos, do not need our pity. They do not need to enhance their victims stories so they can be given dole outs. They need to be empowered; they need to get back their dignity. That is not something Wowowee’s current format gives them.

I’d like to cite an example. Whenever a young samaguita vendor approaches me, I first assess the sales pitch. If it goes something like, “Please buy my flowers so I can have something to eat,” matched with a practiced pitiful look, I politely say no, no matter the amount of pity wrenching my heart. I don’t want to reward the vendor’s sorry tale, which, more likely than not, would damn him to a life of poverty—one that I would have contributed to because of my misplaced pity and fleeting token assistance.

I’m not jealous of Willie and the people he has supposedly helped. If anything, I lament his wasted opportunity to truly help and give lasting value to the many people who give him their love and attention.

“I just read your article and I totally agree. My mom even reacts to how the whole show seems like a bikini bar and it’s really disrespectful to the dancers how the cameras show their their butts and focus on men’s drooling faces, I hope ABS-CBN reformats it into something wholesome without taking out the fun, because the show’s a complete irony. It’s almost like noontime pornography. It just contributes to the multiplication of perverts.” - 0929.105.4142

“The few times I saw it, I was disgusted to see the Wowowee Girls. With the way they dressed and the way they danced, I felt like bar girls were now on TV. I felt it was degrading for our Filipino women. I wonder why groups like Gabriela never protested against this show. The sad thing is, Filipino girls (and some older women also) of varied ages try to ape them thinking they look nice. Thanks for your article! It made me see another angle regarding this show. Yes, I agree. It’s not only a game show people go to, to try out their luck; it has also created and promoted a whole culture of ‘Pity me!’ and contributed to our people’s lack of personal responsibility. If ABS-CBN has any sense of social responsibility, it should stop this show even if it’s earning millions for the network.” - Vincent Tan, [email protected]

Well said, you both! I’ve seen girls as young as eight dance like the Wowowee Dancers, and I’m seriously worried about how this will impact their lives.

“I’m reading your column piece ‘On Willie.’  Somehow you’re right. Or, should I say, your column is an eye-opener.” - JZ, 0905.698.5109

“You’re so right in your column today. I appreciate it. Willie is too vocal on TV sometimes. It’s not good for the network and to all Filipinos.” - Loi Echem, Bukidnon, 09276527425

“I love your comment about Willie.” - Vener Albao, [email protected]

Maybe I am a bit idealistic, but I do believe that ABS-CBN could do more with—or, better yet, for—Wowowee’s immense following. Imagine that throng being empowered to live better lives.

I’ve always believed that was what mass communications was all about. I don’t think I’ll ever start believing otherwise. 

Email your comments to [email protected]. You can also visit my personal blog at http://althearicardo.blogspot.com. You can text your comments again to (63)917-9164421.