Weakest Link: Goodbye...for now?

You, too, must have been very disappointed last night when you tuned in to IBC 13 and found The Weakest Link (no doubt the hottest gameshow at the moment) "missing." Did the show, along with host Edu Manzano, do the "walk of shame" so soon? Was Edu eliminated for being, uh, "the weakest link"?

Somebody’s rocking the boat and who could it be?

Well, it’s none other than GMA which filed an injunction against ECM (European Communications Management) and ECM-Asia, along with Viva Television (which is producing the show for IBC 13), as early as last Sept. 7 even before the show got on the air. The Regional Trial Court of Quezon City handed down its decision only last Monday.

Wait a minute, is this all part of yet another network war, this time GMA against IBC 13? Is this some kind of a real-life gameshow being played on us gameshow freaks?

There’s a story behind this (rude?) interruption in our gameshow-viewing pleasure.

The Weakest Link was first offered to Viva last May through ECM local representative Winston dela Cruz for $104,000 (production package) and $1,500 per episode (52 all in all). Finding the price much too high, Viva reportedly told the ECM that it could afford only $80,000 (production package) and $1,000 per episode. On June 14, the ECM representative talked to GMA and they agreed in principle at still $104,000 (production package) and $2,000 per episode. The agreement was verbal.

The following day, June 15, another ECM RP representative, Ken Fortun, reportedly renegotiated with Viva. The deal was closed, in black and white, still at $104,000 (production package) and $2,300 per episode.

The Weakest Link started airing on Oct. 15 and it was an overnight sensation, affecting the ratings of other gameshow including Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (hosted by Christopher de Leon) which Viva is also producing for IBC 13.

And now, the injunction (which is different from a simple TRO or Temporary Restraining Order).

Yesterday, GMA filed a P5.4-million bond. While the trial goes on, we poor gameshow freaks will suffer with The Weakest Link off the air – unless, of course, Viva files an appeal for reconsideration and the court approves it.

This question is not for a Weakest Link contestant (or for any other gameshow): Which is more binding and stronger, a "verbal contract" or a written contract (in black and white)?

Another question: If the Weakest Link didn’t become as popular as it is now, would GMA run after it?

Meanwhile, is it goodbye for good for The Weakest Link or only (let’s hope) goodbye for the time being?

Kring Kring’s Patio Victoria

As Funfare announced several issues ago, Cristina "Kring Kring" Gonzalez (Mrs. Alfred Romualdez) has been preoccupied (since after last May’s elections where Alfred lost his congressional reelection bid in Leyte to Ted Failon) with setting up her own restaurant, Patio Victoria, which is now open for business.

"We take care of everything while the host/hostess sits back and enjoys the party," says Kring Kring.

Patio Victoria offers reasonable wedding, debut and party packages outdoors or in one of the spacious function rooms. Those who prefer outdoor parties need not worry about rain because there is a gazebo and a lot of tented areas. Requests for additional tents can also be accommodated. In case of brownouts, Patio Victoria has a generator that can restore full service within seconds.

The famous Victoria Garden can accommodate up to 600 guests while the Sofia Banguet Hall seats up to 300 guests. There are also function rooms for smaller groups. Kring Kring reveals that the Patio Victoria coffee shop is opening very soon to accommodate those who want to try the place’s very popular international cuisine even during ordinary days.

Patio Victoria is fast gaining notice for its international cuisine particularly its take on Spanish and Japanese dishes. Memorable dishes lengua, callos and paella. The place also boasts of an excellent pasta and salad selection. Other choice dishes are roast beef and roast chicken.

The wedding package includes choice of menu; free use of the venue for four hours; complimentary use of the bridal suite; three-layered wedding cake; decorated cake table; decorated cage and doves; flowers for the presidential table and couple’s table; elegant gazebo with complete decorations for the bride and groom; red carpet for the bride and groom; wedding guest book and pen; torch parade; floral centerpieces for all the guests’ tables; guest chairs with seat covers and ribbons; elegant skirting for presidential and buffet tables; sound system and assistance of well-trained waiters and banquet personnel. Patio Victoria also offers use of bridal cars for reasonable prices.

(For inquiries, call 526-1953.)