•Edu quits Weakest Link!; •Violett Films in fighting form

For sure, going by the show’s popularity and the high approval rating for his performance, Edu Manzano is definitely not the weakest link but he has no choice but to quit as host of The Weakest Link, produced by Viva Television for IBC 13 (along with Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, hosted by Christopher de Leon).

No, Edu wasn’t booted out of the show, contrary to rumors being floated by some quarters hostile to him. He was the one who decided to say "Goodbye!" perhaps in the same emotionless way he addresses the show’s weakest links.

No, the show will never be the same again without Edu as, I’m sure, its followers (this one included) will agree. Whoever replaces Edu will end up, sigh, simply "an unreasonable facsimile thereof," burdened with the challenge to unmake what Edu has done and establish an image and reputation all his (or her) own.

Last March 5, a month before the show’s set in Parañaque City was burned down (along with that of WWTBAM), Veronique Corpus, president of Viva Television Corp., sent Edu a "renewal of artist’s contract" which read: Pursuant to Section 13 of your artist’s contract dated September 14, 2001, Viva Television Corporation ("Viva TV") hereby gives notice that it will exercise its option to renew the same for One Hundred Thirty (130) episodes, under the terms and conditions stipulated therein. In view of the foregoing, the contract shall be considered renewed, commencing after the airing of the last episode covered by the original contract (tentatively scheduled on May 28, 2002) until the completion of the production, taping and airing of the One Hundred Thirty (130) episodes covered by this renewal. Viva TV looks forward to a more fruitful working relationship with you.

Today, Edu is sending a letter to Veronique, which reads: I would like to inform your good office that I will no longer exercise my option to renew my participation as host of the television game show The Weakest Link. I am sure the experience was as enriching for you as it was enlightening for me.

What went wrong? Was the link between Edu and Viva TV that weak? Why should something that started so well end up so sadly?

Asked about it, Edu’s manager, June Rufino, kept mum.

Meanwhile, let’s play The Weakest Link even if we terribly, terribly miss Edu who will have his last taping tomorrow (for telecast end of the month).

* * *

Madame Violett of Violett Films is in "fighting form," inspired no doubt by the success of her company’s maiden offering, Cass & Cary (topbilled by Bayani Agbayani and Vhong Navarro).

"All systems go kami," said Violeta Sevilla, who’s becoming known as Madame Violett (given to her by her drumbeater, Lolit Solis). "Wala nang urungan," added the avid fan of Gloria Romero (also in the Cass & Cary cast).

Already, Violett Films is preparing its next project, Magnifico Madyikero, written by Michiko Yamamoto who won first prize in the 2001 Screenplay Writing contest sponsored by the Film Development of the Philippines, Inc. Madyikero is the heartwarming story of a young boy whose amazing love, faith and courage shine through life’s sadness and misfortunes.

Directing the movie intended for the Metro Filmfest in December is Maryo J. de los Reyes. The stars include Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez, Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez, Amy Austria, Paolo Contis, Desiree del Valle and Jiro Manio (of Bagong Buwan fame) as the young boy.

As you can see, Violett Films is going bigger. Now, shouldn’t we thank heavens that new producers like Madame Violett are helping pump life into an otherwise ailing industry?

May her tribe increase!