Wowowee kicks off world tour

Had he agreed to endorse a candidate — any candidate! — Willie Revillame could have made millions. Except for the use of Boom Tarat-Tarat, one of the theme songs of his ABS-CBN noontime show Wowowee, as senatoriable Migz Zubiri’s campaign pitch, Willie has politely refrained from even as much as mentioning the name of any candidate so as not to taint Wowowee with political color.

The use of Boom Tarat-Tarat was given free of charge by its writer, Lito Camo, to Migz as a gesture of gratitude. It was Migz who helped Lito with the hospitalization of Lito’s mother-in-law two years ago. Payback time, you know. Willie has nothing to do with the deal.

But, of course, Willie has his own "to-vote-for" list but he’s keeping it close to his chest.

What Willie is heralding is the world tour of Wowowee which kicks off in May.

First of the series of "live" shows abroad will be held in Reno, Nevada, on May 27; followed by Chicago on July 6; and Honolulu on July 8. Actually, Wowowee has been mounting shows abroad, including L.A. and San Francisco and Australia.

"More schedules soon," assured Willie.

This piece of news should make Pinoys abroad happy. As we all know, the homecoming of balikbayans is not complete without a "guesting" on Wowowee. Even a simple happy-birthday-etc. greeting on Wowowee is like an "event" for Pinoys abroad. I should know. When my friends in the US or any Filipino community in other countries ask me to request Willie to greet them, it really makes their day. Simple pleasures, you know!

Glamorous tandems on campaign trail

A sight to behold on the trail of the mayoralty race in Pasig City is the beautiful tandem of Dodot Jaworski (incumbent congressman of that city) and his wife Mikee Cojuangco, plus the presence of showbiz stars who light up the couple’s rallies.

"I’m grateful for the support of my showbiz friends," said Mikee who’s not a stranger to campaigning, having come from a political family. "I cannot thank them enough."

Artists who normally decline juicy offers to perform in political rallies have been taking time out to join those of Dodot, gratis et amore. During Dodot’s March 31 rally, no less than Regine Velasquez was the stellar attraction. Regine took a break from her airtight schedule and waited patiently at the Jaworskis’ home for her turn to perform. Dodot and Mikee’s children Robbie and Rafael (Regine’s godson) took turns in entertaining her.

"We really appreciated Regine’s whole-hearted personal endorsement," added Mikee.

Also present were Dodot’s parents, Bobby and Lyn (Bautista), and Toti Cariño who is running for congressman. Ogie Diaz hosted the show.

Other friends who have always been available for Dodot and Mikee in past and present rallies include Mikee’s uncle Edu Manzano, Ogie Alcasid, Rufa Mae Quinto, Rachel Alejandro and Geneva Cruz. All for a song, and for love of the Jaworski couple.

Briefly noted

• Missed out in Funfare’s list of showbiz people running in this May’s elections is Cristina "Kring-Kring" Gonzalez and her husband Alfred Romualdez. Now speaking in Waray like a native, Kring-Kring is running for councilor in Tacloban City where Alfred is running for mayor. Alfred one time served as congressman of Leyte.

• Reacting to Funfare’s item the other day that she’s vacationing in the US with her beloved Cedric Lee, Vina Morales called from L.A. to say that no, Cedric was not with her in San Diego or any other city in California. "I was with my dad," said Vina who confirmed the Funfare US DPA’s report that she’s coming home on April 17. Vina didn’t confirm if she and Cedric have broken up or if he’s joining her on the rest of her bakasyon grande.

• Here’s an interesting item (contributed by reader Emerson Sy), entitled Matet de Leon: Little Girl No More, from YES! magazine’s wedding special:

Matet de Leon met basketball player John Michael "Mickey" Estrada, of the National University Bulldogs, at a Tomas Morato bar in 2003. The young actress was instantly attracted and wasn’t shy about making the first move. So she got his cellphone number from a mutual friend.

They met on a Friday, went out on a date on Saturday, and were officially a couple by Monday. On Feb. 24, 2004, seven months after their casual meeting, Mickey and a blissfully pregnant Matet tied the knot in a civil wedding. The church wedding followed the next month, March 20, 2004, at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Quezon City. (Note: Matet miscarried her second baby, Miguel and has just given birth to a third one, baby Mishka.)

(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph)