First, a correction: Contrary to yesterday’s second banner story, Kris Aquino didn’t quit as main host of the two-month-old ABS-CBN early-afternoon show Pilipinas Win Na Win (PWNW).
“I was asked to leave to make way for the new hosts,” Kris texted Funfare, referring to Hitmakers Rico J. Puno, Rey Valera, Marco Sison and Nonoy Zuñiga (minus Hajji Alejandro) who are taking over effective Saturday, Oct. 2, adding with a tone of sentimiento, “I’m only human; I’m just an employee and a good soldier.”
Did she have any regret hosting PWNW which failed to rate after it took over the timeslot of the defunct Wowowee last July 31?
“No regrets,” replied Kris who bids the show goodbye on Friday --- sans tears, hopefully.
She confirmed, though, that she had a dinner meeting with GMA Films’ big boss Annette Gozon-Abrogar two weeks ago.
“We are negotiating for me to do one movie a year for GMA Films.”
Any offer from GMA Network (where she originally came from as host of Startalk, along with her soulmate Boy Abunda, the longest-running “Showbiz Authority,” unchallenged for 15 years)?
Kris was mum.
So what does she plan to do between assignments?
“Get annulled,” was Kris’ short answer.
Meanwhile, here’s the official ABS-CBN statement sent to Funfare by Bong R. Osorio, the “glee-ful” head of the network’s Corporate Communications:
Oct. 1, Friday, will be Ms. Kris Aquino’s last day in Pilipinas Win Na Win. Management has decided to try a combination of new hosts for the program. The Hitmakers, composed of Rico J. Puno, Rey Valera, Marco Sison and Nonoy Zuñiga, will join Pokwang and Valerie Concepcion in Pilipinas Win Na Win on Oct. 2. The program continues to bring fun, games and hope to Filipinos around the world.
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First, the sad news: Willing Willie, Willie Revillame’s show on TV5, his new home, will not start on 10-10-10 as widely-reported.
Now, the good news: The show will kick off third week of October, definitely.
Anytime now, the last nail will be hammered to the set which can be described as fabulous, ready for the games which Willie himself has conceptualized, including Family Apir (families pitted against each other), 1-2-3 Go! and Spin-A-Wil which will be played slot machine-style, with a fully-furnished house and lot (donated by Sen. Manny Villar’s Camella Homes) as grand prize.
“Initially,” Willie told Funfare, “I will act as the show’s director. But the director’s seat will remain empty, waiting for the rightful ‘owner.’”
Asked who that “owner” is, Willie said, “No comment.” But he gave a clue: “Invert the first letters of the show’s title and you will get an idea.”
Should we dial M for an answer?
Faced with a counter-suit from his former studio ABS-CBN, Willie reiterated that his TV5 contract (to the tune of P71-M a month inclusive of the salaries of the staff) is a “guaranteed” one, so he gets paid whether the show goes on or, knock on wood, not.
The counter charges between him and ABS-CBN notwithstanding, Willie said that his former studio will forever have a spot in his heart, citing Star Magic head Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan and Mariole Alberto for being “well-loved, well-respected and principled.”
Added Willie, “Mr. M is the best example of a good head and leader. Handa niyang ipagtanggol ang kanyang mga talent. I take my hat off to them.”
Oops! Is there another “clue” in there?
Last show of Arielle Agasang set tonight
Set for tonight at PAGCOR Casino Parañaque City is Arielle Agasang’s The Finale Show, showcasing his 2010 Haute Couture Collections modeled by 2010 Mr. Philippines Earth John Adrian Reyes, 2010 Mr. World Philippines Alvin de Joya, 2009 Miss Philippines-Earth Fire Patricia Tumulak, 2008 Model of the World April Love Jordan, and 2008 Body Shots Model Discovery of the Year Jobo Roa and Hazel Santos.
Cata Figueroa is directing the show. Shoes are courtesy of Cardams/Mario D’Boro; and make-up by Jojie Simpauco, Ever Bilena/Black Water and Psalmstre-New Placenta (Jaime Acosta). Photographers are Jonas Yu and Ronald Berces, with Kat Carreon as production manager.
Arielle extends his special thanks to Bong Quintana (vice president for Entertainment of PAGCOR) and Stephen Villanueva.
(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com)