‘I Wil return!’

Even without the other “L” in the head of today’s column, I’m sure everybody knows who’s being quoted — yes, siya na nga at wala nang iba! Nobody, nobody but you!

In yesterday’s edition of WowoWillie, Willie Revillame announced that he’s taking a leave and his TV5 show will stop airing effective Oct. 12, three days before his contract with the Kapatid Network expires (Oct. 15).

Shrugging off rumors that he was asking for additional budget as part of the renewal of his contract, Willie said that, in fact, he’s burned out after doing shows for almost a decade, first Magandang Tanghali Bayan (MTB) and Wowowee, both on ABS-CBN, and Willing-Willie, Wil Time Bigtime and WowoWillie for TV5, and he’s taking a much-needed break.

“My body deserves it,” Willie told Funfare Update.

Kapatid Network big boss MVP  

Here’s the full text of Willie’s letter dated May 17, 2013, to Manuel V. Pangilinan (chairman of the board, Associated Broadcasting Company) through Atty. Ray V. Espinosa (president & CEO of TV5):

Dear Sir MVP and Atty. Ray,

My co-production agreement and contract with ABC TV5 will both expire on October 15, 2013, which is the reason I am writing you now.

I must express my deepest gratitude to you and Atty. Ray for the kind gesture of opening the door for me during the most trying moments in my career. For this, I shall forever be grateful. Your unwavering trust and support has kept me motivated in giving my best to provide happiness and hope to our people especially the poor, sick and elderly.

My tenure in the network was not without adversities. The show had its share of ups and downs, yet your support and faith in me remained steadfast, which I will treasure.

I recall your advice some time ago that I should take some time off whenever I feel exhausted due to my Monday to Saturday schedule. I have not done so for the past two years and seven months.

The daily grind of show business had finally taken its toll on me. I gave every ounce of energy I had every time I stepped on stage to fulfill my bounden duty to the network, the sponsors, and most of all, to our viewers.

With a heavy heart, I shall take a much-needed break from show business at the end of my contract. This will allow me to think and ponder whether I should continue my showbiz career or devote my time to the business I have set up over the years.

Let me reiterate my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for your kind understanding through all those times that I worked with you.

With all my highest esteem and regard, I remain,

Sincerely yours,

Willie B. Revillame

Once free, Willie said that he will concentrate on the construction of his Wil Tower (right across from the ABS-CBN Studio) in Quezon City, which is opening maybe before September, and a hotel on a huge mountain-top lot in Tagaytay that he bought from the Madrigal family.

He’s also planning to travel a lot, in some of which he’s bringing along his whole staff to whom he has been consistently generous.

So what will happen to his co-hosts including Mariel Rodriguez and Grace Lee? Their fate hangs in the balance.

Asked what he’s up to next year?

“I Wil return!” he said in his characteristic cryptic style.

Hmmmm, where would he resurface?

“Basta,” Willie added to the puzzle, “abangan n’yo na lang!”

Marvin Agustin: A tempest in the Karinderya teapot  

How will Marvin solve the problem?

You read that subhead correctly: Yes, Marvin Agustin has a problem that could put the credibility of his TV5 show Karinderya Wars in question.

According to a Funfare Update informer, last Thursday (May 16), Marvin, who’s the host/producer, taped episodes of the show which will end next month yet, together with the top three contenders. In shows like that, such as Survivor Philippines, contestants are made to sign a “confidentiality clause” prohibiting them from revealing the final outcome until after the airing of the finale episodes.

Marvin’s problem is that the Karinderya winner, for whatever reason, admitted in social media that she’s the winner, thus rendering the whole thing moot and academic, destroying the element of suspense and anticipation which is vital to show.

Now, will Marvin be constrained to declare the taped episodes null and void, and start all over again maybe with a new set of finalists?

Otherwise, the show’s followers might accuse him of “cooking” the results (as in niluto ang resulta).

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)