'Win na Win', to the tune of 'Wowowee': A review
MANILA, Philippines - If the Emmys were in the Philippines, ABS-CBN might dominate the trophy count, hands down. And if there’s one show that would win daytime drama, comedy and suspense altogether, you bet it would be Jobert Sucaldito’s new favorite show, Pilipinas, Win na Win!
Born with prematurely promo-lacking preparation, the show premiered last week amidst a throng of controversy surrounding hosts Kris Aquino (about her lovelife, but what else), Robin Padilla and Mariel Rodriguez (and their rumored romance). Wowowee mainstay Valerie Concepcion with her booming voice is retained, together with Pokwang, who’s supposed to act as the third wheel between Robin and Mariel. (She has lesbian tendencies.) The raunchy girls (my favorite is April, or better known as the “Kengraaatchuleyshenz!” girl) from Willie Revillame’s past also made the cross-over, this time only to be scrutinized by Kris, whose three-year-old son James is crushing on one of them. Put together, this squad is Win na Win’s ensemble, assembled to appeal to the masses.
Kris adds a dash of bongga to the show, but her image, known to all as a tactless, straight-to-your-face woman, makes her less masa. Binoe compensates for that, bridging the gap from the ultra-sosyal ladies of Win na Win! so the show can reach where it intends to rate high. However, being the only thorn (a matulis na thorn at that) among the roses makes it hard for Robin to stand out, especially on opening jeers when the hosts sing with the audience and interact with them. Binoe gets drowned by Mariel and Val’s voices, Pokwang’s antics and Kris’ presence. Hence, he looks like he’s just part of the audience too, affected by the sudden high but still lost.
Save from the title then, so we all ask, what else is new with this supposedly winner show that would topple its 30-year-old competitor? Watch one episode and you get the question answered—virtually none. From the people to the set, to the hype, to the theme song, to the segments, to the contestants, to the prizes, to the crew and down to the TFC subscribers, everything is very Wowowee, sans Willie. The program still banks on the tourism factor, inviting fleets of balikbayans from all over the euphoria to troop to the program, selling them the fiesta experience that happens only in the Philippines.
So why then can Win na Win still draw crowds when it’s still the same old show it used to be? It uses hope and money as bait. The audience dwindled during Willie’s absence, yet with the perceived repackaging of the show, more people are now re-energized by this. If before, Willie Revillame looked like a messiah to others, it now goes the same for Kris and Robin, billed as the show’s frontrunners. People understand that both are mainstays, forces that are bound to stay with the show over the years, which make them cling to the hosts like Kris could break down any minute and give everybody a car a la Oprah. The masses have already associated them with the show, making it easier for them to hope since there is an image to all that wishful thinking.
Though I still contest that no one goes home empty-handed from the show, the “Yaman ng Bayan” segment makes up for it. A contestant leads his own barangay to complete a song’s lyrics, and everbody gets cash if they win. The only qualm though is with the “Open Susi-me!” Portion. Towards the segment’s end, so one can win a million pesos, in less than 20 seconds (usually what is left of a minute by the time one can get to that part of the game) he must open a locked door by choosing from a bowl of 12 keys. If he fails, he loses the money he’s already won, and goes home with a consolation prize. Not much of a loser after all. Not much like Willie.
