Willie: Terminated or resigned?

Since Jan. 1, ABS-CBN has been airing MTB "live" without Willie Revillame and viewers from here and abroad (as reflected by e-mailed reactions to Funfare) claim that the show is "even better" without him.

Now, was Willie terminated by ABS-CBN (as Funfare reported) because of his "sana ma-devirginize ka na" birthday wish for Mahal (discovered by Willie along with Mura – yes, a "he") or did he resign?

Reacting to Funfare’s Dec. 31 item about his expulsion from MTB, Willie said that he resigned to save the show which faces a 20-day suspension by the MTRCB, depending on the outcome of the meeting with ABS-CBN bigwigs on Monday, Jan. 5.

Here’s Willie’s resignatioin letter dated Dec. 28, 2003 addressed to Mr. Eugenio Lopez III, Mr. Federico M. Garcia, Ms. Charo Santos-Concio and Ms. Socorro V. Vidanes:

Second chances are a luxury only a few can afford. Which is why it is with deepest gratitude that I thank you for giving me the opportunity to continue doing what I have devoted my life to, the life of entertainment and public service. However, in light of recent events, I now offer my resignation from MTB as my continued involvement would only prejudice the show further. It would be selfish of me to involve the entire cast and production team in this latest controversy involving the MTRCB. The remark I made had no malicious intent. It was a slip of the tongue as it sometimes happens when you are entertaining off the cuff, live, and taking chances. I never thought that the language I used would be misconstrued as insensitive, irreponsible or reckless.

Let me emphasize that my heart only holds good intentions for the company and I am distressed that such intentions were misunderstood because of a difference in opinion as to what is permissble in a noontime show. Thus, I would like to extend my deepest apology to the cast and crew of MTB, to the managemenbt of ABS-CBN for my having put the show at risk. I am sorry for not meeting your expectations the second time around, but not for want of trying. I realize that I have to face the consequences alone and have no choice but to part ways with my second family, MTB.

Willingly yours,
Willie Revillame

(Copy furnished to Mr. Johnny Manahan, director; Ms. Alou Almaden, production manager; and Ms. Joyce Liquicia, executive producer)

Here’s the answer from Soccoro V. Vidanes, SVP for Television Production, dated Dec. 28, 2003:

Dear Mr. Revillame,

We are in receipt of your letter dated 28 December 2003 informing us of your "resignation" from the program Masayang Tanghali Bayan. This letter is evidently in response to our Memorandum dated 26 December 2003 requiring you to explain your alleged inappropriate behavior during the 19 December 2003 episode of the program Masayang Tanghali Bayan.

We advise you that after a thorough review of your performance during the subject episode, ABS-CBN Management has likewise decided to terminate your Agreement as host for the said program effective 01 January 2004. ABS-CBN Management has arrived at this decision because you have committed the same infractions more than once despite production staff’s repeated cautions. While we are saddened by this development, we remain committed in strictly carrying out self-regulation policies within the network which ultimately is for the benefit of the viewing public.

Our fervent wish for your success in your future endeavors.

And here’s the official press statement of ABS-CBN:

ABS-CBN wishes to inform the public of its decision to terminate the contract of Mr. Willie Revillame as host of Masayang Tanghali Bayan effective January 1, 2004. The network has decided to terminate Mr. Revillame’s current agreement for repeatedly uttering offensive remarks which are in violation of the network’s internal program standards. While the network acknowledges the contribution of Mr. Revillame to the program and is saddened by this development, it remains committed in strictly carrying out self-regulation policies, which ultimately is for the benefit and protection of the viewing public.

There. All sides heard and presented.

Meanwhile, the show must go on – and let’s hope that the remaining MTB hosts will learn a lesson from Willie’s sad fate.

Did Jericho, Cindy Spend Christmas In Vienna?

Some stars spent the Christmas holidays out of the country for a well-deserved rest – and recreation.

Vilma Santos and her family are still in the US and so are direk Chito Roño, Piolo Pascual, Muñoz brothers Leandro and Carlo, etc.

Guess who flew to Vienna, Austria, for a "secret" holiday – yes, Jericho Rosales! You don’t have to guess who he was with – his girlfriend Cindy Kurleto who comes from that country (her father is Austrian, remember, and her late mother, a nurse, was a Filipina). Funfare’s Vienna DPA reported seeing Jericho at the store Peek & Clopenburg in Mariahilferstrasse in Vienna with some companions. "They were coming out and we were going in," said the DPA. "It was him. At first, I couldn’t believe the rumors na sila na ni Cindy. Now I know."

What’s Up?

• Year 2004 is a leap year, Almond Aguila reminded Funfare, so there are 366 days in it.

• From RMN DZXL’s Atty Aga: My son Gelo is the franchise holder of Brunos outlets on Tomas Morato and Banawe (Quezon City) and on Adriatico St. in Malate. My other son, Drew Arellano, is in the Sunsilk, not Palmolive, commercial.

• Readers have pointed out that "The Top 20 Best Mistakes of All Time," contributed to Funfare by Edmund Silvestre (News Editor of the New York-based The Filipino Reporter), was taken from the website http:/www.movie-mistakes.com. Also, it’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s (not Philosopher’s) Stone.

• The Enchanted Kingdom is open from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight until Jan. 4. From Jan. 5 to 9, it will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Jan. 10 and 11, until 10 p.m. From Jan. 22 to March 28, EK resumes its regular park schedule; open five times a week, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Forn inquiries, call 830-2111 to 16 or 843-6073 to 78.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected])