TV5 expansion in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — There’s no stopping TV5 as it continues its regional expansion to reach more Filipinos.

The Kapatid Network recently aired Willing Willie live in this city in its efforts to get closer to Davaoeños and their neighbors.

TV5 EVP and COO Roberto Barreiro recently met up with the local and national press in a conference at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao to discuss the network’s vision of strengthening its operations.

According to him, they are already building the staff and getting all the equipment ready. Signals have also been fixed. Their next step, Barreiro said, “is to have more local programs and then we’re building news bureaus in the whole Mindanao and the ‘nerve center,’ as what we have said, is here in Davao.”

He further said, “So this is an exciting time for us. Before, it was more on just replay. It was some sort of relay station only. But this time it’s different. We want it to be the originating station, we want them (the viewers) to have local content as well. And right now we’re trying to figure out exactly what new things we can offer so. We’re studying that here." 

RTV5 EVP and COO Roberto Barreiro

Meanwhile at the Willing Willie show held that same day, the huge Agro Football Field was a witness to the volume of people — an estimated 50,000 — who came and relished the presence of Willie Revillame and co-host Shalani Soledad, together with the staff during the three-hour show which started at 5 p.m.

Barely an hour before the show started, the open field was already packed with a sizeable number of hopefuls, fans, supporters and contestants who wanted to see their idols and if they’re lucky, get prizes from the show including the much-coveted P1M grand prize despite the cloudy weather and occasional drizzle.

As expected, Willie sang the Willing Willie opening number. He then invited the crowd to sing and dance along to the famous song Tantaran Chuchuruchuru as its opening game. He handpicked eager contestants while the crowd applauded and screamed non-stop.

“Naku po, you really warm my heart,” exclaimed Willie after the lengthy production number which showcased local talents and dancers garbed in colorful costumes. The event was star-studded with guests like Regine Angeles, Meg Imperial, Princess Ryan, Carla Humphries and Arci Muñoz. Aegis also made an appearance in the middle part of the show. They rendered a medley of their songs Halik, Luha and Basang-basa sa Ulan.

The P1 million winner

“Why are we here? We’re here because TV5 channel(s) are already aired throughout Mindanao,” said by inspired Willie. He told the crowd that TV5 Channel is in Channel 2, “so Davaoeños, always remember, always tune in to Channel 2, only here in Davao.” TV5 is Channel 21 in Cagayan de Oro, Channel 12 in General Santos City and Channel 29 in Zamboanga.

Meanwhile, Shalani, radiant in a mint green mini, elicited deafening shrieks from the crowd after Willie introduced his co-host.

She greeted the amused crowd back in mixed Bisaya and Tagalog dialect: Good afternoon to everyone here in Davao! We are happy to be here. Thank you so much for your support. This day won’t end without us telling you we love you!

Willie was so generous the whole evening. He gave away prizes and cash gifts to the players and contestants. And it didn’t matter if they won or lost.

At the end of the show, spectators — young and old alike — left with bright smiles on their faces as if they also won the P1-M grand prize.

As Willie promised, no one came home empty-handed that day. And Davaoenos – overwhelmed at the downpour of blessings -- could only wish every day would be Willing Willie day.