MANILA, Philippines - It’s not a rare occasion that Willie Revillame gives out cash prizes to lucky studio members on TV5’s Wowowillie. In fact, he promised that those coming from far-flung provinces — some would even borrow money just to try their luck in the noontime show — can reimburse their transportation expenses when they watch the show at its newly-refurbished 1,100-capacity studio along Quezon Ave.
Last Tuesday, Willie veered from the usual shouldering of transport expenses and gave away his personal van to a studio member. Dressed like the revered Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Sister Theresa of the Cenacle of Virgin Mary, a community of nuns from Our Lady of Fatima under the Diocese of Pasig, was overwhelmed when Kuya Wil pledged to give her his 25-seater coaster. This after the nun told Wil that their growing community lacks a means of transport whenever they do outreach programs. “Ang kailangan po ng aming community, dahil napakarami po namin, wala po kaming sasakyan,†said Sister Theresa.
Kuya Wil turned over the van to Sister Theresa and her companions. The host also handed the nun P50,000 from the show’s fund to help those who want to join the vocation.
Wowowillie business unit head Jay Montelibano said Kuya Wil could not easily let go of the coaster since the three-year-old vehicle is his transport-of-choice, especially during long-distance trips. “It (coaster) means a lot to him as it’s his mode of transport from his house in Quezon City to (his townhouse in) Tagaytay or to the airport as he normally doesn’t travel alone,†he shared. “The coaster is used by him, his very close friends and relatives.â€
Aside from giving away cash and other prizes, Wowowillie also brings together Filipinos in the spirit of goodwill. Kuya Wil also continues to touch people’s lives by giving them hope that gets them through their everyday struggles.
Wowowillie airs Monday to Saturday at 11:30 a.m.