Willie Revillame and ABS-CBN Lawyers Face Off in Court

Five months after turning his back on ABS-CBN, controversial TV host Willie Revillame met the network's legal representatives on Friday morning in a hearing at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC).

Revillame arrived at QC RTC at around 9 a.m. and was greeted by some of his fans. He was with his lawyers and entertainment writer-host Lolit Solis.

The judge for the hearing is Luisito Cortez, who inhibited himself from trying the murder case filed against Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. regarding the Maguindanao massacre last year.

The 2 parties are expected to take up Revillame's existing contract with ABS-CBN and his upcoming show, "Willing Willie," on TV5.

The hearing comes after ABS-CBN filed a petition on Tuesday seeking to prevent Revillame from hosting the upcoming show on TV5.

The Kapamilya network had asked the Quezon City RTC to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) and a writ of preliminary injunction to stop Revillame “from committing further violations to his contract with the network” by launching “Willing Willie.”

The new show will reportedly air on October 23 at prime time.

In a 38-page petition, ABS-CBN asked the court to restrain Revillame from creating or performing work in companies that are direct competitors of ABS-CBN.

It also asked the court to stop the TV host “from engaging in activities which are adverse to the interests of ABS-CBN."

ABS-CBN cited Revillame's contract with TV5 and the show “Willing Willie,” which, it said, is very similar to the defunct "Wowowee" on ABS-CBN.

Revillame reportedly was hands-on in the creation and conceptualization of the variety and game show.

ABS-CBN also cited TV5’s official statement issued on September 17 confirming that Revillame has signed a contract with the network to host a variety and game show.

ABS-CBN asserted that Revillame is bound to comply with his current obligations under the agreement he signed with the Kapamilya network.

While the court has not decided on the judicial rescission case filed by Revillame, the TV host decided to sign a new contract and agree to perform in new shows.

"Revillame's actions show that he has decided for himself that he can do as he pleases despite the honorable court's taking cognizance of the issues," ABS-CBN said in the petition.

According to ABS-CBN Corporate Communication Head Bong Osorio, when Revillame chose to ignore his contract with the Kapamilya network, the station was left with no choice but to ask the courts to intervene.

“The issue on Willie Revillame is all about honoring a contract. To ABS-CBN, it is not only the ethical and right thing to do. It is a noble act of a person or a company that values honesty and integrity. These values are reflected in the way we do business in ABS-CBN. We honor what we say and we expect our people, talents and partners to reciprocate the trust and honor we give them,” said Osorio.

“If a person or company gives honor and respect to a contract, conflicts can be avoided. Just like in a family, do you walk out simply because your attention was called?” he added.

ABS-CBN said Revillame violated the behavioral provisions of his contract on May 4 when he threatened ABS-CBN management, during the live airing of "Wowowee," that he will resign if management does not fire another artist of the network.

After weeks of hiatus, Revillame resurfaced and called for a press conference announcing that he is rescinding his contract with ABS-CBN.

ABS-CBN has maintained that it is the aggrieved party, and as such, is the only one that can decide to end the agreement.

Howeve, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Friday morning deferred action on the petition filed by ABS-CBN Corporation seeking to prevent its former host Willie Revillame from hosting an upcoming show on TV5.

According to ABS-CBN's lawyer Maxim Uy, no temporary restraining order (TRO) was decided during Friday's hearing.

Uy said that the motion was submitted for the judge to study, and it will be decided after October 15.

The lawyer said that if Revillame decides to go on with his new show anytime before October 15, then they can't do anything.

Revillame said he's thankful to ABS-CBN Chairman Gabby Lopez Jr. and President Charo Santos-Concio for giving him the break as a host, but he now wants to work for a network that wants him.

"Tuloy po ang programa ng bawat Pilipino. Malaki ang utang na loob ko kay Sir Gabby, kay Ma'am Charo pero doon na ko sa gusto sa akin," Revillame said.

On Tuesday, the Kapamilya network asked the Quezon City RTC to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) and a writ of preliminary injunction to stop Revillame “from committing further violations to his contract with the network” by launching “Willing Willie.”

The new show will reportedly air on October 23 at prime time.

On Friday's hearing, Revillame arrived at the Quezon City RTC at around 9 a.m. and was greeted by some of his fans. He was with his lawyers and entertainment writer-host Lolit Solis.

The judge in the hearing was Luisito Cortez, who inhibited himself from trying the murder case filed against Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. regarding the Maguindanao massacre last year.

In response to the court's decision, ABS-CBN said its "application for TRO has been submitted for resolution of the Judge, who ordered both parties to file all pleadings by Oct 15, after which he shall decide on the application."

"ABS-CBN reiterates that the issue on Willie Revillame is all about honoring a contract. To the Kapamilya network, it is the ethical and right thing to do. It is a noble act of a person who values honesty and integrity," the network said.

"So when Willie chose to ignore his contract with ABS-CBN, we were left with no choice but to ask the court to intervene. We have not been negligent in reminding Willie about his contract obligations and when he asked for the rescission of his contract, ABS-CBN chose to apply for a TRO and fight for what is right and honorable," ABS-CBN said.

Pokwang Clears Controversial Video

Actress-TV host Pokwang spoke up regarding a controversial video uploaded on YouTube.

The video titled POKWANG NAPAMURA!!! uploaded by username "secretCAM10" showed how an angry Pokwang, who was wearing a hanbok (a traditional Korean clothing) shouted at some staff and a director during a photo shoot.

In the video, Pokwang, who got irked for an unknown reason, started throwing and kicking chairs that were on the set.

In a message posted on her official Twitter page, Pokwang said the video was part of the promotion for her upcoming commercial for Globe.

"Sa mga biktima ng commercial ko sa YouTube at FB relax lang kayo part 'yan ng promo para paingayin ang Globe MUZTA acting na acting diba?," Pokwang tweeted.

Currently, Pokwang is busy co-hosting "Pilipinas Win na Win."

Jake Roxas is Back After 5 Years Hiatus

Kontrabidang bampira. Ito ang comeback role ng dating matinee idol na si Jake Roxas sa fantaseryeng “Imortal” kasama ang mga bigating artista.

Mahigit 5 taon ding nawala sa show biz si Jake matapos dumaan sa matinding pagsubok sa buhay.

“Nag-quit ako dahil nandoon ako sa stage kung saan namimili ako. Kailangan kong mag-decide kung para sa sarili ko ba o para sa mga anak ko,” ayon kay Jake.

Ngunit walang pagsisisi si Jake na pinili ang 3 anak at asawa. Ayon sa kanya, sila raw ang inspirasyon niya para pagbutihan ang pagganap sa batikos na isa na siyang laos na artista.

“Sa show biz walang sinasabing mga has-beens, pero 'yung mga lumipas na, iyon 'yung mga dating nagsimula ng industriya,” dagdag pa ni Jake.

Mas didilim pa ang karakter ni Jake bilang ‘Magnus’ sa hinihinitay na pagtutuos ng mga bampira at taong lobo. Isa ito sa mga pinaka-importanteng yugto kung saan mamamaalam ang isang bida.

Most Popular Philippine Loveteams on Us Girls

Who is the most popular loveteam in Philippine history? Us Girls will reveal the answer this Sunday.

The fashion and lifestyle magazine TV show authority “Us Girls” will gather the fan clubs of several love teams to find out which among the likes of Guy and Pip, Kimerald, Enrich, Juday-Piolo, Peachy-Wacks, and Marvin-Jolina is the ultimate Pinoy loveteam of all time.

This Sunday (Oct 10), “Us Girls” is giving local showbiz fans a treat by listing down the most popular and most “kilig” match-ups in Philippine history. Showbiz experts from the industry, entertainment editors and columnists, and the public will also give their two cents on why a particular match-up clicks or not.

Aside from the top ten loveteams, TV’s fab three Iya Villania, Chesca Garcia-Kramer, and Angel Aquino will also count down the Top Ten Oldest Restaurants in Manila, Top Ten Pinoy Fashion Statements, Top Ten Chic yet Affordable Salons, and Top Ten Videoke Songs on the show’ special 10.10.10 episode.

“Us Girls,” the longest-running lifestyle show on TV, is one of the prime offerings of the Kabarkada network. Studio 23 marked a tremendous growth after introducing new programs mid-year with its audience share jumping to 5 percent in September from 1.6 percent in January this year, according to Kantar Media. Studio 23 is now only three points behind third placer TV5 in the national TV ratings and it has beaten Solar and QTV 11.

Watch “Us Girls” this Sunday (Oct 10), 6:30 pm on Studio 23, Ibakabarkada!

Find out if your favorites are in the top ten on “Us Girls” this Sunday (Oct 10), 6:30 pm on Studio 23, Ibakabarkada!

Judy Ann Santos Gave Birth to Baby Lucho

Actress Judy Ann Santos gave birth to son Juan Luis at the Asian Hospital in Alabang today at 5:51pm, October 7. It was through a normal delivery.

Just a month ago Judai’s husband, Ryan Agoncillo shared that they are ready to be hands on parents to their baby boy, even taking breast-feeding classes together. Also Ryan said that he’s going to be with his wife when she gives birth, even joking that he hopes not to faint when the time comes.

The actor-host also confirmed that their initial plan is that the actress will take care of their baby—who will be nicknamed Lucho—for the first few months after giving birth. “’Yun ang balak niya (Judai), pero sinabi ko naman sa kanya, ‘Sweetheart, basta kung ano ang gusto niya gawin natin pero kung nahirapan, we can always ask for help,’” said Ryan.

Aga Muhlach Found Many Similarities of Megan With Wife Charlene

Aga Muhlach discovers that her M3 co-star Megan Young has a lot of similarities with his wife Charlene.

Inilahad kamakailan ng award-winning actor na si Aga Muhlach ang kanyang pagkatuwa sa kanyang M3 leading lady na si Megan Young.

Lubos ang paghanga ng aktor sa batang aktres ayon sa kanya ay very talented. Kumpisal pa ni Aga na personal choice niya si Megan na balitang ginu-groom din na maging beauty queen. Alam nang lahat na si Charlene ay ang tinanghal na Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1994 at pinalad na maging 4th Runner-up sa prestihiyosong Miss Universe pageant.

“Megan is nice. Gustong-gusto ko siya. Tuwang-tuwa ako sa kanya. Ganun din wala siyang ka arte-arte parang si Charlene. Cool lang,” sabi ni Aga.

Samantala, ipinahayag din ni Megan na sa kasalukuyan ay abalang-abala siyang pinagsasabay ang kanyang pag-aaral, acting career at makulay na love life. Kaya’t malabo pang siya’y makalahok sa mga beauty pageants tulad ng Binibining Pilipinas, kahit na marami pa ang humihikayat sa kanya.

“It’s not part of my priorities right now. But I appreciate people that have been telling me na pwede ako, na parang capable ako for that sort of thing. Sa ngayon naka-focus ako sa work and studies. I just feel na it will be an interference kung sasali ako. Kung puno na yung schedule ko, pano yun? Siyempre kung sasali ka dun kailangan tutok na tutok ka dun. Maybe, pwede akong sumali after I graduate or kapag mas less na yung load ko,” ani Megan.

Sa darating na Sabado, sa M3, handang-handa na si JM (Aga) na dalhin si Bea (Megan) sa Fontana upang mag-propose. Dahil in love itong si Megs (Nina Jose) kay JM, gagawin niya ang lahat para pigilan ito.

Tuluyan na kayang mahulog si JM sa patibong ng pagka-desperada ni Megs? Ano na namang kaya ang kayang gawin ni Kringkring (Aiai delas Alas) upang mapigilan ang kasamaan laban kay JM?

Kasama rin sina Jojo Alejar at Jairus Aquino, ang M3 ay sa ilalim ng direksyon ni Direk Jeffrey Jeturian at Direk Frasco Mortiz.

Abangan at huwag palampasin ang Malay Mo Ma-develop o M3, Primetime Sabado, 9:45 pm, pagkatapos ng Twist and Shout sa ABS-CBN.

P-Noy on TFC

On his last day in the United States, President Benigno “Noynoy”Aquino III made television history by holding a live town hall forum with global Filipinos through the facilities of The Filipino Channel (TFC) at ABS-CBN International’s studio in Redwood Shores.

Hosted by Balitang America’s Gel Santos-Relos, North America News Bureau Chief Ging Reyes, and Adobo Nation’s Karmina Constantino, the program was aired live globally on ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) and gave overseas Filipinos an opportunity to address their concerns directly to President Aquino.

The president’s audience included Filipinos from Northern California, London, Tokyo and Dubai, as well as from New Jersey, Los Angeles and Toronto, Canada. ABS-CBN Global used state-of-the-art satellite and video conferencing facilities to connect overseas Filipinos with Aquino for his first-ever town hall meeting as president.

The online community, through www.abs-cbn.com and TFCNow was also part of the hour-long conversation with the President.

Aquino shared with the Filipino communities the good news about his first trip to the United States. As Manolo Lopez, Chairman of the Lopez Group of Companies, put it, “The president did not just eat hamburgers and hotdogs in the US. He also brought home the bacon.”

Together with the $434 million grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation, President Aquino told his audience that he received nearly $2.8 billion in pledges and investment commitments from US businessmen.

However, Aquino refused to rate his performance on his first foreign trip, saying, “Mahirap ho namang mag-grade dahil tinuruan ho tayo ng humility, dapat maging humble. Baka ho yung tatay at nanay ko nanonood ngayon, batukan ako pag nagyabang.”

The President answered questions from the audience ranging from the prosecution of his predecessor, human trafficking, immigration reforms, veterans equity, to jobs and population control.

The Chief Executive assured that his administration is cracking down on human trafficking syndicates, while giving priority to helping OFWs currently on death row in the Middle East. However, Aquino said he was not inclined to give in to requests to set up a separate department of OFWs. There are enough agencies, the president explained, that should just improve their coordination and performance. “I respect the OFW community pero parang failure ho ng bansa kung parating lalabas ang mga mamamayang yan. Dapat ho kung aalis ng bansa dahil gusto, imbes na napilitan. Kung gagawa ng department of OFWs parang nanigurado na tayo na wala na talagang mangyayari sa atin,” said Aquino.

The President said he would look into the possibility of raising humanitarian grounds to address the crackdown on illegals in the United Kingdom. But he drew the line at asking for legalization of undocumented immigrants. “Paano ho ba, ako lalapit kay Barack Obama at sabihin ko, puwede ba yung ibang illegal immigrants bahala ka na, pero yung sa amin baka puwede pagbigyan mo na? At a point in time when there is so much loss of jobs and closing down of businesses, this is the wrong time to appeal at para nga hong wala sa lugar,” said Aquino.

Still, he assured that there are skills retraining program for those who may be deported back into the country.

The President also challenged the Filipino community in the U.S. to unite and become a force in their adopted country. “United, I think nothing can stop us, but divided, we’re just a joke,” said the President.


There were some light moments too, as the President answered personal questions –

From what kind of music does he have in his iPod — “Halo-halo ho. May OPM, konting broadway, may disco, trance, may house. Mamili ho kayo, except rap.”

To who helped him pack his suitcases for this trip — “Sinong nag-impake? Meron akong kasambahay, si Yoly, matagal na sa akin. Pero dahil kumakatawan tayo sa Pilipinas, mga kaibigan ng kapatid kong si Kris, sina Paul Cabral at tumulong din mag-style si Liz Uy, para pagdating dito maayos-ayos po ang itsura at di naman tayo masyadong gusgusin humarap sa UN at mga pagkalalaking kumpanyang hinihikayat natin sa Pilipinas.”

For his first global conversation with kababayans, many participants, including those from the chat rooms gave the president high marks for straightforward answers, his candor, wit and humor.

MC Canlas of San Francisco said, “(The town hall meeting) did an amazing job of educating the Filipinos worldwide. Its impact will be felt for a long, long time.” “Proud to be Pinoy and proud to have you as our president!” said Gemma of Daly City.

There was room for introspection as well. Though he felt he was not given a honeymoon period, President Aquino said he has learned to roll with the punches. “If we have shortcomings and it’s pointed out to us, good. And we will correct and will try to perfect ourselves. I know what I do not know and I will seek to know.”

Kapamilya Bonding Day on SM North EDSA

Bugoy Drilon, Nyoy Volante, Bangs Garcia and Empress Schuck to spend bonding moments with their Kapamilya today, October 8, at the SM North of Edsa.

Kapamilya stars Bugoy Drilon, Nyoy Volante, Bangs Garcia and Empress Schuck are set to grace ABS-CBN Corporation’s first official “Kapamilya Bonding Day” on October 8 at the SM North Edsa Cyberzone Activity Area. This is in line with the launch the newest raffle promo entitled Refer A Kapamilya.

Starting this October, ABS-CBN will be accepting referrals from Philippine residents who have relatives and friends abroad. In the monthly draws, 20 lucky entries will get 10 thousand pesos each and in the grand draw, one fortunate winner will be the owner of a brand new house and lot.

During the launch, Sky Cable Corporation and Bayan Telecommunications, Inc. will make sure the attendees are treated to special bonding moments with their loved ones abroad via free overseas calls and internet use. For their part, Bugoy, Nyoy, Bangs and Empress will provide the much-awaited musical entertainment, made more enjoyable by the Showtime Dancers.

According to Ms. Ichay Bulaong, ABS-CBN Customer Relationship Management Head, “With Refer A Kapamilya, ABS-CBN underscores its commitment to be in the service of Filipinos worldwide by bridging them to home and bringing them closer to those who matter much to them.”

Launch attendees who will refer their overseas relatives and friends on the spot will also get the chance to win cash prizes in the bi-hourly draws. “After the first Kapamilya Bonding Day, we are looking forward to providing more opportunities for every Kapamilya to reach out to his or her loved ones anywhere in the world and spend precious time with them wherever they may be,” added Ms. Bulaong.

For more information, interested parties may call visit www.abs-cbn.com/refer.