MANILA, Philippines – The wrath of intrigues apparently did not tear down “Willing Willie” as the TV5 show will return after a few weeks in hiatus.
This was revealed by one of the show's co-hosts, Shalani Soledad, during the live “Presscon Express” segment of “Paparazzi” on April 24.
“Sa mga milyong-milyon na naga-abang kung kelan po babalik ang ‘Willing Willie,’ malapit na po. And of course, marami ang ginagawa, marami kaming ini-improve sa show para pag-balik natin mas lalo pang mag-enjoy ang ating mga [manonood],” Soledad announced.
Although the exact date of its comeback is still being fixed, according to Soledad, she did divulge one of the major changes on “Willing Willie” in terms of its set design.
“Meron na tayong bagong flooring, which we are very proud [of]. This is the first LED flooring sa buong Pilipinas. So abangan niyo po ‘yan,” she said.
Soledad admitted that she misses the show (“it’s part of my system already,” she said) since it went off-air temporarily following the flak that “Willing Willie,” and particularly its main host Willie Revillame, drew due to the alleged abusive treatment that a six-year-old “macho-dancing” boy got during the primetime program’s March 12 episode.
While “Willing Willie” is on break, Soledad said she devotes her energy in fulfilling her duties as councilor of Valenzuela City.
“Of course ‘yung trabaho natin bilang konsehal sa ating lungsod sa Valenzuela, tuloy-tuloy, mas meron tayong madaming pinagkakaabalahan ngayon,” she related.
It was not specifically mentioned in Soledad’s statements, however, if the show’s comeback would also mark the return of Revillame. Recall that the highly-berated TV host took a leave from “Willing Willie” more than two weeks ago to rest and contemplate on whether or not he will resume working in local showbiz.
Although Soledad said she got hurt over the criticisms that the “macho-dancing” incident ensued---from ordinary citizens to public figures such as politicians, government officials and showbiz personalities---she maintained, “We respect everyone’s decision.”
Aware that they can’t please everyone, Soledad said they would simply keep the show’s primary intention in mind.
“Ang intention namin lalong makapagbigay ng saya... as well as to be able to help enrich ‘yung lives nung mga kababayan natin. So ‘yun lang ‘yung parati naming tinatandaan. As long as wala naman tayong ginagawang masama, wala tayong tinatapakan... ‘Yun ang importante sa’tin,” said she.
Soledad is grateful that despite the deluge of issues, they have a good support system.
“‘Yung support system na meron kami, ‘yung family namin, and pati ‘yung members ng buong ‘Willing Willie,’ very supportive.
“Sabi ko nga last year hindi lang ako nagkaron ng bagong trabaho, nagkaron din ako ng bagong tahanan, at ng bagong pamilya. So very inherent ‘yon sa ‘Willing Willie’, kasi makikita mo from Jay (Montelibano, Business Unit Head of ‘Willing Willie’), mula sa ating floor director, sa ating mga dancers pati sa aming cameramen, 'pag nakikita mo talaga, isang pamilya,” she said.
She is likewise thankful for their supporters.
“Simula po noong [pumutok] itong issue na ‘to, ang dami pong nagte-text, tumatawag…” Soledad said.
Asked what kind of support she gives Revillame, with whom she is being romantically linked, the 30-year-old host-politician said, “All I can do is to assure him ‘yung support natin nasa kanya and 'pag kailangan niya tayo nandito lang tayo.”
Soledad did not veer away from the safe side when prodded about the real score between her and Revillame.
“With Willie kasi, how you see us on TV is how we really are. Si Willie kasi makulit eh, mabiro, so that’s his usual charming self. So ‘yon,” she simply said.
But she was interestingly open to include her love life as one of her wishes for her upcoming birthday on April 27.
“Number one, sana mag-improve tayo as a host, siyempre kasama na rin don magtagal ang ‘Willing Willie;’ number two, mas madami tayong magawa bilang konsehal sa lungsod ng Valenzuela; tapos meron din personal wishes pa tapos kasama din don ‘yung love life,” she said, smiling.
Egged on by the “Paparazzi” hosts to expound on her love life wish, Soledad coyly replied: “Basta sana maging masaya.”
Courtesy: Manila Bulletin
