From the Midwest redneck author of "The Rooster Crows at 4am!," "Lizard Poop!," and "The Philippines Expat Advisor"
Hit the Snooze Alarm! Shalani Soledad on “Willing Willie!”
It was bad enough when our local cable network in Guimaras started picking up "Willing Willie's" new TV program on TV5. In my opinion, Willie Revillame's new show is just a boring rehash of his old " Wowowee" program. While I certainly do not mind watching the new WW dancing girls (along with some of the dancers that left the old show), I was horrified to learn that Philippine President Aquino's ex-girlfriend, (no, not personal stylist, Liz Uy, that romance is already over) Shalani Soledad, was going to be the co-host for Willie's latest venture.
I watched Shalani's debut since my Filipina wife is a big fan of Willie's, and was bored to tears as she stood almost motionless throughout the whole program and was about as exciting as a dead bangus that had been out of water for years. I am sure that this was a good publicity stunt on Mr. Revillame's part, but honestly, I felt Ms. Soledad, also a councilor of Valenzuela City, was WAY out of her element. All she could do was smile and murmur a few words occasionally, and was a jarring contrast to Willie's high energy and the rest of the regular Willie crew.
From the reviews I have read in the Philippines, I guess quite a few Filipinos agree with me. Their remarks have been quite harsher than mine. I have no personal animosity towards the lady, but have to wonder if she is just using this as a stepping stone to a higher political office in the Philippines. Perhaps she will try to run for Senator as is being rumored in some circles?
Thankfully, my wife will watch something else other than "Willing Willie" if any other good alternative programming can be found. I personally will tune to any show that would even depict paint drying on a wall. It will far more pleasant to watch than Shalani Soledad. Now if she would just dress like one of the WW girls, that might get my attention!
Yes Dave they all look pretty good up there on stage! I am not too impressed with regular Filipino TV either. It is filled with commercials and so many dramas! The commercials last so long you forget what you are watching.
Last time I was there it was pretty much a waste of time, although I did enjoy the news casts. They are so much different than in the U.S.
I was always impressed with the ads that scroll on the bottom of the screen that advertise jobs in Iloilo. The fact that they could advertise they wanted only good looking white skinned girls was quite a shock to me. Oh well, that's the way it is and who am I to judge?
That is one of the things that I like most about the Philippines, the fact that they are not to politically correct!
Hi Randall, you are so right about the commercials. They do seem to last forever, and I thought commercials back in the States were bad. I like watching the ANC broadcasts since they are in English, but I, too, am amazed by the ads that you talk about, the companies advertising for only good looking white skinned girls. It is quite a shock to see something like that. There is blatant discrimination against some groups of Filipinos, but nobody here seems too concerned about it.
Dave,
I am affraid that getting Shalani in his show is a kind of pay-back to ABS-CBN ( Lopez and co. are close friends of the Aquino family).
Now after two weeks there is a little bit more live in her. She is getting used to the way WR is hosting his show.
By the way: did you read my post about the hearings in court between ABS en WR ? The post is called : http://www.expatinthephilippines.com/who-the-hell-does-willy-revillame-thinks-he-is/
Hi Jan! I didn’t think of that angle. I know Willie did not support Aquino during the presidential elections, but did not know about the ABS-CBN/Lopez angle. Thanks for making me aware of that.
I have to admit I have seen Shalani a couple of times recently, and she does have a little more life in her. My wife doesn’t tune to Willlie’s new program much anymore as she has lost interest in it (good news for me!) I’ll be sure to check out story on your site. Thanks!