Broadcast legend and ‘king of talk’ Larry King dies at 87

WASHINGTON—Larry King, who quizzed thousands of world leaders, politicians and entertainers for CNN and other news outlets in a career spanning more than 6 decades, has died at age 87, CNN reported on Saturday, citing a source close to the family.

King had been hospitalized in Los Angeles with a COVID-19 infection, according to several media reports. He had endured health problems for many years, including a near-fatal stroke in 2019 and diabetes.

He had been hospitalized at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for more than a week, CNN reported.

King's official Twitter account also confirmed the development.

Millions watched King interview world leaders, entertainers and other celebrities on CNN's "Larry King Live", which ran from 1985 to 2010.

Hunched over his desk in rolled-up shirt sleeves and owlish glasses, he made his show one of the network's prime attractions with a mix of interviews, political discussions, current event debates and phone calls from viewers.

Even in his heyday, critics accused King of doing little pre-interview research and tossing softball questions to guests who were free to give unchallenged, self-promoting answers. He responded by conceding he did not do much research so that he could learn along with his viewers. Besides, King said, he never wanted to be perceived as a journalist.

"My duty, as I see it, is I'm a conduit," King told the Hartford Courant in 2007.

“I ask the best questions I can. I listen to the answers. I try to follow up. And hopefully the audience makes a conclusion. I'm not there to make a conclusion. I'm not a soapbox talk-show host.

“So what I try to do is present someone in the best light."

PRESIDENTS AND PRIME MINISTERS

King's guests included U.S. presidents dating back to Gerald Ford, international leaders such as PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, and entertainers ranging from Bob Hope to Snoop Dogg.

King never hid his old-fashioned proclivities and liked to reminisce about performers such as Frank Sinatra and Arthur Godfrey. In 2006 he admitted to a guest that he had never searched the internet, saying: “What do you do, punch little buttons and things?"

But by 2012 King was on the internet himself with his "Larry King Now" show on Ora TV, and later Hulu's streaming service.

He also was a regular presence on Twitter, promoting his interviews and tossing out random thoughts - "I have no desire to eat an artichoke," "My favorite flavor of Jell-O is lime" and "I love to say 'sacre bleu!'" — in what was essentially an online version of the column he had once written for USA Today.

King was an established radio talk-show host when he made his first television broadcast for CNN from Washington on June 3, 1985, five years after Ted Turner started the network.

"Larry King Live" would become one of CNN's highest-rated shows. He left CNN amid falling ratings in 2010 after 25 years with the news network, but stayed busy with his Ora TV show.

"I've known a lot of people who were experts in six or 12 things but Larry seems to be an expert in everything," Don Hewitt, creator of "60 Minutes", told the Hollywood Reporter.

"He's also never confrontational, which is majorly important. In an age when so many people are miserable, he seems to be one of the happy ones."

MIAMI RADIO BEGINNINGS

King was born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on Nov. 19, 1933, in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. He said at age 5 he knew he wanted to be on the radio and in 1957 he moved to Miami, which he had been told had a burgeoning radio market.

King started doing odd jobs at a Miami station and one day was asked to fill in for an announcer who walked off the job. Before he went on the air, the station manager urged him to change his last name to King because it was easier to pronounce and less ethnic than Zeiger.

King became a fixture in Miami but as his reputation grew, so did his troubles.

In 1971 he was arrested on a grand larceny complaint filed by Miami financier Lou Wolfson, who had been in trouble with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Wolfson allegedly paid King in hopes of gaining influence on the administration of then-U.S. President Richard Nixon.

The charge against King was dropped because the statute of limitations had expired, but the scandal knocked him off the air for some three years. He did public relations work for a Louisiana racetrack until station WIOD in Miami hired him.

King rebounded and the Mutual radio network gave him a nationwide audience in 1978. He relocated to Washington, a move that led to the CNN job.

He suffered a heart attack and had bypass surgery in 1987, prompting him to start the Larry King Cardiac Foundation a year later. He had surgery in 2007 to clear a blocked artery, was treated for prostate cancer in 2010 and said in 2017 that he had been treated for lung cancer.

King was married eight times to seven women, most recently to singer Shawn Southwick, who was 26 years younger. He had five children, two of whom died in 2020. (Reporting by Susan Heavey, Scott Malone and Bill Trott; Editing by Dave Gregorio, Rosalba O'Brien and Alex Richardson)

-reuters-

Japanese actress Okae dies after novel coronavirus infection

TOKYO -- Japanese actress and TV host Kumiko Okae died Thursday of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus, her management office said. She was 63.

Okae, who died at a Tokyo hospital at 5:20 a.m., developed a fever on April 3, the office said, adding she was hospitalized after her condition suddenly deteriorated 3 days later and then tested positive for the virus.

A familiar figure who appeared in TV dramas and variety shows, Okae underwent an operation for breast cancer last year.

She underwent radiation treatment from the end of January to mid-February, according to the office.

Kyodo News

Atom Araullo leaves ABS-CBN

MANILA – Atom Araullo is leaving ABS-CBN after working for the network for over a decade.

While he considers his time with the organization an "amazing adventure," Araullo said the time has come for him to explore emerging opportunities and challenges.

"Although I am taking a new path, I have nothing but respect and gratitude for the company that helped me become the journalist I am today," he said in a statement. "To all the hardworking men and women of ABS-CBN, maraming maraming salamat.”

In a statement, ABS-CBN wishes Araullo the best in his future endeavors.

"ABS-CBN has allowed journalist Atom Araullo to explore new interests in film, broadcast and digital media outside of the company," the network said in a statement.

"Atom says the training and exposure he got from the network as reporter and TV host have equipped him to try out other opportunities in the media industry here and abroad," it added.

Despite his decision to leave, ABS-CBN said Araullo will always remain a Kapamilya.

During his stay at ABS-CBN, Araullo earned several accolades including a bronze world medal at the New York Festivals Awards for his documentary “Warmer” in April this year.

The same documentary earned a nod at the 38th Catholic Mass Media Awards.

In May 2017, he was also hailed by the University of the Philippines Los Baños community as the Best Public Service Program Host for his show “Red Alert.”

In 2014, Araullo was proclaimed as one of the winners in the SUPER (Salute to Unparalled People, Endeavours and Resources) Awards for risking their lives while covering the wrath of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November 2013.

 Just recently, Araullo tried his hand at acting for the upcoming film "Citizen Jake.”

The movie, billed as the comeback movie of acclaimed auteur Mike de Leon, will be Araullo’s acting debut.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Georgina Wilson mum after manager drops her as talent

MANILA – Model Georgina Wilson chose to keep mum following reports that she was dropped from manager Shirley Kuan's roster of talents.

Over the weekend, entertainment site Pep reported that Kuan has decided to drop the model as one of her talents after Samsung, a brand which Wilson endorses, went straight to the TV host instead of her to close a deal.

In an interview with reporters on Sunday, Wilson said she would rather not comment on the matter, saying, “I’ll have my lawyer comment on that.”

She only said that she and Kuan have already talked about what happened.

“I did [talk to her] yes, yesterday,” she said.

In the said Pep report which was published Saturday, Kuan was quoted as saying that she will file charges against Wilson and Samsung.

“Samsung is run by unprofessional executives. Their agent called my office for Georgina and we gave them the rate. Then Samsung went straight to Georgina and closed the deal. No wonder I did not hear back from their agent after we gave the rates. The nerve,” Kuan said.

Kuan also asked other people to pass on her statement so more people could know about Samsung’s “rude” and “uneducated” move.

Last Friday, Samsung launched Wilson as one of the brand ambassadors of Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge in an event held at the SM Mega Fashion Hall.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Vic on having a new baby: I will be happier

MANILA - While he enjoys bonding with his children and grandchildren, veteran comedian Vic Sotto is open to the idea of having another baby.

In an interview during a press conference for his newest endorsement, the real estate company Citiglobal, Sotto said he "will be happier" if he will have another child.

"Kapag darating [ang baby] I will be happier. It's most welcome kung may parating pa. Bonggang, bonggang, bongga," said Sotto, who is in a relationship with his "Eat Bulaga" co-host Pauleen Luna.

When asked if he couldn't live without Luna, he said: "Oo naman. Kasama siya sa araw-araw na buhay ko."

Sotto went on to share his excitement whenever he sees his children and grandchildren.

"Marami akong apo eh. May bago akong baby, si Caleb na gwapong-gwapo, na nagmana sa lolo, grabe. I'm sure nakikita niyo sa Instagram ni Oyo," he said, referring to his son, Oyo Sotto.

"Siyempre hindi mo pwedeng alisin 'yon," he added, noting how he always makes his children his priority. "Bonus na lang 'yung sa mga apo ko na mababait, cute."

Meanwhile, Sotto said he is having a great time because he has always loved his work as an actor and TV host.

"I've always been relaxed. That's one thing that's keeping us really going strong -- loving what you're doing. At kapag sinabi mo 'yung loving what you're doing, eh kung 'di ka relaxed, 'di ka mage-enjoy. Kung tingin mo lang sa ginagawa mo ay trabaho lang talaga, trabaho ka nang trabaho, walang relaxation. Iiksi ang buhay mo.

"In other words, kailangan mage-enjoy ka," he ended.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Willie Revillame addresses gambling rumors

MANILA – Former Kapamilya TV host Willie Revillame finally broke his silence on rumors saying he is wasting millions through gambling.

Ricky Lo, in his column for The Philippine Star on Tuesday, said Revillame did not completely deny that he has been going to the casino.

“You know, I’ve been working so hard so I deserve to enjoy myself. I’m betting my own money. If I win, I can help more people; if I lose, I still continue to help people,” he said.

Revillame, however, admitted that he has indeed sold some of his properties.

“Yes, it’s true, I have acquired so many properties at ibinibenta ko ‘yung hindi ko na napapakinabangan,” he said.

Among the properties which Revillame has sold or is trying to sell are the Wil Events Place and the Wil Tower in Quezon City.

Contrary to other reports, Lo wrote that Revillame has kept his yacht, his private plane, his mansion at Ayala Heights in Quezon City and his property in Tagaytay City where he’s building a hotel.

Early this year, Revillame’s daughter, actress Meryll Soriano, said people should not judge her father on how he wants to spend his money because he earned them the hard way.

“Kasi ‘di ba, whatever he does with his life, it’s his prerogative. He has worked hard for everything, for his wealth. So whatever he wants to do with that, we don’t have any right to judge or to say something bad about it because it’s his money,” she said.

Revillame’s last television project was “Wiltime Big Time” on TV5. He has yet to make a TV comeback in a station which he refuses to reveal.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Manager defends Revillame amid gambling rumors

MANILA – The manager and friend of Willie Revillame came to the defense of his friend amid allegations that the television host has been losing millions from gambling.

In an exclusive interview with “Buzz ng Bayan” aired on Sunday, Jay Montelibano admitted that Revillame sometimes goes to the casino but belied reports that the TV host is addicted to gambling.

“I’d like to say na 'yung nalulong is not true. Yes, he may have gone and played out of fun. He may already have his share of wins and losses pero 'yung malulong is not really true and it’s not accurate,” he said.

Montelibano also denied a tabloid report that Revillame was held for two days because his loss allegedly amounted to P300 million. “It isn’t true. Like I said, hindi siya madalas (pumunta sa casino) tulad ng napapabalita,” he said.

Meanwhile, Montelibano confirmed reports that the Revillame has already sold some of his properties, but not because he lost millions.

“Actually, katulad nung sa Tagaytay, meron siyang dalawang properties doon… Upon the advice of his lawyers, we have been telling him, ‘Will, kapag hindi mo na ginagamit property mo, might as well sell it and use perhaps the money,’” he said.

“Even 'yung chopper, he’s not using it. To have it maintained on a monthly basis, 'yun lang hangar, may corresponding fees 'yun. That’s the reason kaya 'yung share niya sa chopper ibinenta na rin niya,” he added.

Last month, Revillame’s daughter, actress Meryll Soriano, said people should not judge her father on how he wants to spend his money because he earned them the hard way.

“Kasi ‘di ba, whatever he does with his life, it’s his prerogative. He has worked hard for everything, for his wealth. So whatever he wants to do with that, we don’t have any right to judge or to say something bad about it because it’s his money,” she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Vhong Navarro beaten black and blue

Exclusive photos show Vhong Navarro after he was allegedly tied up and attacked by a group of men inside a condominium unit in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig on Wednesday.

Navarro's manager, film director Chito Rono, said the comedian was invited by a female friend to visit her in her condominium unit.

Rono said Navarro was also threatened and was a victim of extortion.

He added that his ward is in bad condition.

The TV host and actor sent the photos to ABS-CBN News on Friday night.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Willie Revillame to return to TV in 2014

TV host plans new show on network 'with most viewers'

MANILA -- Willie Revillame said he is planning to revive his self-produced variety show, preferably on a network that has wide viewership, sometime in 2014.

The 52-year-old host revealed the plan in an interview with sports journalist Snow Badua on the sidelines of the Pacquiao-Rios bout in Macau last Sunday.

Asked what his fans can expect from him after the end of his noontime show "Wowowillie" in October, Revillame quipped, laughing, "Sa kanto-kanto lang muna ako! Sa tabi-tabi lang muna!"

"Hindi pa naman," he added, as to whether he's looking to switch networks, "kasi one month pa lang naman ako nagbabakasayon eh."

"Siguro next year, early next year," he said.

Revillame's "Wowowillie" aired its final episode last October 12 after seven months on air. In his first announcement of the program's end in May, Revillame said it would mark his retirement from television.

But in his closing lines in the program's finale, Revillame said, "I will return!"

The host was asked on Sunday which network he hopes to carry his comeback show. He answered: "Hindi ko pa alam."

"Syempre pag-aaralan ko mabuti kung saan mas maraming makakapanood sa programang gusto kong gawin," he said.

In September, Revillame aired his frustration about the limited viewership of his program on TV5. "No matter how good your show is, if the signal is not strong, people won't watch you," he said at the time.

Revillame transferred to the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned network in 2010, after the controversial end of his five-year program with ABS-CBN, "Wowowee."

His first TV5 show, "Willing Willie," similarly drew controversies, among them involving allegations of child abuse when a 6-year-old contestant was supposedly made to perform as a "macho dancer."

The controversy, which involved advertisers pulling out from the show, prompted Revillame to announce it would go on hiatus. A month later, it resumed as the reformatted "Wiltime Bigtime."

Yet another revamp as "Wowowillie" marked the program's transfer to a noontime slot in January this year.

Still on the subject of a possible network transfer for his planned 2014 program, Revillame said on Sunday, "Kahit saan naman, pwede, basta maganda 'yung programa, 'di ba? Basta maganda 'yung project, basta makabigay ng saya araw-araw at makakatulong."

"'Yun ang importante," he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Purple-haired Bianca Gonzalez on Mega cover

MANILA – Years after doing a couple of sexy pictorials, television host Bianca Gonzalez graces the cover of a fashion magazine, this time with purple hair.

Gonzalez, one of the hosts of the ABS-CBN morning show “Umagang Kay Ganda,” shows off her short locks on the cover of the November 2013 cover of Mega Magazine.

She is seen wearing a gray see-through dress on the cover, which was shot against a background of the same color to further emphasize her new hairstyle.

“Be liberated!” Mega Magazine said in a caption for the photo of the cover, which was uploaded on its Facebook page late Wednesday.

In a post on her Instagram page, Gonzalez said her new look is part of her endorsement of the hair care brand Vidal Sassoon Philippines.

“Sporting #theBianca hair (naks!) that I’m already really loving! If you’re thinking of changing your look, now is the time, go for it!!!!” she wrote as she uploaded a photo of her newest magazine cover.

Several Instagram users, including some of Gonzalez’ friends from showbiz, praised the TV host’s new look.

“Gandrous b!!!! Classy!!!!!:)” actress-host Toni Gonzaga wrote.

“Winner!” said former TV host Cheska Kramer.

Actress Marian Rivera, for her part, commented on Gonzalez’ Mega Magazine cover by typing in three heart symbols.

Early this year, Gonzalez appeared on the cover of the men’s magazine Rogue wearing a dress with an asymmetrical hemline, which revealed a part of her back.

In 2012, she went topless for the cover of Esquire Philippines.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Willie Revillame in tears as show goes off air

MANILA -- TV host Willie Revillame turned emotional Saturday during the live telecast of "Wowowillie," as curtains closed for the controversy-fraught noontime program after seven months on air.

Speaking with the live audience, Revillame recalled the different iterations of his variety shows -- the primetime offerings "Willing Willie" and "Wiltime Bigtime" -- which preceded this latest revamp as "Wowowillie."

"Galing 'no? Dalawang programa na 'yan na nagbibigay ng saya, at ito 'yung panghuli, at ito 'yung magbababa-bye na ngayong araw na 'to," Revillame said.

Addressing the TV5 management, he continued, "Medyo mag-o-overtime. Nakikiusap lang ako, for the last chance, huling araw na ho namin. Huwag niyo muna kami putulin, para naman po 'yung samabayanan, makita nila 'yung pinagsamahan nating programa."

A montage of contestants' winning moments and Revillame's interaction with his fans was then shown. This included scenes dating back to his debut as a TV5 host.

The trouble with hosting

Revillame transferred to the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned network in 2010, after the controversial end of his five-year program with ABS-CBN, "Wowowee."

His first TV5 show, "Willing Willie," similarly drew controversies, among them involving allegations of child abuse when a 6-year-old contestant was supposedly made to perform as a "macho dancer."

The controversy, which involved advertisers pulling out from the show, prompted Revillame to announce it would go on hiatus. A month later, it resumed as the reformatted "Wiltime Bigtime."

Yet another revamp as "Wowowillie" marked the program's transfer to a noontime slot in January this year.

"Tatlong programa po na nagbigay talaga ng saya sa inyong lahat," Revillame said on Saturday. "I'll be honest with you. Hindi ako nagsisinungaling sa inyo, alam niyo pagkatao ko, nagkakamali ako, naggalit ako sa TV, lahat, dahil hindi po ako pwede maging hipokrito sa inyong lahat. Kung ano po 'yung pagkatao ko, pinapakita ko."

"Intindihin niyo nalang ako, dahil lagi naming iniisip po ay kayo. Lagi namin pong iniisip ay kayo. Dala-dala po namin iyon araw-araw," he said.

Revillame went on to relate the difficulties of hosting a daily variety show live, which he said entails keeping up energy and an all-smiles front despite having personal problems to deal with.

"Hindi po biro ang mag-show araw-araw, na kahit wala ka sa mood, may sakit ka, kailangan mo ngumiti. May namatay, may sakit ang anak mo, may sakit ang pamilya mo, may sakit ang staff mo, hindi po biro 'yon dito sa amin sa 'Wowowillie.'

"Kailangan paglabas namin, sumisigaw ka, nakangiti ka kahit nagdurugo ang puso mo. Iyan po ang aming obligasyon, at iyon po ang aming kaligayahan, ang magbigay saya sa inyong lahat," he said.

Emotional Willie

He then proceeded to sing some of the hit songs popularized on his program. While singing "Ikaw na Nga," Revillame cried with his voice breaking.

Proceeding with his farewell speech, Revillame thanking several officials and executives of TV5 for allowing him to continue his program over the past three years. He also thanked former Sen. Manny Villar, who was in the audience, for being a partner in giving away some 28 houses as contest prizes.

Referring to the show's many contestants, Revillame continued, "Dito po, ang pinapansin ay 'yung mga hindi nabibigyang-pansin."

"Ang importante po dito, binibigyan ng halaga kahit sino ka, lalung-lalo na 'yung mga taong kapus-palad, 'yung mga tao pong nangangarap. Akala nila walang pangarap. Meron po, basta may mga programang katulad nito, na may pag-asang binibigay.

"Nandito kami hindi para lang maging masaya kami. Nandito po kami dahil nagiging masaya kami pag nakakapagbigay kami ng kasayahan sa inyo araw-araw," he said.

Not goodbye after all?

Revillame proceeded to thank the behind-the-scenes staff of "Wowowillie," as well as his female co-hosts who appeared to be in tears as he gave his speech.

He also mentioned former co-hosts Ethel Booba and Ate Gay, who quit the program after Revillame went on an on-air tirade in March criticizing them for supposedly being disrespectful toward him.

"Ako po ay taong hindi nagtatanim ng galit kahit kanino. Ako po 'yung taong wala sa akin 'yung hatred, 'yung bitterness, wala po sa akin 'yon," he said.

After showing another montage showing the entire "Wowowillie" crew waving goodbye, Revillame told the audience, "Wala ho ako dito kung wala kayong lahat. Kayo pong lahat ang nagbigay sa akin nito, kayo pong lahat ang nagdala sa akin dito."

Although he had previously announced the end of the program to mark his retirement, Revillame appeared to sing a different tune in his closing statements on Saturday.

"Sarado na po ang 'Wowowillie.' May bubuksan para sa magandang pag-asa at magandang buhay. Abangan niyo po 'yan... Wala pang kumakausap sa akin," he quipped, laughing. "Kung may kakausap, pag-iisipan."

"Salamat! I will return!" he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

TV5 confirms dropping Willie Revillame's show

MANILA -- Executives of TV5 have confirmed an earlier announcement of TV host Willie Revillame that his noontime program will go off-air in October after a six-month run.

During a recent press conference announcing the network's line-up of new programs, TV5 President Noel Lorenzana and Chief Entertainment Content Officer Wilma Galvante were asked as to what's ahead for Revillame's "Wowowillie."

Lorenzana confirmed that the show is indeed ending next month, as quoted by entertainment news site Yahoo! OMG in a report published Thursday.

He added that the TV host's contract will no longer be renewed. "If Willie comes back, it will be under new circumstances, a new format, and that's a big if," Lorenzana said.

Various iterations of Revillame's variety programs, dating back to "Wowowee" as it aired on ABS-CBN from 2005 to 2010, have been fraught with controversies.

The 2010 primetime program "Willing Willie," Revillame's first show on TV5, was accused of child abuse when a 6-year-old contestant was supposedly made to perform as a "macho dancer."

The controversy, which involved advertisers pulling out from the show, prompted Revillame to announce it would go on hiatus. A month later, it resumed as the reformatted "Wiltime Bigtime."

Yet another revamp as "Wowowillie" marked the program's transfer to a noontime slot in January this year. The show once again drew controversy, however, when Revillame went on an on-air tirade against co-host Ethel Booba for allegedly disrespecting him.

Dared by Revillame to resign from his show, Ethel Booba never returned as a co-host on "Wowowillie."

On the same program in May, Revillame announced his plans to retire, saying "Wowowillie" will air its last episode on October 12.

"Alam ninyo, may mga personal na rason na hindi ko na sasabihin sa inyo. Ako muna'y magpapahinga ng ilang buwan, ng isang taon o anuman...Tatapusin ko na lang po ang kontrata ko sa TV5," he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Willie Revillame to end contract with TV5

MANILA – Television host Willie Revillame is reportedly not renewing his contract with the No. 3 network TV5 when it expires in October.

According to entertainment website Pep.ph, the TV host made the announcement during his noontime show “Wowowillie” on Tuesday.

“Alam ninyo, may mga personal na rason na hindi ko na sasabihin sa inyo. Ako muna’y magpapahinga ng ilang buwan, ng isang taon o anuman... Tatapusin ko na lang po ang kontrata ko sa TV5,” he said as quoted by the website.

“Ganyan talaga ang buhay. Kasi kailangan ko rin ng time. Malungkot lang ay hindi tayo magkikita araw-araw. Wala nang sigawan, walang umiiyak sa saya, walang nabibigyan ng pamasahe, walang nabibigyan ng ganito," he added.

With his contract set to expire on October 15, Revillame said: “Maybe October 12 will be the last show ng Wowowillie.”

Revillame said he made the declaration to finally put an end to speculations about his future plans. He also added he was the one who personally wrote a letter to TV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan.

“Anyway, tingnan po natin, baka may pagkakataon ay magkita-kita pa rin tayo. Yun lang po para matapos na ang haka-haka. Ako ay sumulat na sa pamunuan ng TV5, ako po ay nagpaalam na—May 17. Actually po, sinagot na nila ako na I think tinatanggap nila 'yung aking pagpapaalam sa TV5. Para wala nang news, basta po tatapusin ko ang kontrata ko hanggang October," he said.

The controversial host, however, hinted that he will possibly appear on another show in the future.

“Kapag may nagsara na bintana, may magbubukas na pintuan. Basta mag-e-enjoy pa rin tayo,” he said.


Last month, ABS-CBN president and chief executive officer Charo Santos-Concio denied rumors that Revillame will return to the Kapamilya network.

"That's not true. We're not in talks with Willie Revillame. We're very happy with the ratings of '[It's] Showtime.' We're very happy with 'Showtime,'" she said in a press conference.

Revillame left ABS-CBN in 2010.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Solenn: I am an honest person

MANILA – Hours after it was first reported that the Bureau of Internal Revenue filed a tax evasion case against her, TV host and actress Solenn Heussaff insisted that she is not the type of person who cheats.

On her Twitter account on Thursday, Heussaff said: “I'm an honest person. As transparent as it gets. Someone made a mistake and I have to fix it.”

She also told one of her followers that she pays her taxes. “I'm ordinary too. And I do [pay my taxes]. Now I know not to give 100% trust,” she said.

Earlier today, the BIR filed a P3.6-million tax evasion case against Heussaff, who had previously joined the agency's tax campaign events.

The complaint, filed before the Department of Justice, said Heussaff failed to supply correct and accurate information in her tax returns in 2011 when she declared a gross income of only P6.73 million and a taxable income of P3.3 million.

"Heusaff's underdeclaration is more than 30 percent and is prima facie evidence of fraud," the BIR said, noting investigations showed the model received income payments amounting to P13.38 million in 2011.
"The BIR assessed her deficiency tax liability at P3.6 million, including surcharge and interest," the agency continued.

The BIR is also filing charges against Heussaff's accountant, Teofilo C. Magno, Jr. for his certification of his client's financial statement.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Ai Ai, boyfriend going through rough patch

MANILA, Philippines -- Television host Boy Abunda on Sunday spoke up on rumors involving the love life of his ward Ai Ai delas Alas.

Speaking on "The Buzz" where he is one of the hosts, Abunda confirmed that delas Alas and his boyfriend Jed Salang are indeed having a rough patch.

"Opo, may pinagdadaanan si Ai Ai at ang kanyang boyfriend na si Jed. Tayo'y umaasa na maayos. I cannot give you details dahil hindi ko pa po alam ang detalye, pero yes may problema sila," he said.

Abunda, who is delas Alas' talent manager, said the comedienne immediately left the country after her concert with South Korean rapper Psy last week.

He said delas Alas probably wanted some time for herself that's why she left the country right away.

Despite this, Abunda said he is hopeful that the two can still iron things out.

"I'm a possibilitist. Lahat naman ng bagay, may possibility. Pero for Ai Ai actually to leave immediately right after the concert, medyo may kabigatan siguro ang kanilang pinagdadanaan... Ang sigurado lang tayo, yes may problema," he said.

Abunda said delas Alas will return to the Philippines on Monday and he is hoping that she could air her side of the story on the showbiz-oriented show next week.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Kris Aquino now free to go on dates

MANILA, Philippines – Host-actress Kris Aquino is free to date again, now that she already got the green light from her youngest son, James "Bimby" Yap, Jr.

In an exclusive interview with “The Buzz” aired on Sunday, she said she already got her son’s blessings.

“May permission na ni Bimb. I said kasi 'Bimb can I go out on a date?' He said, 'Okay but no holding hands ha?' Sabi ko hindi naman ako makiki-holding hands so pumayag na siya pero sabi niya 'Just one ha!' So parang handa na siya. Mayroon na siyang level of maturity,” she said.

Although she had said that she is not anymore looking for love, Aquino said she realized that she should never close her heart just because of a past experience.

Aquino said she is continuously praying for the right one to come because she also wants to have a partner when her sons Joshua and Bimby finally have families of their own.

“Gusto ko naman to have a companion. Pero alam ko rin na at this point with a schedule like this, alam ko na a relationship means devotion. At this point, hindi ko pa kaya ibigay ang devotion na ‘yun kasi Bimb is only 5, I have so much to do. But if he'll understand, why not?” she said.

Asked what she is looking for in a man, she replied: “More than anything, I want peace. I want someone na hindi iko-complicate ang buhay ko, masusuportahan ang mga gusto ko, susuportahan ko rin siya and above anything else, we can have long, exciting and intellectual conversations.”

Aquino said she believes that God will give her the right one at the best time.

In her previous interview on "The Buzz" last month, Aquino admitted that she currently has a crush.

But even without a love life, Aquino shared that she is happy just coming home to a house full of people who truly love her.

“May nabasa kasi ako na parang kapag parati mong tinitignan kung ano ang nawala at hindi mo tinitignan kung anong meron at kung anong parating, walang magandang parating. So parang binuksan ko lang ang mata ko. Na-realize ko na siguro ang swerte ko dahil nakakauwi ako sa isang bahay na punong puno ng love. Ramdam na ramdam ko iyon. I have my siblings, my two sons and I love my work,” she said.

While she sometimes get emotional on her Twitter posts, Aquino said it is just normal for people to sometimes wake up on the wrong side of the bed.

“Kung ano man ang ikina-senti ko, siguro umemote lang. Happy na ako. Maganda naman ang buhay eh. There's no reason to complain whatsoever. Na-release ko and now I'm happy,” she said.

Meanwhile, Aquino said she is looking forward to celebrating her birthday with her close friends and family.

“Aalis kami. We're going to an island that I've never been to. Ipapasilip ko sa inyo sa ‘Just Us’ portion ng ‘Kris TV.’ I'll be with my sons, some friends, Zsa Zsa (Padilla), my sister Pinky, her husband. Grupo kami. Excited lang ako kasi parang bagong bago yung place,” she said.

Aquino will be celebrating her 43rd birthday on February 14.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Shalani won't say if she dated Willie

MANILA, Philippines - Valenzuela City coucilor Shalani Soledad refused to confirm or deny rumors that she and controversial television host Willie Revillame became a couple.

In her guesting on ANC's Headstart on Friday with her husband, Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, Soledad played safe as she only said good words about Revillame.

"With Willie, si Willie kasi very friendly talaga to others so parang hard to say din. Basta mabait si Willie," Soledad said when asked if she and Revillame were a couple.

Asked if Revillame courted her, she said: "Basta mabait si Willie. Very mabait. Mabait, very friendly to everyone."

Soledad co-hosted Revillame's show "Will Time Big Time" until last year. There were rumors she was sacked from the show when she married Romulo.

Soledad said that until now she has communication with Revillame and even guested on the Christmas episode of his show.

'He was very persistent'

Soledad also fended off rumors linking her to Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian.

"Since I got into politics 2004, I have been elected as city councilor, si Mayor Sherwin na ang kasama namin so we have really been working together because I was the chairman of the committee on appropriations. We worked very closely in terms of budgeting, in terms of how to allocate funds for the city," she said.

For his part, Romulo said he was not going in blind when he started courting Soledad. He said that he first courted Soledad by sending her text messages.

"When I first met Shalani, she did not agree to go out with me immediately. It took some time. I started texting. Hindi ako pinansin," he said.

Soledad said she was very busy with her show with Revillame that she did not think she had time to entertain Romulo.

"He was very persistent. He would ask for dates for lunch or dinner e sinasabi ko I was super busy because at that time, I also had an evening show. So yung 5-9 was really blocked," she said.

"E sinasabi ni Roman, 'O, what about breakfast? Lunch? Merienda? Dinner?' So sabi ko, 'Oy, ang bait naman nito.' Sige na nga," she added.

The couple will be celebrating their first anniversary on January 22.

Turning 1

After a year of being married, Romulo and Soledad said they really want to have twins.

"Right after the wedding, we really wanted to but hopefully soon. (Trying?) yes," Soledad said.

Asked how many children they want to have, Roman replied: "Siguro first dapat kambal agad para may kambal agad. Maganda many kids but we also have to be practical... as many as given."

Roman described his marriage with Soledad as "perfect."

"Perfect talaga, we understand each other talaga. I guess because we are also part of the same public service," he said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Janice 'overwhelmed' by good projects in ABS-CBN

MANILA, Philippines – Television host and actress Janice de Belen could not put into words how much grateful she is for all her projects since she returned to ABS-CBN two years ago.

In an interview with Push.com.ph, de Belen said she feels elated whenever people call her by the name of her roles in the Kapamilya TV series “Budoy” or “Ina Kapatid Anak.”

De Belen said some people even hate her for being an antagonist in the show.

"You do not know how overwhelming it feels... Alam mo, kapag marami nagagalit sa akin, that means tama ginagawa ko. Kakainis 'di ba? Minsan naiinis din ako sa [roles] ko. Pero kapag nakikita mong ganon, that means you're doing a good job. Okay na 'yun sa akin,” she said.

De Belen said her roles in the top-rating primetime series “is a chance to do something that people are not used to seeing you do.”

According to de Belen, she does not think much about gaining a certain status in the entertainment industry when she accepts projects as long as she is happy with them.

"I'm really thankful. ‘Yung mga ganito hindi ko naman pinag-iisipan. When I accept a project, [ang considerations ko lang kung] maganda ba 'yung role, sino mga kasama ko, parang okay naman. Kung may time let's do it. Hindi ko iniisip na maybe I should do this movie [to achieve a certain status], wala akong ganopn basta nage-enjoy lang ako," she said.

Apart from “Ina Kapatid Anak,” de Belen is also part of the showbiz-oriented show “Showbiz Inside Report,” which airs every Saturday on ABS-CBN.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Willie Revillame announces last day of show

MANILA, Philippines - Is television host Willie Revillame leaving his show "Wil Time Big Time" next year?

In the show's Tuesday episode, Revillame told the audience that he will make a big announcement on January 5, which he later said is his "last day" on the show.

"January 5 abangan niyo mag-a-announce ako ng aking desisyon sa buhay kung ako ay magtutuloy pa sa programang ito. January 5. Basta abangan niyo," Revillame told them.

However, he also asked them: "Kung wala ng ganito, wala ng programa, sa'n kayo pupunta?"

Answering his own question, he said: "Pumunta kayo sa mga ibang programa na matutulungan kayo. Basta, January 5, Saturday, mag-a-announce po ako sa buhay, i-a-announce ko na kung talaga ang gusto kong gagawin, January 5 'yan."

Later on, he said January would be his "last day" on the show and that he already told the management of TV5 about his plans.

"Seryoso ako, may huling araw ako dito -- January 5. Nagpaalam na po ako sa management. Sabi nila ikaw ang bahala yan ang desisyon mo," he said, even telling his show's staff to start looking for new jobs.

"Sa lahat ng aking staff, mga dancers basta kayo ay maghanap-hanap na ng dapat niyong puntahan. I-a-announce ko kung bakit at anong rason (sa) January," he said.

"Salamat sa lahat ng mga nakasama ko. Kayong mga dancers maghanap na kayo ng mayayaman na boyfriend," he said.

Revillame said he made the announcement so his fans won't be caught by surprise.

"Ayaw ko kayong biglain, gusto ko dahan-dahan. Basta magmula ngayon enjoy lang tayo, kalimutan niyo muna 'yan. Hindi ko alam kung aabutin pa ako ng January 5," he said.

"Pero magmula ngayong araw hanggang sa Pasko ay magbibigay ako ng todo todong pamasko sa inyo, 'yung mga huling araw ko dito," he added.

Asked for comment on Thursday, TV5 sources told ABS-CBNnews.com that the network doesn't have a statement at this time.

"Wil Time, Big Time," which started as "Willing Willie," first aired in 2010 after Revillame left ABS-CBN.

The show's name was changed to "Wil Time Big Time" after the show drew complaints when Revillame allegedly maltreated a 12-year-old contestant.

According to industry sources, the show's ratings were affected by the incident.

In the October monthly ratings data from Kantar Media, "Wil Time Big Time" had a rating of only 4.4%, well below the ratings of its primetime rivals. It was ranked at No. 17 among the top primetime programs on weekdays.

In comparison, ABS-CBN's "Walang Hanggan" was the top primetime program in October, according to Kantar Media data, with a rating of 22.7% for the month.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Kris admires Regine's professionalism

MANILA, Philippines – Television host and actress Kris Aquino was not able to stop her tears when singer Regine Velasquez lost her voice due to an illness during her 25th anniversary concert .

Aquino watched Velasquez's concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last Friday with comedian Vice Ganda.


In her official Twitter account, Aquino told her followers that she really felt for Velasquez because she knows how hard it is to lose a voice.

“Regine said it was a virus she caught but promised the fans in MOA a repeat so that, in her words, they could see the show they deserve,” she said.

“Sensitive ako sa mga nawawalan ng voice. My heart ached for Regine. I felt her frustration at not being able to give 100%,” Aquino added.

Meanwhile, in an interview with the Philippine Entertainment Portal after the concert, Aquino said she will forever be Velasquez’s fan because of her professionalism.

“Kasi I know what a perfectionist she is, so alam ko na ginusto niya talaga to give everybody a beautiful show. And alam ko na, she herself, siguro masakit talaga ito na hindi niya naibigay ang lahat,” she said.

Aquino also said she is willing to help Velasquez in organizing her concert repeat this December.

“Kung kailangan mamuhunan para tulungan siya i-mount 'yung free show, go Regine,” Aquino said.

Velasquez is one of Aquino’s close friends in show business. Velasquez even helped during the campaign of Aquino's brother, President Benigno Aquino III, in 2010.

source: abs-cbnnews.com