Wowowee: A Filipino Game Show Immersed in Scandal

SE
Have you heard the buzz about Wowowee? It may sound like a tongue twister, but it is also a game show. The show is made in Quezon City, Philippines. Wowowee, a combination game and variety show, premiered in February 2005.

Wowowee airs live on ABS-CBN in the Philippines and can be seen worldwide (with tape delay, of course) on the Filipino Channel. The show has a running time of an incredible two and a half hours. Willie Revillame, Janelle Jamer, Mariel Rodrigues, and Roxanne Guinoo host Wowowee.

At the beginning of Wowowee, Revillame interacts with the audience. During this time subscribers of the Filipino Channel donate money, which is then given to charities that benefit the poor. Some donation funds also go to a deserving contestant later in the game.

One of Wowowee's games is "Willie of Fortune". Two teams of three compete; each person has a chance to showcase their talent, usually dancing or singing. Various prizes, including cash, are awarded in this competition.

Another game played in Wowowee resembles "Name That Tune". Yet another Wowowee game is called "Who Sang That Song". An entertainment segment which often features dancing or singing acts is shown towards the middle of the game show.

The makers of Wowowee found themselves amidst a controversy for the 2006 taping of the first-anniversary episode. At the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City, a stampede began when promoters began handing out tickets to the show. At least 73 people died, and 300 were injured.

Controversy resurfaced in February 2007 concerning illegal recruiting. Contestant recruiter Ace Vidanes allegedly had an arrangement with recruiters in which contestants received just 40% of winnings, while the recruiters received the remaining 60%.

In June 2007, Wowowee was given a three-day suspension by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. This suspension, and earlier warnings, are results of "wardrobe malfunctions". In a May 12 episode, a dancer's tube dress slipped and revealed a breast. Those involved with the show said only a bra was revealed.

Some residents of the Philippines want the popular show taken off the air. Rumors are swirling that a new segment, "Wilyonaryo", was rigged on August 20, 2007. ABS-CBN told the Sun Star that the incident in question was a technical glitch.

Another reason people want Wowowee taken off the air is the show's charity efforts. Some question whether the show should be stressing the value of hard work in addition to donations, rather than only giving the poor a false hope they can all win a large prize.

Sources:
http://www.answers.com/topic/wowowee
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net
http://www.sunstar.com.ph

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  • Anonymous3/12/2009

    Hoping they bring back Pera o Bayong game. Want MORE NO MORE Game is so BORING to WATCH, I used to wach WOWOWEE not any more the game is boring.

  • hmmmm2/28/2009

    I used to like this show too, when I was a TFC subscriber. However, I was so disappointed to see these: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9yTn-1Fg3c&feature=related

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TKwSCI_ZAA&feature=related

    What a shame!

  • allan2/14/2009

    magkabati na kayo ni joey ok ba yon

  • Michelle9/13/2008

    to answer the Ms. Fitrum question. It isn't a Ms. Smart contest gets? kung gusto ninyo ng beauty,brains etc. watch Bb. Pilipnas. Ms. Fitrum is a beauty pageant that judges on beauty and body. It's Ms. Fitrum can't you get that? the product is all about weight loss ergo body beautiful. Kaya BF ang mga tanong kasi no brainer.

  • Michelle9/13/2008

    to answer the Ms. Fitrum question. It isn't a Ms. Smart contest gets? kung gusto ninyo ng beauty,brains etc. watch Bb. Pilipnas. Ms. Fitrum is a beauty pageant that judges on beauty and body. It's Ms. Fitrum can't you get that? the product is all about weight loss ergo body beautiful. Kaya BF ang mga tanong kasi no brainer.

  • Lenny 7/29/2008

    I was born in the United states! I am born an american philippeno! This is the 1st time I got the phippeno station! I watched your show for the 1st time and i love what you do for the people! This show is a really great show. im glad you do this show! I hope one day I can come over there and watch your show live someday!

    Thank you Lenny Portland Oregon

  • Doc7/26/2008

    This is about Miss Fitrum, bakit ba puro boyfriend ang tanong. Wala na ba silang bukang bibig kundi bf? I like Willie pero after the judges bakit pa siya nakikialam. I also think na ang Monthly finals selection today was very bias. Biruin mo hindi naman marunong sumagot yong iba napili? Imagine from 5-8 ang nakuha. I don't think that was fair. Katangahan na lang yon dahil masyadong obvious na bias ang selection. Magbago na kayo oy bago kayo mawalan ng customer. The management should examine this issue.

  • beth hunter7/1/2008

    WE LIVE IN USA AND WE LOVE TO WATCH WOWOWEE. The show helps alot of filipino people especially the POOR ONES. How many times we saw some POOR OLD FOLKS that don't have anything. The government should be the one to help them. THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS should be ashamed of themselves. THEY ARE VERY CORRUPTED. I have been living in the US for 31 years but i still love my birth country. I still support my family and wish to support others if I have my way. What is wrong about wowowee helping the poor people?
    I admire you, WILLIE REVILLAME

  • beth hunter7/1/2008

    WE LIVE IN USA AND WE LOVE TO WATCH WOWOWEE. The show helps alot of filipino people especially the POOR ONES. How many times we saw some POOR OLD FOLKS that don't have anything. The government should be the one to help them. THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS should be ashamed of themselves. THEY ARE VERY CORRUPTED. I have been living in the US for 31 years but i still love my birth country. I still support my family and wish to support others if I have my way. What is wrong about wowowee helping the poor people?
    I admire you, WILLIE REVILLAME

  • wakim5/30/2008

    get lost

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