ABS CBN s Wowowee
After a bountiful feast for lunch, I watched the ABS-CBN show Wowowee with my in-laws. If you've seen this show hosted by Willie Revillame, you know that its whole point is to give money away.
Such is the generosity of the show's donors that people are in line to get into it for days on end. For some, it's the only way they can see to get out of poverty.
Where does the money come from?
From what I understand, there are corporate donors who give millions of pesos in cash, as well as house-and-lot packages, tricycles, mini-grocery stores and a whole lot more. There are also the generous balikbayan members of the audience. These countrymen of ours who come home from abroad to visit their families are seated in a special section of the show. I believe they pay an entrance fee for the privilege of being an arm's length from the action. (If you're interested in being among them, my sister-in-law said that you should call your travel agent to arrange for an appointment or ticket. This is not the official word, so if you know this to be right or wrong, do tell us.)
In addition to the entrance fee, the balikbayan group is also encouraged to donate cash for the chance to be seen by and greet family and friends on TV. Lots of dollars get fanned around and collected during this part of the show. You may think it's too much to pay for the pagbati, but this money is really given away to the less fortunate members of the audience.
So, back to the show participants can win money through any number of ways. They have bigatin contests. Money is also handed out whenever Willie asks the audience if they think he's handsome (you have to give the right answer before he'll give you any cash ;) ).
The highlight of the show is the Pera O Bayong give-away. It's like the U.S. show "Deal or No Deal". The contestant picks one bayong and Willie offers him/her a growing amount of cash in exchange for it. The choice is over the sure cash or the uncertainty of the bayong, which may or may not contain millions of pesos and/or other fabulous prizes. It could contain toothpicks or toilet paper, but that's the whole point of suspense.
