3 awards for GMA-7, 2 for ABS-CBN in 54th New York Festivals

On its 54th year, the annual New York Festivals International Television Programming and Promotion Awards recently handed out awards to the "The World's Best Work" in news, documentary, information and entertainment programming as well as in music videos, infomercials, promotion spots, openings and ID's.

New York Festivals |Photos courtesy of sennep.com

There were twelve (12) entries that the Philippines submitted to the Festival, this year. Out of those 12, five received awards from the body during the awarding ceremony recently held in Las Vegas. The 5 entries (3 from GMA-7 and 2 from ABS-CBN) are as follows:

"Alexis and Nika", Storyline (ABS-CBN)

Silver Medal, Biography-Profiles Category

"Orphan" and "Stolen", Storyline (ABS-CBN)
Bronze Medal, Community Portraits Category

"Paraisong Uhaw" (A Parched Land), I Witness (GMA-7
Bronze Award, Social Issues/Current Events Category under the Documentary/Information Program Heading

"Lupang Hinirang" (Philippine National Anthem), (GMA-7)
Bronze Award, Music Video Category

"Biyaheng Totoo" (Real Journey), (GMA 7)
Silver Trophy, Special Report in News: Reports/Features Category

Meanwhile, GMA-7's Born To Be Wild: The Born Expeditions Finale earned a finalist certificate in Nature & Wildlife Category.

The following six entries from ABS-CBN also received finalist certificates : Altar (Copywriting: Promotion Spot), I Survived (Docudrama), Storyline (Social Issues/Current Events), Dahil May Isang Ikaw (Telenovelas), Magkaribal (Telenovelas), and TV Patrol's Bloodbath in Manila (Coverage of Breaking News).

Congrats! :D

Karylle poses sexy for her new album, 'Road Trip'

"OMG!", that's the title of the career single of the newly launched album of Kapamilya singer-actress Karylle. You surely will utter this 3-letter word, which is one of the newest addition to Oxford Dictionary, when you see this sexy shot Karylle did for her album, "Road Trip".

Check out Karylle's sexy photo below:

Karylle's sexy shot featured in her new album, "Road Trip" | Photo courtesy of Zsa Zsa Padilla

Produced by Karylle herself, the "Road Trip" album has been released through Polyeast Records and is now available in your favorite record bars.

Noypi Notes:

OMG! Karylle is getting more fabulous these days, eh? I find her the most gorgeous among the lovely singers during a number in Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Coronation Night. Do you agree? :D Noypi <3s Kaylle! :D

Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes' launching movie in the works!

It seems like the newest primetime princesses are on a non-stop ride on the road to fame.

After the huge success of their TV show, Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes, the lead stars of the top-rating TV series "Mara Clara", are currently working on a new movie which they will topbill. To be produced by Star Cinema, this will serve as the launching movie of the young actresses.

Box office director Cathy Garcia-Molina will be directing the flick which is already being speculated as a hit considering the enormous number of followers of "Mara Clara".

Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes will be joined by their "Mara Clara" co-star Albie Casino and Kapamilya actor AJ Perez.

In an interview, Julia Montes said that she is both excited and nervous for this project.

“Kami ni Kathryn sobrang nagpapasalamat dahil nagbunga po yung hardwork ng buong team ng Mara Clara. Although mas malaki ang expectations ng tao kasi movie na ‘yon so may pressure pero mas nangingibabaw ‘yong gratitude and excitement namin,” Julia Montes told ABS-CBN news.

Shamcey Supsup slated to welcome President Noynoy in GenSan

The newly crowned Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2011, Shamcey Supsup is all set for her homecoming parade tomorrow, April 13, in General Santos City. It was previously reported that a 'Hero's Welcome' has been prepared for the beauty queen.

President Noynoy (PNoy) Aquino is also scheduled to visit the city this Thursday and Shamcey Supsup is slated to welcome PNoy during his visit.

In an interview with TV Patrol, Shamcey Supsup said she wants the President to learn a thing they commonly do in the city.

"Tuturuan ko po siyang mag-copra kung gusto po niya... paano magbunot ng niyog," Shamcey Susup jokingly said.

Check out more Noypistuff articles about Shamcey Supsup below:

Shamcey Supsup , competition pics and videos | Know more about the Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2011

Shamcey Supsup, a perfect epitome of beauty and brains

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Winners | Bb Pilipinas 2011 Results

Japan Earthquake, April 12, 2011: Another strong aftershock rocks Eastern Honshu

Less than a day after the 6.6-magnitude quake, another powerful temblor hit 19 km (12 miles) WSW (247°) Iwaki, Honshu, Japan on April 12, 2011 at 2:07 p.m. (Tokyo Time) - just a few kilometers away from the epicenter of yesterday's earthquake which struck the area at 5:16 p.m.

Today's quake registered at magnitude 6.0.

It appears that the recent strong quakes are aftershocks of the destructive 9.0 -magnitude earthquake on March 11 which killed thousands. According to reports, there have been more than 400 aftershocks from last month's devastating quake. Doctors also said to have reported increased cases of dizziness coined as "earthquake sickness" due to the tremors.

The April 12 Japan Earthquake has not triggered any tsunami. However, it has killed 6 lives after causing landslides, according to recent reports.

Let's continue praying for Japan, guys! :(

Taal Volcano quakes increase in number in 24 hours

According to the most recent bulletin of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), there were 11 earthquakes produced by the activity of the Taal Volcano today, April 12, 2011. This is 4 quakes more than yesterday's recorded volcanic quakes.

Taal Volcano | Photo courtesy of adcorner.ph/danielg

The bulletin added that the carbon dioxide emissions of the Volcano is still in high levels which suggest anomalous gas release from the magma at depth. The Alert Level II hoisted last Saturday has not been lifted due to the increased activity of Taal Volcano.

The Institute had advised the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965 -1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate.

In today's episode of TV Patrol, it was reported that there were cracks noted on the walls and floors of the houses and on the roads in Talisay, Batangas which is 10 km away from Taal Volcano. The Phivolcs is still to investigate what caused the cracks.

Taal Volcano is located in Batangas and is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. During its past eruptions, it has killed more than 5,000 people to date. There has been a total of 33 recorded eruptions at Taal since 1572.

Boracay, Philippines, 2nd Top Beach Destination in the World - Trip Advisor

With the winners chosen based on millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions from travelers around the world, the beautiful tropical island of Boracay has been named by the travel website called TripAdvisor as the "2nd Top Beach Destination in the World for 2011".

Boracay, Philippines | Photo courtesy of Niginigi.com

"Its white sand beaches are the island's main draws. Choose from Yapak Beach, with its white shells, White Beach, with its amazing sunsets, and romantic, secluded Balinghai Beach. Off the sands, good restaurants, enticing shopping and Boracay Butterfly Garden provide other appealing diversions. Explore the 4.5-mile-long island by motorized pedicab or rent a bicycle or motorbike from your resort. " said Trip Advisor.

The island of Providenciales situated in the Turks and Caicaos group of islands in North Atlantic Ocean topped the list.

Aside from Boracay and Providenciales, the Top 10 list also include: 3. Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba; 4. Negril, Jamaica; 5. Tulum, Mexico; 6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; 7. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman; 8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; 9. Cape May, New Jersey, and 10. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.

“It’s that time of year when travelers are dreaming of getaways to warm beach destinations. To provide inspiration on where to go, we’ve named some amazing hot spots around the world, based on millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “In addition to the outstanding beaches, these destinations also feature top-rated options for hotels, vacation rentals, attractions, and restaurants.” according to TripAdvisor.

Shamcey Supsup , competition pics and videos | Know more about the Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2011

Let us go back to the journey of the newly crowned Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2011, Shamcey Supsup and figure out what went right [:)]. Here are the photos and videos of the beautiful and brainy GenSan/Iligan pride collected since the start of the competition:

There is no doubt that Shamcey Supsup possesses the poise, the confidence, the looks, the body and brains, making her one of the most deserving winners of the most prestigious beauty pageant in the country! I hope she'll make it big in the Miss Universe Competition this Spetember 12, 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil!

Let me also post my previous article about Shamcey:

Shamcey Supsup, a perfect epitome of beauty and brains

Winning the most coveted title of the pageant is just one of the amazing achievements of the beautiful lass from Iligan City (she was born in Iligan but grew up in General Santos City). She topped the Architect Licensure Exam last June 2010. She also finished BS Architecture with Latin honors (Magna Cum Laude) at University of the Philippines-Diliman. She was also the Class Salutatorian when she graduated in Makati High School.

Stands 5'7 1/4", 24-year old Shamcey Supsup weighs 105 lbs with the following vital statistics: 32 1/2 - 23 1/2 - 33 1/2. She is fond of drawing, painting and reading books.

During the Question and Answer portion of last night's event, she was asked of the question below:

"What worthy cause do you identify yourself with and why?"

Her answer was: "I think the one worthy cause I can identify myself with is valuing education. Because I believe education is something that cannot be taken away from you. You can have money, you can have fame, but in the end, it can be taken from you. But education will always be there to help you."

Shamcey Supsup will be representing the Philippines in the Miss Universe competition on September 12 in Brazil.

Truly, Shamcey Supp is a perfect representation of a beauty with brains. May she bring pride and honor to the country this September.

Shamcey Supsup's Photos/Videos courtesy of OPMB, BPCI, and Missology

Japan Earthquake, April 11, 2011: A strong M7.1 quake hits Japan anew

Exactly one month after the devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake on March 11, Japan was struck by another strong quake which registered magnitude 7.1 on the Richter Scale on April 11, 2011 at 5:16 p.m., local time. (Update: magnitude downgraded to 6.6)

The epicenter was located at 38 km (24 miles) W (260°) of Iwaki, Honshu, Japan. It has a depth of 13.1 km. A tsunami warning has reportedly been issued. Reports say a half-meter high wave is expected at the Fukushima prefecture. (Update: tsunami warning lifted!)

Four days ago, Japan was also hit by a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake which killed 4 and injured 100 people.

There has been no reports of damage from the most recent quake.

Taal Volcano Bulletin - April 11, 2011

Courtesy of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, here's the Institute's most recent bulletin (dated April 1, 2011) of the Taal Volcano which provides information of the current activity of the volcano:

Taal Volcano’s (14.0000°N, 120.9833°E) seismic network recorded seven (7) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Water temperature slightly increased from 30.0°C to 30.5°C. Gas measurements conducted at Taal Main Crater Lake last January, February and March 2011 yielded carbon dioxide (CO2) emission values of 2,250 tonnes per day (t/d), 1,875 t/d and 4,670 t/d respectively. The remarkable increase in C02 concentration indicates anomalous gas release from the magma at depth. Result of the ground deformation survey (precise leveling) conducted around the Volcano Island last 05-11 April 2011 showed that volcano edifice is slightly inflated as compared with the 02-09 February 2011 survey.

Alert Level 2 is hoisted over Taal Volcano with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by CO2 being released in the Main Crater Lake and increase in seismic activity. Hence, PHIVOLCS advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965 -1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Breathing air with high concentration of gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation. In addition, it is reminded that entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately relayed to all concerned.

Taal Volcano is located in Batangas and is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. During its past eruptions, it has killed more than 5,000 people to date. There has been a total of 33 recorded eruptions at Taal since 1572.

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Winners | Bb Pilipinas 2011 Results

The Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Winners have been bared!

Here they are... :D

(L-R) Mary Jean Lastimosa, Mary Jean Lastimosa, Shamcey Supsup, Dianne Elaine Necio and Janine Tugonon | Photo courtesy of Jonathan Bacala

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Winners:

Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2011 - Bb. 26, Shamcey Supsup

Binibining Pilipinas International 2011 - Bb. 33, Dianne Elaine Necio

Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 2011 - Bb. 25, Mary Jean Lastimosa

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 1st Runner Up - Bb. 27, Janine Tugonon

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 2nd Runner Up - Bb. 34, Mary Jean Lastimosa


Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Top 15 Finalists:

Bb. 6, Patricia Marie Tumulak
Bb. 8, Ma. Kristina May Marasigan
Bb. 11, Diana Arevalo
Bb. 13, Queenierich Rehman
Bb. 16, Sabrinne Al-Tawil
Bb. 19, Wendy Lucas
Bb. 23, Luzelle Felipe
Bb. 25, Isabella Manjon
Bb. 26, Shamcey Supsup
Bb. 27, Janine Tugonon
Bb. 30, Kathleen Subijano
Bb. 32, Jenn Roe Gubat
Bb. 33, Dianne Elaine Necio
Bb. 34, Mary Jean Lastimosa
Bb. 37, Sarah Nicole Clenci

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Best in Swinsuit - Bb. 13, Queenierich Rehman

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Best in Long Gown - Bb. 23, Luzelle Felipe

Bininibining Pilipinas 2011 People's Choice - Bb. 7, Angelia Gabrena Ong

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Miss Friendship - Bb. 31, Samantha Purvor

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Miss Talent - Bb. 26, Shamcey Supsup

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Miss Philippine Airlines - Bb. 26, Shamcey Supsup

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Miss Manila Bulletin - Bb. 23, Luzelle Felipe

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Miss Creamsilk - Bb. 26, Shamcey Supsup

'Willing Willie', to return or not to return? Take the poll!

With the recent turn out of events, Willie Revillame has announced that his show "Willing Willie" will be off air for two weeks or until he makes up his mind of continuing the show without the sponsors.


What do you think, guys? Should "Willing Willie" go on air once again? Or is it better for TV5 not to have the show anymore?

Poll: ''Willing Willie", to return or not to return? Cast your votes!

Background

The controversial March 12 episode of "Willing Willie" where a 6-year old boy named JanJan Suan did a macho dancing act as his talent in a segment of the show, has been found to constitute child abuse by some government agencies.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board is currently investigating on the matter. Meanwhile, the show's sponsors have pulled out their ads on the show.

Earthquake of 5.4 magnitude at epicenter jolts Manila, Philippines on April 9

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), a shallow (28 km) tectonic earthquake which registered at magnitude 5.4 on the Ritcher Scale struck Luzon, Philippines earlier today, April 9, 2011.

The epicenter of the April 9 earthquake was located at 33 km southwest of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro | Graph courtesy of Philvolcs

The epicenter was recorded off 33 km Southwest of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro at 2:29 a.m. It was felt at Intensity III at the Philippine capital, Manila as well as at the following areas: Puerto Galera; San Teodoro and Baco, Oriental Mindoro; Abra de Ilog, Oriental Mindoro; Quezon City; Guiginto, Bulacan; Makati City; Muntinlupa City; and Marikina City. Meanwhile, the residents of Looc and Lubang, Occidental Mindoro felt it at Intensity IV.

The Institute does not expect damage nor any aftershock from the quake.

Here are the descriptions of the above Intensities according to Phivolcs:

Intensity III

Weak - Felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of buildings. Vibration is felt like one passing of a light truck. Dizziness and nausea are experienced by some people. Hanging objects swing moderately. Still water in containers oscillates moderately.

Intensity IV

Moderately Strong - Felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors. Light sleepers are awakened. Vibration is felt like a passing of heavy truck. Hanging objectsswing considerably. Dinner, plates, glasses, windows and doors rattle. Floors and walls of wood framed buildings creak. Standing motor cars may rock slightly. Liquids in containers are slightly disturbed. Water in containers oscillate strongly. Rumbling sound may sometimes be heard.

Take care, everyone!

Japan Earthquake on April 7 update: Aftershock kills 2 ; tsunami warning lifted!

On April 7, 2011, at 11:32 p.m local time, a strong aftershock which registered at 7.1-magnitude on the Richter Scale struck Northern Japan again which is same epicenter of the devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake on March 11. At first it was reported magnitude 7.4 but later downgraded to 7.1.

A tsunami warning of up to 6 feet was issued immediately and people along the coastline were told to evacuate. The tsumani warning was lifted after 90 minutes.

According to reports, the tremor also caused power shutdown in several areas in the Northeast and may have further damaged the Fukushima plant. Workers also evacuated the plant until the danger of tsunami caused by this latest shock is past.

The powerful April 7 earthquake killed 2 and injured a hundred people, according to latest news reports.

Here's a Youtube video of the April 7, 2011 Japan Earthquake:

April 7, 2011 Japan Earthquake | Video courtesy of Youtube

Regine Velasquez is yet to confirm pregnancy

Although it has been reported in news sites like PhilStar and confirmed by an entertainment journalist on TV which instantly spread in the internet like wildfire, Regine Velasquez nor her husband Ogie Alcasid has not given a word on the said pregnancy yet.

Reports say that the singer-actress is 5 weeks pregnant which said to be the reason why she collapsed during a "Party Pilipinas" episode, a couple of weeks ago. Her doctor reportedly advised her to take it slow while working. However, according to an ABS-CBN report it was because of her recurrent migraine that she fainted.

Fainting is a sign of pregnancy but it does not necessarily mean that Regine is pregnant right?

Although I guess, the two journalists are quite credible as well.They would not be there if they're not credible enough.

Congrats, again Reg and Og! (Close?) :D

April Fools' Day prank of Google for 2011, 'Gmail Motion'

Google is known for its April Fools' Day pranks which over the years include job applications for positions on the Moon and the revelation that its Internet search rankings are compiled by pigeons.

Wondering what this internet giant have in stored for us this year?

It's called "Gmail Motion", a new product which said to allow users to send and receive emails using only gestures. Check out Gmail Product Manager Paul Mcdonald's video below to know more about this technological breakthrough. Lol.

Ramon Credo, Elizabeth Batain, Sally Ordinario-Villanueva executions in China push through

In a live interview of Vice President Jenjomar Binay on ANC, he confirmed that the 3 Filipinos convicted of drug trafficking in China have been executed on Wednesday morning, March 30, 2011.


The executions of Ramon Credo, Elizabeth Batain and Sally Ordinario-Villanueva were carried out by the Chinese authorities via lethal injection.

The death sentences of Ramon Credo and Sally Ordinario-Villanueva were both meted out in the city of Xiamen while Elizabeth Batain was executed in Shenzen.

The news was also confirmed by Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda who said that the entire nation sympathizes with the families of the 3 Filipinos.

"The nation sympathized with the families of the condemned, sharing their sense of looming loss. We sympathize with these families now. Their deaths are a vivid lesson in the tragic toll the drug trade takes on entire families," Lacierda said.

Under the Chinese law, smuggling 50 grams or more of any illegal narcotic drug into China is punishable by death.

The three Filipinos were caught separately in 2008 carrying at least 4,000 grams of heroin.

Separated from wife with 5 children, Ramon Credo (42) of Cavite was arrested after possession of 4,113 grams of heroin into Xiamen on December 28, 2008. He was allegedly recruited to be a drug courier by a certain Prescy Evangelista.

Married with 2 kids, Sally-Ordinario Villanueva (32) from Echague, Isabela was caught carrying 4,110 grams of heroin on December 24, 2008.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Batain (38) whose family requested concealment of her personal info was jailed after smuggling 6,800 grams of heroin in Shenzhen on May 24, 2008.

The three drug mules were convicted and sentenced in 2009.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, they are among the 72 Filipinos senteced to death in China due to drug-related cases.

Info courtesy of ABS-CBNnews.com

Heart Evangelista backs out from 'Temptation Island' due to sexy scenes?

Kapuso actress Heart Evangelista has recently been chosen as part of the lead cast of the upcoming remake of the 1980's sexy-comedy flick "Temptation Island". But did she find the scenes too sexy that she has to back out?

Heart Evangelista | Photo courtesy of Google Images

Although she was indeed hesitant to do the film at first because of the sexy scenes, the "Dwarfina" star denied the rumor saying, "No backing out. I don't know where that came from... I'm very excited for this movie. And ayun, masaya itong movie na ito."

Aside from Heart, the other lead roles have been given to Solenn Heussaff, Marian Rivera, and Lovi Poe.

The original movie which starred four beauty contest title-holders; Azenith Briones (Miss Photogenic, Mutya ng Pilipinas 1975), Jennifer Cortez (Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 1978), Bambi Arambulo (Miss Maja Pilipinas 1977) and Dina Bonnevie (1st Runner-up, Miss Magnolia 1979, has the plot below courtesy of wikipedia:

The film focuses on four young ladies from different social backgrounds and each for their own various reasons, enlists in the fictional "Miss Manila Sunshine Beauty Pageant".

The first of which is Dina (Bonnevie), a college student who entered the contest in order to earn independence from her family. Next is spoiled, rich socialite, Suzanne (Cortez), whose every whim is attended to by her maid, Maria (Sun), learned of the contest when fliers dropped from a helicopter interrupts her sunbathing at the family pool and out of sheer vanity decided to sign up. Thirdly, Bambi (Arambulo), while planning her 18th birthday party, when she and her mother argue over the budget, since her once rich family cannot afford the grand debut, Bambi is forced to settle for a much simpler party. But during their argument, Bambi falls on her birthday cake; when sees the pageant's TV spot, her frustrations over her current situation inspires her to join. Rounding up the group is Azenith (Briones) a con-artist who plans to rig the contest by using her and her boyfriend's sexuality to influence the judges into voting for her.

The ladies later became the finalists for the competition. En route to the evening gown competition, the ship they boarded catches fire, and the passengers scramble to evacuate. The four women, Maria, Joshua (the gay pageant coordinator played by Jonas Sebastian) and his boyfriend Ricardo (Ricky Belmonte), Umberto (one of the ship's waiters played by Domingo Sabado) and Alfredo (played by Alfie Anido) land on a desert island.

Jackie Chan died of heart attack? | Jackie Chan Death Hoax 2011

To those who are alarmed with the trending topic on Twitter "RIP Jackie Chan", here's what you need to know.

It is only a rumor which started after online reports quoted a source from a Los Angeles hospital who said actor Jackie Chan died while promoting Kung Fu Panda 2. The reports said his heavy schedule "was causing extreme stress and putting too much pressure on his heart." It also said U.S. President Barack Obama had issued a statement with his condolences and MTV was planning a special memorial for Chan on Friday.

Jackie Chan | Photo courtesy of Google Images

Jackie Chan's rep has denied the reports that Jackie Chan died of heart attack by posting statements on Jackie Chan's Facebook fan page and Twitter account.

"Jackie is fine and busy preparing for filming his next movie," his Facebook page said.

"Jackie is alive and well. He did not suffer a heart attack and die," "@EyeofJackieChan" tweeted Tuesday morning.

Jackie Chan is not the only actor who has been a target of a death hoax. Justin Bieber, Gordon Lightfoot, and Jeff Goldblum have also been falsely reported dead but of course they are pretty much alive still.

Willing Willie macho dancing 6-year old boy issue intensifies | DSWD condemns child abuse

The child abuse issue on a Willing Willie March 12 episode where 6 year-old JanJan Suan did a macho dancing act as his "talent" for a segment of the show and where Willie Revillame said to have bestowed "emotional abuse and humiliation" to the kid did not just end up with the flood of criticisms in social media sites like Twitter and Youtube, but it also prompted a government agency to file a complaint against the show, its host Willie Revillame and the TV5 network.

JanJan Suan macho dancing like an adult to the tune of "Next Episode" on a March 12 Episode of Willing Willie | Video courtesy of Youtube

In press statement, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that their agency condemns the abuse and they will be looking for the family to "determine the effect/impact on the child and from here determine if necessary counseling and/or stress debriefing should be given to the child and his parents to prevent further trauma and abuse".

Here is the full text of the said statement which was posted in the Department's website:

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) condemns the emotional abuse and humiliation bestowed on a six-year-old child contestant, during the March 12, 2011 episode of the Willing Willie show aired on TV 5.

The sequence shows the boy gyrating in a distasteful manner with the audience, including the host (Willie Revillame), manifesting no evidence of concern or alarm for the child. This incident is clearly a violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and a blatant manifestation of child abuse. The term “child abuse” includes the following acts: “psychological and physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse and emotional maltreatment,” and “any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of the child as a human being.”

Putting pressure on children to do acts such as mimicking adult sexy dances, in exchange for a certain amount of money, and at the expense of being laughed at and ridiculed by hundreds of people, clearly traumatizes the child. This is a clear form of child abuse and will not be tolerated by theDepartment of Social Welfare and Development.

The Department has already communicated to ABC Development Communication Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan asking that children should not be allowed to appear in TV shows like Willing Willie, especially those capitalizing on poverty as a source of immediate entertainment. In the formal communication with Mr. Pangilinan, theDepartment has also rebuked the insensitive actions and remarks of Mr. Revillame.

The DSWD will look for the family, determine the effect/impact on the child and from here determine if necessary counseling and/or stress debriefing should be given to the child and his parents to prevent further trauma and abuse, especially with the media hype triggered by this incident. ### (DSWD – Social Marketing Service) March 28, 2011