Filipino game show brings fun to Hawaii

After a stampede killed more than 70 people in the PhilSports Arena back in 2006, Willie Revillame considered leaving his post as host of the popular "Wowowee" game show.

'WowoWee Live In Hawaii' Place: Aloha Stadium Time: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday Tickets: $25 to $75; $100 for VIP seating Contact: (877) 750-4400 or ticketmaster.com

The tragedy occurred after organizers began to distribute tickets for the "Wowowee" first anniversary show to crowds waiting outside the Philippine stadium, many of whom camped out for days.

Fortunately, Revillame changed his mind, and fans around the globe can still enjoy the show that is filmed in the Philippines and aired on The Filipino Channel (10:25 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays; and 9:10 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. Mondays to Fridays).

"They didn't blame me for what happened at the stadium. People really wanted the show to continue," he said. "We needed to move on with our lives. We help out a lot of people here in the Philippines, including poor people and beggars." The show awards an array of prizes, from money to new cars and homes, he explained.

Helping people has definitely gained Revillame much popularity. People follow him wherever he goes, and his celebrity in the Philippines apparently parallels that of George Clooney in the United States. But Revillame humbly attributes the fans' behavior to their love of "Wowowee," a game-show favorite.

"Filipinos around the world love my show," he confirmed. "The show is an open show, like 'The Price is Right' -- that is the magic of the show."

This Saturday's show, "Wowowee Live in Hawaii," at Aloha Stadium, will be filmed and later shown in Manila. In the next few months, the show also will travel to San Diego, San Francisco and Winnipeg, Canada.

"Everybody is going to have fun," Revillame promised.

Fans will be familiar with "Willie of Fortune," "Questune (Name that Tune)" and "Hep Hep Hooray." And, of course, Hawaii contestants will have the chance to win exciting prizes. Among them are $1 million pesos and a new car.

One diversion from the regular format will be the opening number, which will feature dancing. Plus, Jordan Segundo and Angeli Callo will make special appearances. The show wanted to promote Hawaii's Filipino talent, Revillame explained.

"Wowowee" also features co-hosts Mariel Rodriguez, Lara Quigamin, Valerie Concepcion and RR Enriquez, along with ASF Dancers Luningning and Mariposa, comedians Pokwang and the Eric & Tuko Duo, singers Yeng Constantino and Charisse Pempengco and soap opera stars John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonso.

Revillame eagerly anticipates the aloha spirit.

"I love people," he said. "I love meeting them, hugging them, kissing them."