Meet the new faces in wacky "Bubble Gang"

ABS-CBN was unable to get a TRO (temporary restraining order) to stop the airing of "Willing Willie" that's why Willie Revillame's new game show on TV5 went on with its launch last Saturday and started its regular run last Monday, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Unless ABS-CBN becomes successful in getting a TRO, Willie's show will go on airing, to the detriment of the Kapamilya network who is seeking to nullify Willie's contract with TV5, because the TV host still has a contract with ABS-CBN.

But with the non-issuance of a TRO, the court seems to set a dangerous precedent. The failure of Willie to honor its existing contract with ABS-CBN (said to be until September 2011), which is the reason why ABS-CBN sued him for damages, might make other contract stars think they might be able to do a run-around with the contract the same way that Willie did. And if there's a network that will give you a job, then it's okay to violate an existing contract and terminate it on your own, like what Willie did.

After all, as of the moment, the court favored Willie, thus there is no impediment in the airing of his new show on TV5. But if the court issues another ruling come the end of October, there might be another problem for the TV host and the Kapatid network. But issues of legalities are best handled by lawyers and for sure, the legal think-tanks of both the Kapamilya and Kapatid networks are taking these into consideration.

The court has set mediation proceedings between ABS-CBN and Willie before the matter balloons into a full blown case. Hearing had been set on early December if the aggrieved parties fail to reach an amicable settlement. But if it were a boxing match, Willie has won round 1.

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GMA-7's "Bubble Gang" just got bigger, better, and a whole lot bubblier with the latest addition of four of the network's loveliest and freshest female artists, namely, Jackie Rice, Gwen Zamora, Ellen Adarna, and Sam Pinto, collectively tagged as the "Bubblets".

After intermittently appearing as special guests, they are now officially part of the "Bubble Gang" barkada together with mainstays Ogie Alcasid, Michael V., Wendell Ramos, Antonio Aquitania, Boy 2 Quizon, and the show's original sexy babes Rufa Mae Quinto and Maureen Larrazabal.

But more than being the show's resident eye-candies, the lovely quartet enjoys every bit of their BG stint, where they get to unleash all of their comedic and quirky sides as they assume entirely different characters every week.

As "Bubble Gang" gears up for its 15th anniversary special this month, all four are set to be part of more original spoofs, amusing characters, and funny sketches along with the rest of the cast.

Catch the Bubblets every Friday on "Bubble Gang" after GMA Telebabad.

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Balladeer Nonoy Zuniga is happy with the chance given to the Hitmakers (composing of Rico J, Puno, Rey Valera, Marco Sison and himself) by ABS-CBN to be the new hosts of "Pilipinas Win na Win."

While they are no TV hosts (they are singers and performers), he said that they are all getting the hang of hosting the noontime show. "We are enjoying ourselves because of the energy na nakikita namin sa audience," said the singer when we got to talk to him last Friday after the telecast of PWNW.

He said that after three weeks of doing PWNW, they have yet to sign a contract with ABS-CBN. "We are doing our job as hosts one day at a time although we are glad to know that the ratings have improved since we took over," said Nonoy. "Pero as far as our jobs as hosts are concerned, nakabitin kami sa balag ng alanganin dahil baka any moment tanggalin na lang kami. Pero we are constantly on our toes and trying our best to improve each day."

When asked why he said that he wants Rico J to be his patient, Nonoy said that the singer dubbed as the Total Entertainer is the most senior of them all. "He started way ahead of us as a singer and performer. I always remind Rico to take good care of his health, especially with regards to his blood pressure and heart condition. We are not getting any younger so we really need to take care of our health."

Incidentally, Nonoy is part of a concert titled "Hitmen" together with Marco Sison and topnotch impersonator Willie Nepomuceno on November 13 at the Music Museum. Also in the works is a surprise concert of the Hitmakers on December together with two divas from the music industry.