Wowowee conquers Dubai

Author: ABS-CBN.com

TFC World Tours' Wowowee in Dubai held at the Dubai Festival City on January 30, 2009 is by far the most anticipated Filipino live show in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). By the close of January 29, more than 19,000 tickets to the highly anticipated event had been sold. As early as 8 pm of the 29th, the first batch of fans from Abu Dhabi arrived to brave the cold outdoors to line up for the show next day just to guarantee themselves a front row view.

By 9 am of the 30th, about 700 people had already lined up with hundreds more joining the crowd every minute. The gates had to be opened an hour earlier than its 12 pm schedule to accommodate the rapidly growing throng. Inside, fans were able to visit several booths offering food and beverage, various merchandise, and special offers. Sponsors held raffles, giving away some special prizes, including some event passes. Ticket holders also had a chance to get picked for the Pera o Bayong portion prior to the beginning of the show.

Fans waited under the sun on that winter afternoon, more than eager for Papi (Willie Revillame) and the rest of the Wowowee gang to start the show. The talented, formerly Dubai-based Pinoy Dream Academy scholar Liezel Garcia got things started with her renditions of "Disturbia," "Take a Bow," and "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw." She also talked about her unrelenting faith that her dreams will come true, encouraging her once fellow OFWs to never stop striving for what their hearts yearn.
The selection of the 20 Bigat-10 contestants for the Hep Hep Hooray! segment got the crowds even more excited after Liezel's performance.

The appearance of dancers Luningning, Milagring, Mariposa, and Saicy and co-hosts Mariel Rodriguez, Valerie Concepcion, and Pokwang performing their sultry belly-dancing inspired entrance sent the audience into even more excitement. By the time Willie yelled his signature "Are you ready?" greeting, fans were clapping and cheering for all they were worth. Willie performed a medley of his songs which included "Wowowee," "Buksan Mo Papasukin Ako," "Umaalog-alog,"' "Sayaw Darling," "Rock n' Rollin," and "Igiling-giling" where he was joined by his co-hosts. Filipino dancers from Dubai whom Papi called ASF Dubai also joined them onstage.

Willie picked the 20 Bigat-10 contestants among the best "Igiling-giling" dancers who all received gift packs from Giordano and Al Ansari Exchange for the Hep Hep Hooray! segment. A Palestinian married to a Filipina was even among the lucky ones selected to join the festivities. A salon-worker who stood in line by 6 am eventually won the prize of Php100,000.

Valerie, Mariel, and RR Enriquez were joined by Lito Camo to render a Camo Medley, reprising the novelty composer's most popular hits. Winning the Big Time Pera O Bayong jackpot prize of a house and lot from Globe Asiatique and a total of Php100,000 was Aling Flor-a former domestic helper who has lived in the UAE for 22 years and who is a mother of four.

Pokwang came out clad in black singing Rihanna's "Please Don't Stop the Music" which drove the audience even wilder. A former OFW herself, Pokwang even shared her experiences working in Japan in her usual comical manner. Her stand-up routine blended well with songs from her album. A male member of the audience even unreservedly sang "One Moment in Time" with Pokey.

The most poignant segment of the program was the Willie of Fortune where our Pinoys struggling in the UAE for many years shared their life stories with thousands of eager listeners willing to lend their support. As a bonus, surprise emotional messages from their loved ones back in the Philippines were shown on large screens at the venue, sending people into tears. Aling Pacita the final elimination round of Tanong ko, Sagutin Mo, sending her to the final Pasalog game. She won a total of Php65,000 and a brand new car courtesy of Al Ansari Exchange.

Charice Pempengco, the "most talented girl in the world" as dubbed by Oprah Winfrey, left the whole Dubai Festival City concert arena in awe of her powerful voice and touching performance, belting out old favorites like "Alone" and "Because You Loved Me." This being her first visit to Dubai, Charice took the opportunity to shake hands with Dubai fans who just couldn't get enough of her.

Willie then acknowledged the presence of ABS-CBN president Charo Santos Concio, COO of ABS-CBN Global Raffy Lopez, Business Unit Head Bobot Mortiz, Director Johnny Manahan, ABS-CBN Middle East Managing Director Egay Garcia, and Ambassador to the UAE Libran Cabactulan who were with other dignitaries in attendance. Willie moved the audience to tears with a touching speech, requesting everyone to light up their mobile phones as a form of unity.

The crowd was unified as Willie sang "Munting Hiling" which was dedicated to Filipino heroes all over the world. A tear-jerking AVP showed stories of OFWs and their families. Closing the night was Willie's medley of love songs while the girls of Wowowee gave t-shirts to the audience. The audience went home tired but happy to have experienced a touch of home.

Share your Wowowee in Dubai photos on http://Wowoweeworld.multiply.com/

Reported by Dominique Pechuela-Famador, TFC

Photos courtesy of Bubby dela Cruz

Source: ABS-CBN Interactive