Willie Revillame says soon-to-be-launched AMBS 2 to focus on variety game shows for now

Willie Revillame with AMBS 2 president Maribeth Tolentino

The new television network Advanced Media Broadcasting System Channel 2 (AMBS 2) is expected to launch on Oct. 1, 2022 with Willie Revillame’s variety game show, “Wowowin,” as one of its initial offerings. But aside from his hosting duties, he also took it upon himself to help management conceptualize programs, acquire talents and forge partnerships with other companies.

Owned by billionaire and former Senate president Manny Villar, AMBS 2 was granted a 25-year franchise extension in 2019, and took over the broadcast frequencies previously held by ABS-CBN earlier this year.

“This business is new to them (the Villars). What I can offer is my experience. Putting up a network is no joke. There’s big money involved. I’m here to help and not just as a host. I will help the management come up with new programs and find artists who can truly provide entertainment,” he said in a recent virtual conference and contract signing with AMBS 2.

Willie Revillame with AMBS 2 president Maribeth Tolentino

Revillame, who has been working closely with ABMS 2 President Maribeth Tolentino, said Villar has given him full support.

“They’re all supportive. ‘You know this better,’ they would tell me. Beth and I would find ourselves texting each other in the wee hours, discussing our thoughts about this or that artist. It’s hard work. You don’t want to fail. That’s why there are a lot of people helping me. My staff has stayed with me. The important thing is that we start right, so we don’t stumble,” he said.

“Willie is an important partner. He’s a big help, especially in putting together our future program lineup. We want to give quality programs that’s enjoyable and that’s up to par with other networks’,” Tolentino said.

Realistic goals

Willie Revillame (center) signs contract with AMBS 2 president Maribeth Tolentino and legal counsel TJ Mendoza

The 61-year-old celebrity acknowledged they’re “starting from the bottom.” As such, they’re keeping their goals realistic for now: Competition with other networks is out of the question. “We’re not thinking about that yet,” he said. “It’s not easy… You can’t do what others did in 50, 70 years just like that.”

“We just have to keep working hard so we can launch by Oct. 1. I don’t want to give a percentage about how far along we are, but we’re getting there. We just want to hit our target,” Tolentino said.

While Revillame envisions AMBS 2 offering a comprehensive roster of entertainment and news and public affairs programs in the future, the network’s initial focus will be on producing variety game shows.

“As you know, we’re still looking for artists. We won’t have drama series yet; we’re not yet ready for that. Puro saya lang muna, more on games, prizes,” he said.

The network recently sealed a deal with Viva Entertainment regarding talent acquisition. They’re also keeping their doors open to different companies and production outfits.

“We talked to Boss Vic [del Rosario] and talked about Viva artists,” he related. “We’re also talking to different companies, artists and agencies… We’re open to collaborations, new concepts and partnerships.”

Flexible partnership

Willie Revillame (center) signs contract with AMBS 2 president Maribeth Tolentino and legal counsel lawyer TJ Mendoza

“The partnership with Vic is important because he has a lot of artists that we can tap,” Tolentino said. “And we’re flexible.”

What will make working for AMBS 2 attractive to prospective artists? “I think our advantage is that we’re new. We can explore or experiment with new ideas that haven’t been done by others. Walang mawawala kasi bago pa kami. That can be an advantage,” she told the Inquirer.

Asked what kind of artists he’s looking for, Revillame said he wants people who are dedicated to their craft.

“I want someone who will own his show; someone who interacts with his staff, someone who’s involved,” he said.

“We want someone that viewers also want,” he added. “We need big names, but we also want to provide a platform for young new actors and performers.”

More than anything, Revillame said he wants talents with no legal hitches.

Willie Revillame

“Dapat walang kontrata, dapat malinis. I don’t want to have problems. Para walang hahabol,” he said, adding that friends or artists close to him won’t necessarily be prioritized. “We want talents who will be a good fit for the shows we have in mind; talents who will be good for noontime or the morning slot.”

Revillame is doing all the work in an unofficial capacity. He will be grateful should he be given a title or designation. But he hasn’t really put much thought to it yet.

“I’m not thinking of designation. Title lang ‘yan. The goal is to launch the network,” Revillame said. “Kaligayahan ko ‘to. The Villars asked me to help. That’s a big thing for me. Being entrusted with this means a lot to me.”