About 4,000 fans of Willie Revillame ended up being disappointed upon realizing that they were victimized by fake news.
Last January 27, Willie celebrated his 60th birthday. Considering his kindness and generosity, fans were expecting to receive cash and other prizes in line with his celebration.
However, their expectations led them to believe in a false Facebook post that promised them prizes. With this, they flocked to the streets of Quezon City, waiting for the ‘Wowowin host.
Until midnight, they have seen no trace from Willie. Only then perhaps they realized that they were victimized by fake news.
They eventually went home disappointed after officials disaffirmed that Willie will be coming over.
Disgruntled fans started to disperse because announcements were made that Willie Revillame will not be appearing tonight.
Some fans said they lined up after seeing unverified and apparently false Facebook posts promising money and other prizes for them. @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/vDvQpc9h4E
— Jervis Manahan (@JervisManahan) January 27, 2021
At this time, especially with the pandemic, we should learn to filter our sources and validate the information that we read online to avoid fake news.
It is known to us that social gatherings are prohibited following the minimum health protocols, therefore those people truly risked their lives to gather in the streets just because of false information.
This is one clear example, and hopefully a lesson, on how misinformation can be truly dangerous for everyone.
Willie’s birthday wish
Willie was not able to control his emotions when he celebrated his birthday on ‘Wowowin‘.
He said that he misses being with his fans and supporters in the studio every show.
“Nami-miss ko kayo, nami-miss ko ‘yung mga sigaw niyo, nami-miss ko ‘yung mga ngiti niyo. Sana matapos na itong problema natin para maibalik na natin ‘yung dati,” he said.
Willie then wished that we will be able to get through this pandemic so that we can go back to our normal lives.
“Sana ho bumalik na tayo sa normal, bumalik na kami sa studio at makasama na namin kayo ulit.
“Kayo ho ang nagdala sa akin dito, gusto kong ibalik ito sa inyo lahat. Balewala po ang materyales sa buhay ko. Sana Lord matapos na itong pandemyang ito para makabalik na kami, makapagpasaya na kami araw-araw,” he said.
Willie apologizes to fans
On January 28, the host aired his apologies to those people who gathered in front of Wil Tower Mall.
However, he said that he already clarified last Tuesday that it is prohibited to go there.
“Gusto ko lang ipaliwanag sa inyo na noong Tuesday ho, ini-explain ko sa inyo, bawal hong pumunta dito.
“Humihingi ho ako ng kapatawaran, ng pasensiya sa inyo, sa pang-unawa, dahil alam niyo naman po na kailangang sumunod tayo sa batas, social distancing.”
Willie said that as much as he wanted to meet them, he was advised by the police not to, to avoid other unwanted circumstances.
“Alam ko ho na gusto niyo ako mabati, gusto ko nga kayo na mapuntahan sana, pero hindi ho ako pwedeng bumaba.
“I’m sorry dahil pinigilan ho ako ng mga pulis dahil baka may mangyari pa na hindi maganda.
“Sa totoo lang, nakahanda ho ako na bumaba, pero pinagsabihan akong hindi pupuwede.”
He then thanked the Quezon City government for responding to the crowd immediately.
“Nagpadala ho ng napakaraming ambulansya for safety, mga pulis, mga barangay tanod, so halos beinte-kuwatro oras silang nagbabantay dito.
Willie then assured his fans that he will spend time with them as soon as the pandemic will be over.
