
In an emotional finale on Wowowin yesterday, February 11, Willie firmly stated the reason why he did not renew his contract with GMA, which was his home network for more than six years.
“Una for delicadeza. Magsho-show ako sa GMA, habang ako naman po ay nagpa-plano sa isang istasyon na kalaban ng GMA. Hindi ho tama 'yun. Sa sobrang bait ho ng mga taga-GMA, sa sobrang bait ho ng pinakita nila sa akin, hindi ko ho magagawa 'yun na tatraydurin ko sila.”
He continued, “Isipin n'yo for delicadeza at respeto kay Mr. Gozon, sa lahat dito. Nagsho-show ako araw-araw dito, pero after ko [mag-show] nagmi-meeting ako sa kabilang channel. Hindi ko kayang gawin 'yun.”
The Wowowin host also shared the letter he wrote for GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, when he informed him about his “life-changing” decision.
The Wowowin host read the letter on-air and part of it read:
“FLG [Atty. Felipe L. Gozon] nandito po ako sa sitwasyon ng buhay ko na may magandang opportunity na darating, na magiging parte po ako ng isang kumpanya na nandiyan po ako at nandiyan po ang aking kaalaman, which is TV broadcasting at entertainment.
“Hindi ko po kayang mag sinungaling sa inyo, kaya po ako sumulat at ipaalam sa inyo ang akin pong pinagdadaanan. FLG, sana po maintindihan n'yo na hindi po habang buhay ako ay haharap sa telebisyon bilang isang TV host.
“At ito pong pagkakataon na ito na dumating sa aking buhay ay isang pangarap. It's a dream para sa isang taong katulad ko po na nagsimula sa industriya bilang naging drummer, naging extra.
“Hating-hati po ang aking damdamin at nararamdaman. FLG kung ano man po ang magiging desisyon ko, hindi ko po kayo makakalimutan sa aking buhay.
“Kayo po ni JRD [Gilberto Duavit, Jr.], FSY [Felipe S. Yalong], si Ma'am Annette [Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes], si Sir Joey Abacan, si Reah, si Mitzi, si Miss Joy Marcelo, ang kanya pong mga staff, sales and marketing family, engineering people at sa lahat po ng mga kasama ko sa GMA.
“I don't want to say goodbye, dahil sa industriyang ito, there's always a welcome back.”
Willie also shared Atty. Gozon's response and proved how GMA valued their relationship.
“We understand and appreciate where you are coming from, there was no problem- big or small that we were not able to resolve to our mutual satisfaction. Hence, we have no rancor in accepting and respecting your decision," said Atty. Gozon in his letter to Willie.
Minutes before the end of Wowowin, Willie called his staff and former co-hosts to join him on the stage.
He then thanked the viewers for their immense support throughout the years. "Kung hindi n'yo kami sinuportahan, hindi n'yo kami minahal, wala hong programang Wowowin.”
Overcome with emotions, Willie concluded the show that started airing on GMA-7 back in 2015 with these final words, “GMA, I love you. See you.”