Lito Camo said he invited him. But Willie Revillame was a no-show in Lito and Vehnee Saturno’s concert last Aug. 31 at Metro Bar.
Lito sang the once very popular "Wowowee" song in the concert and ended his number with the words "wala na.” The audience cheered, as if understanding what the singer-songwriter implied.
Spotted in the audience were Rico J. Puno, Randy Santiago and John Estrada, who themselves had a falling out with the TV5 host.
It was rumored that Willie and Lito's friendship soured because the host felt slighted after the songwriter composed a song for “Happy Yipee Yehey,” which John and Randy hosts and one of the shows that succeeded "Wowowee."
"Wowowee" is the controversial noontime show Willie hosted on ABS-CBN that was axed last year amid the host's internal strife with network bosses.
This led to his court appeal to rescind his ABS-CBN contract that resulted in a countersuit by the Kapamilya network that is pending. A separate case of copyright infringement ABS-CBN filed against Willie and TV5 over similarities between Willie's first show on the Kapatid network, "Willing Willie" and "Wowowee" is also pending.
Earlier, Willie had a falling out with John and Randy after they accepted ABS-CBN’s offer to host the noontime show “Happy Yipee Yehey” at the same time when he had been arranging a TV5 show for his former "Magandang Tanghali Bayan" co-hosts.
Willie’s new composer in his TV5 show, “Wil Time Big Time” is Christian Marquez, who had previously written songs for Vhong Navarro.
Lito also wrote songs for Manny Pacquiao’s new album and the theme of “Manny Many Prizes,” which incidentally also competes against Willie's variety game show on its Saturday slot. The boxing champ's game show on GMA Network will stage its show on Saturday, September 3, at the Quirino Grandstand. Pacquiao’s opponent in his November fight at the MGM Grand, Juan Manuel Marquez, will be there.
Lito and Vehnee's concert
Lito and Vehnee’s concert, directed by Ladine Roxas, saw the songwriters performing s hit compositions which the country’s top artists popularized.
Vehnee wrote songs for Martin Nievera ("Be My Lady"), Jessa Zaragoza, Sarah Geronimo and Maria Aragon, whose debut album was recently released by Star Records.
While Lito and Willie may not be in good terms at present, Vehnee seems to be the controversial host's composer of choice for his albums. Vehnee wrote the songs for Willie's multi-platinum album "I Love You" and is working on yet another album for Willie.
Sarah did an endearing taped testimonial for Vehnee and showed her appreciation to him for giving her many hit songs.
In between songs, Lito and Vehnee related their past, and how they eventually climbed the ladder of success.
Lito struggled real hard, from being a houseboy to doing odd jobs to help his family survive. But his innate musical talent, which he imbued with hard work and determination, made Lito fulfill his dreams.
Also in the audience were the Sexbomb Dancers (minus Rochelle Pangilinan who reportedly has a falling out with r manager Joy Cancio) for whom Lito composed hit songs like the "Spaghetti Song." The group even performed a number.
