The public will see more of the tandem of Concert King Martin Nievera and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano every primetime weekend via ABS-CBN's upcoming game show titled Twist and Shout.

In a press conference held earlier today, June 28, at the network's Dolphy Theater, both Gary and Martin expressed excitement with the new project largely because this will be their first time to host a game show.

Touted by many as rivals during their heyday in the '80s, the two OPM icons have proven that they could work well together as proven by their AS1 series of concerts staged outside the country following its successful launching on September of last year at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City.

"We're very pleased and blessed to have this tandem and to have this tandem also liked by others," said Martin. "Even ABS-CBN believes in this tandem—I didn't believe in this tandem, he [Gary] didn't believe in this tandem. We were rivals, remember? That we got to where we are proves that God has a sense of humor... We hope that this would work."

Twist and Shout will debut this Saturday, July 3, at 8:45 p.m. It will also air every Sunday on the same time in ABS-CBN.

WOWOWEE OFFER. Martin also revealed during the press conference that he was invited to guest host the network's noontime variety game show program, Wowowee.

The program is currently tapping celebrities to fill in the slot vacated by main man Willie Revillame, who is still on indefinite leave of absence.

"I was offered Wowowee but my Tagalog is really bad," confessed Martin. "But if the girls [Mariel Rodriguez, Valerie Concepcion, Pokwang] will speak most for my Tagalog, I would love to do Wowowee. I think it's a great show. Whoever hosts it, it would be a great blessing, a great feather in your cap na you were one of those who hosted such a giving-joy, a well-rated show, the most talked about show on television."

Some who have already pinch-hit for Willie are action superstar Robin Padilla, actor-host Luis Manzano, singer-dancer Billy Crawford and matinee idol John Lloyd Cruz.

Martin feels that Gary would be a great fit for the show, given the nature and requirements of the noontime offering.

"Kasi ang hinahanap ng Wowowee, isang singer that could sing their opening number. If Gary was the host, he could sing the opening number with his dancers, bongga-bongga, explosion-explosion, he would come out of the ground, jump up into the sky, smoke-machine galore—doon siya bagay! Si Willie, hindi bagay sa ganun. When it's Gary, he comes out as Michael Jackson-ish... They're trying so many people but 'yong vote ko dapat si Gary," Martin animatedly said.

He added, "His Tagalog is not the best but it's better than mine. I think he can do Wowowee. For me, that show is made for Gary."

GARY'S REACTION. Although Gary finds the idea of temporarily assuming Willie Revillame's role intriguing, the multi-awarded singer-performer candidly expressed reservation on whether he could commit himself fully to a regular show given all the workload.

"In many aspects, he's correct," Gary told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), pertaining to Martin's remarks about his capability to represent the noontime program.

"But on a personal standpoint, I don't know if I'll have a hundred percent na maibibigay ko to the show especially now that I have this [Twist and Shout], I have a recording coming up, I have AS1, and I also have ASAP. I don't know how Willie did it but again Willie only has one show."