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Willie Revillame

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In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Buendia and the surname or paternal family name is Revillame.

Willie Revillame
Born
Wilfredo Buendia Revillame

(1961-01-27) January 27, 1961 (age 63)
NationalityFilipino
Other names
  • Wil
  • Kuya Wil
  • Papi
Occupations
  • Host
  • actor
  • comedian
  • singer
  • businessman
Years active1987–present
Spouses
​
​
(m. 1990; ann. 1997)​
Liz Almoro
​
​
(m. 2005; ann. 2008)​
Children4, including Meryll Soriano
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • drums
Labels
YouTube information
ChannelsWil To Win
Years active2018–present
GenresTV Show
Subscribers7.97 million
(October 16, 2024)
Total views1,068,338,811
(October 16, 2024)
100,000 subscribers2019
Last updated: October 16, 2024

Wilfredo "Willie" Buendia Revillame (Tagalog: [wɪlˌpɾɛː.do bwɛnˌdiː.ɐ ɾɛˌbiːl.jɐˈmɛ]; born January 27, 1961),[1] is a Filipino television host, actor, comedian, drummer, singer, songwriter, and businessman. He has hosted numerous variety shows such as Lunch Date, 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila, MTB, Wowowee, Willing Willie, Wil Time Bigtime, Wowowillie, Wowowin, and Wil To Win.

Career

[edit]

Revillame was a film actor, with his earlier if not the earliest film being Regal Films' Bobo Cop in 1988.[2]

Revillame appeared in GMA Network's noontime variety program Lunch Date which ran from 1986 to 1993 as one of "hawi boys" of Randy Santiago.[3][4] He later began to appear on different movies, playing sidekick to big-named stars.

Revillame moved to ABS-CBN in 1998, where he appeared in the noontime show 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila. After the show was cancelled, he was given a big break when he was made one of the main hosts of Magandang Tanghali Bayan along with Santiago and John Estrada.[4][5] He also appeared in Richard Loves Lucy. Other shows he hosted within the network were Willingly Yours, Masayang Tanghali Bayan and Wowowee.

From 2010 to 2013, Revillame has hosted TV5 variety programs like Willing Willie, Wil Time Bigtime and Wowowillie. Following the latter's conclusion, he went into a hiatus to focus on business.[6]

In November 2014, Revillame negotiated with the executives of his original home network, GMA for a television comeback by airing his show Wowowin, with the help of Eat Bulaga! host Joey de Leon, and broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez.[7][8] He marked his homecoming by signing a contract with GMA Network on March 20, 2015,[9] and Wowowin premiered on May 10. The variety show first aired in every Sunday afternoons and later shifted to weekdays on February 1, 2016, due to the huge popularity of the show.

On February 5, 2022, GMA Network announced that Revillame's contract with the network will end on February 15, 2022. Wowowin aired its final broadcast on February 11, 2022, until its resumption on All TV on September 13.[10][11][12] It ended its run on All TV on April 5, 2023, when he has reached an agreement with the network to terminate his contract.[13]

On April 26, 2024, Revillame returned to TV5 after 11 years and signed a partnership with MediaQuest Ventures.[14][15]

Political career

[edit]

Revillame repeatedly been convinced by President Rodrigo Duterte to run for senator.[16][17]

He was convinced to run for a political position in the 2010 national elections. Comedian Dolphy cautioned him against it stating politics is a more "dirtier" field than showbusiness. He advised the then Wowowee host to continue making "people happy" and "maybe, later on" then consider entering politics.[18] Revillame did not run.

2022 election and Tutok To Win partylist

[edit]

Revillame declined in October 2021 to run for the 2022 Senate election stating he would like to focus on his role as host of Wowowin. He expressed concerns about his inexperience in lawmaking since he is not a lawyer.[16]

Revillame however did heavily promote the Tutok To Win Party-List of Sam Verzosa, who is also the founder of the multi-level marketing company Frontrow. The partylist which sought seats in the 2022 House of Representatives elections, shares the same name as the segment of his variety show Wowowin.[19]

2025 Senate election

[edit]
Wikinews has related news:

Revillame expressed interest in running for the position of Senator for the 2025 Senate election as early as January 30, 2024 when he declared so during an anti-charter change rally of supporters of now former president Duterte. However he rescinded the plan in July 2024 citing a three-year contract with TV5 baring him from being involved in "politics".[17]

Nevertheless on October 8, 2024, Revillame filed his candidacy to run in the 2025 election.[20] He was granted permission from MediaQuest chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and TV5. Addressing concerns on his inexperience in lawmaking, Revillame insist that it is enough for one to have a "heart open to helping others"[21] He admitted of not having a legislative platform.[22]

Business ventures

[edit]

Revillame is known for developing the Wil Tower, a condominium building in front of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center in Quezon City, with his business partner, former Senate President Manny Villar. It held its grand opening on September 15, 2013.[23] Revillame is also a former owner of the restaurants W Bar and Wil Steak Town at Wil Events Place located near Wil Tower Mall and ABS-CBN along Sgt. Esguerra Avenue in South Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City. Wil Tower Mall was developed by the real estate firm Vista Land, but Revillame's holdings were later sold to Villar.

Revillame was interviewed for the April 2015 episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho at his own rest house in Tagaytay after the signing of contract with GMA Network. During the interview, GMA broadcast journalist Jessica Soho said that Revillame is planning to build a 5-star resort-hotel located within the 5-hectare (12-acre) lot that he acquired from the Madrigal family. His own rest house is also located within the same lot.

Following the acquisition of Advanced Media Broadcasting System by the Villar family, Villar tapped Revillame to invest in the company's plans on broadcast ventures.[24]

Personal life

[edit]

The city of Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija is Revillame's hometown.[25] Revillame was first married to actress Princess Punzalan.[26][27] In March 2005, he married Liz Almoro in a civil ceremony at Lipa, Batangas, officiated by then-Mayor Vilma Santos. This was followed by a church wedding in June 2005. Their marriage was annulled in 2008.

Revillame has four children, namely, Louise Anne, Juan Emmanuel, son of Liz Almoro, Marimonte Shanelle, daughter of Sharon Viduya[28]and the eldest, actress Meryll Soriano.[29]

Controversies

[edit]

PhilSports Stadium stampede

[edit]
Further information: PhilSports Stadium stampede

On February 4, 2006, while Revillame was hosting Wowowee in the PhilSports Arena for the show's first anniversary, a crowd crush occurred, which killed 73 people and injured 400 others.[30]

On August 25, 2007, the Department of Justice dismissed criminal charges against Revillame in connection with the stampede. However, Justice Secretary Raul M. Gonzalez affirmed the charge against 14 others, including ABS-CBN officials.[31]

Alleged rigging incident

[edit]
Main article: Hello Pappy scandal

Cory Aquino live funeral coverage controversy

[edit]

In the August 3, 2009 episode of Wowowee, during which the live coverage of the transfer of former President Corazon Aquino's remains from La Salle Green Hills to the Manila Cathedral as part of her funeral was shown, Revillame said that he could not make people happy while the entire country was mourning. The Alliance of Filipino Journalists denounced his remarks as a sign of disrespect towards Aquino. Revillame said he had no intention of defaming the former president and her family.[32] ABS-CBN senior executive Cory Vidanes said that the network supported Revillame's action, stating that his outburst did not run afoul of the Broadcast Code of the Philippines.[33] Network entertainment official Johnny Manahan said Revillame was correct in saying that the footage should not have been inserted, but the way he said it was wrong.[34]

Jobert Sucaldito controversy

[edit]

On May 4, 2010, Revillame went into another on-air tirade on his now-defunct noontime show Wowowee, this time directing his anger at entertainment columnist and DZMM Radio host Jobert Sucaldito. Without mentioning him by name, he said he had enough of Sucaldito's alleged criticisms against the show having high-school contestants whose grades were below the passing mark for the Willie of Fortune segment and also ridiculing them on-screen. He threatened to resign from the show unless the ABS-CBN management dismissed Sucaldito, who described Revillame's rant as being "pikon" (Tagalog slang meaning 'short-tempered').[35] He went on an indefinite leave three weeks later after the network declined his resignation letter.[36]

[edit]

In a press conference on August 9, 2010, Revillame announced that he was ending his contract with ABS-CBN, even if it is supposed to expire in September 2011. He also accused ABS-CBN of violating several provisions in his contract. He narrated that his decision came out of meetings between ABS-CBN production head Linggit Tan and network president Charo Santos-Concio regarding a return to the show on July 31. However, on July 20, Tan said the management will replace Wowowee with a new show on July 31 and also offered him a one-hour weekly show. She added negative feedback still prevailed among network employees about him going to work again. Despite the move, the network stated that Revillame's Wowowee tirade only highlighted his arrogance and stressed that the contract is still in effect.[37]

Child abuse case

[edit]

On March 12, 2011, a "macho dance" by an apparently unhappy six-year-old boy while the Dr. Dre song "The Next Episode" is being played on the background on Revillame's primetime show, Willing Willie resulted in criticism, including the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development describing it as a case of child abuse. Revillame "sincerely and deeply" apologized for the segment, “which viewers may have found offensive or in bad taste.”[38][39][40][41] The Commission on Human Rights pursued an investigation of the program for violating the law.[42] In October 2015, the Court of Appeals allowed the arrest and prosecution of Revillame over the case.[43] Atty. Nards de Vera, lawyer of Revillame, clarified in a GMA News article that Revillame has already posted the bail for the two cases in September 2013, and does not need the warrant of arrest served against his client.[44] On April 11, 2016, the 3rd division of the Court of Appeal (CA) had affirmed the Regional Trial Court Quezon City Judge Roberto Buenaventura Decision. The CA said that Judge Buenaventura hadn't committed no grave abuse of discretion. In the CA's Decision, written by Justice Maria Luisa Quijano-Padilla, on the arrest and to bring to trial Willie Revillame, they said, “as there is probable cause for the petitioner’s commission of a crime, his arrest and arraignment should now ensue so that this case may properly proceed to trial, where the merits of both parties’ evidence and allegations may be weighed.”[45]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Character/Role
1988 Bobo Cop
1990 Joe Pring 2: Kidlat ng Maynila
1991 Barbi for President
Sam & Miguel (Your Basura, No Problema) Angelo
Joey Boy Munti, 15 Anyos Ka sa Muntilupa
Sagad Hanggang Buto
Contreras Gang
1992 Pat. Omar Abdullah: Pulis Probinsiya
Mukhang Bungo: Da Coconut Nut Danding Mitra
1993 Ako
1994 Abrakadabra
The Eddie Fernandez Story
Hector
1995 Omar Abdullah: Pulis Probinsya 2, Tapusin Na Natin ang Laban
Ikaw Pa Eh Love Kita!
Sa Kamay ng Batas
1996 Kung Kaya Mo, Kaya Ko Rin
Masamang Damo
1997 Go Johnny Go
Bobby Barbers, Parak
1998 Kasangga Kahit Kailan Muerte
Alyas Boy Tigas: Ang Probinsyanong Wais Boy Tigas
2000 Matalino Man ang Matsing Na-iisahan Din! Mando
Pera o Bayong (Not da TV) Bartolome
2009 Nobody, Nobody But... Juan Himself
Engkwento

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Network Source
1987–1989 Loveliness Himself / Drummer ABS-CBN / IBC
1987–1993 Lunch Date Himself / Host GMA Network
1988 Ayos Lang Tsong! IBC
Dance Tonight
1989 Regal Family
Pabuenas sa Siyete GMA Network
1990 Barangay USA PTV
1991 Young Love, Sweet Love RPN
Lovingly Yours, Helen GMA Network
1992 GMA Telesine Specials
1993–1994 Kate en Boogie
1993 Love Notes ABC
Four da Boys IBC
1994 Barangay U.S.: Unang Sigaw RPN
Actually 'Yun Na!
1994–1995 Haybol Rambol GMA Network
1995 Tondominium ABC
1997 Gillage People GMA Network
1997–1998 'Sang Linggo nAPo Sila Himself / Host ABS-CBN
1998–2001 Richard Loves Lucy
1998–2001; 2003 Magandang Tanghali Bayan / Masayang Tanghali Bayan Himself / Host
1998–2010 ASAP Himself / Guest
2002–2003 Willingly Yours Himself / Host
2004 Puso o Pera ABC [46]
Extra Challenge Himself / Guest GMA Network [47]
2005 Pinoy Big Brother Himself / Host ABS-CBN
2005–2010 Wowowee
2005 Mga Anghel na Walang Langit Himself / Wowowee host
2010–2013 Willing Willie / Wil Time Bigtime Himself / Host TV5
2012; 2013; 2014 Startalk Himself / Guest GMA Network [48]
2013 Wowowillie Himself / Host TV5
2015–2023 Wowowin GMA Network / ALLTV
2015 CelebriTV Himself / Guest GMA Network
2016 Pepito Manaloto Himself / Wowowin host [49]
2018 Inday Will Always Love You [50]
2024–present Wil To Win Himself / Host TV5

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Title Label Source
2015 Nando'n Ako GMA Records [51]
2013 Christmas Wish MCA Music [52]
2012 Syempre Viva Records
2011 Kendeng Kendeng
Willing Willie
2010 I Love You [53][54]
2009 Ikaw Na Nga Star Records
2008 Giling Giling
2007 Willie Sings... Camo & Saturno
Dododo Dadada
2006 Namamasko Po!
2005 Para Sa'kin Ay Ikaw Universal Records
Wowowillie Star Records
2004 Pito Pito Universal Records [55]
2001 Parental Guidance? PolyEast Records

Awards

[edit]
  • Best Male TV Host (2005 and 2007) - Won
  • Consumers Award Outstanding Variety Show (2008) - Won
  • Consumers Award Outstanding Male TV Host (2008) - Won
  • Novelty Singer of the Year (2010) - Won[56]
  • 2011 - PMPC Star Awards for TV - Best Variety Show (as Willing Willie)
  • Celebrity Inductee, Eastwood City Walk Of Fame Philippines 2014- Won
  • 2015 - PMPC Star Awards for TV - Best Game Show (Wowowin of GMA-7)
  • 2015 - PMPC Star Awards for TV - Best Male Game Show Host
  • 2016 - Inding-Indie Short Film Festival - Best Public Service TV Personality
  • 2016 - Inding Indie Short Film Festival - Best Public Service TV Program of the Decade (Wowowin of GMA-7)
  • 2016 - PMPC Star Awards for TV - Best Game Show (Wowowin of GMA-7)
  • 2016 - Illumine Awards for Television (Global City Innovative College) - Most Innovative Game Show (Wowowin of GMA-7)
  • 2017 - NwSSU Students Choice Awards for Radio and Television (Northwest Samar State University) - Best Game Show (Wowowin of GMA-7)
Year Award Giving Body Category Nominated Work Results
2008 Awit Awards Best Novelty Recording "Sayaw Darling" Nominated

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "ALAMIN: Paano sumali sa birthday text promo ni Willie Revillame". GMA News. January 20, 2021. Archived from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  2. ^ Gabinete, Jojo (August 7, 2024). "Willie Revillame, nabili ang unang kotse dahil kay Mother Lily". PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  3. ^ Bernardino, Stephanie (February 18, 2021). "Willie Revillame recalls how Randy Santiago helped him during his 'mahirap' days". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Willie Revillame and his controversial TV shows". PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. March 30, 2015. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  5. ^ Hitosis, Jet (May 27, 2020). "Willie Revillame defends ABS-CBN from Harry Roque shutdown joke". PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  6. ^ Morales, Neil Jerome (June 4, 2013). "Revillame: From show biz to corporate world". Philstar.com. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  7. ^ Ricky Lo (November 24, 2014). "Will Willie's Wowowin be 24 Oras' pre-programming?". Philstar.com. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  8. ^ "Joey de Leon reveals negotiating for Willie Revillame's game show to be aired on GMA". PEP.ph. November 21, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  9. ^ Smith, Chuck (March 20, 2015). "Willie Revillame signs with GMA-7". Philstar.com. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  10. ^ "'Wowowin' ends GMA Network run on February 11". RAPPLER. February 5, 2022. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  11. ^ Pasajol, Anne (February 6, 2022). "Willie Revillame leaves GMA as contract ends". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  12. ^ GMA Network statement on Mr. Willie Revillame contract | 24 Oras - Feb. 5, 2022, February 5, 2022, retrieved February 8, 2022
  13. ^ Gabinete, Jojo (April 4, 2023). "Willie Revillame reaches agreement to terminate contract with AMBS". PEP (in Filipino). Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  14. ^ Pasajol, Anne (April 26, 2024). "Willie Revillame returns to TV5, announces partnership with Media Quest". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  15. ^ Pasajol, Anne (June 15, 2024). "Willie Revillame bids goodbye to 'Wowowin', announces new show 'Wil to Win'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  16. ^ a b Gonzales, Cathrine (October 7, 2021). "Willie Revillame won't run in 2022 elections". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  17. ^ a b Mariano, Paolo (July 7, 2024). "Revillame changes tune on running for senator in 2025 midterm elections". News 5. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  18. ^ Madarang, Catalina Ricci (October 8, 2021). "Did Willie Revillame follow Dolphy's 'political' advice in decision not to run for senator?". Interaksyon. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  19. ^ Gutierrez, Dennis (April 26, 2022). "Tutok to Win partylist grand rally draws mass of supporters and backing of Willie Revillame". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  20. ^ "TV host Willie Revillame seeks Senate seat". ABS-CBN. October 8, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  21. ^ "Willie Revillame, posible pa ring magbago ang isip" [Willie Revillame, can still change his mind]. PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  22. ^ Severo, Jan Milo. "Willie Revillame admits having no platform for Senate bid; Internet users react". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  23. ^ Trina Lagura. "Willie's mall soon to rise in QC". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  24. ^ Plaza, Marane (February 7, 2022). "GMA confirms Willie Revillame's departure; Willie spotted with Manny V". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  25. ^ "Willie Revillame tahimik pa sa balik-TV" [Willie Revillame mum on TV return]. Abante (in Filipino). March 4, 2024. Retrieved October 15, 2024. Sa ngayon daw ay nasa hometown niya sa Cabanatuan si Willie at nag-e-enjoy na kasama ang mga kababata niya.
  26. ^ "Willie Revillame Opens Up About the Women in His Life". Abs-cbn.com. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  27. ^ "PEP: Princess Punzalan is happy for ex-husband Willie Revillame's success". GMA News. GMA Network. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  28. ^ Serato, Arnel (September 5, 2022). "Willie Revillame bonds with three children". pep.ph. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  29. ^ "Willie longs for time with his four children". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  30. ^ "Wowowee stampede kills 73". Philstar.com. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  31. ^ "GMA NEWS.TV, DOJ drops raps vs Revillame over Ultra tragedy". GMA News. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  32. ^ "Criticisms mount against Wowowee host Willie Revillame - PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on May 15, 2010. Retrieved January 17, 2011.
  33. ^ "ABS-CBN backs Willie Revillame; says Wowowee host did not violate Broadcast Code of the Philippines". Philippine Entertainment Portal. August 17, 2009.
  34. ^ "Bebe Gandanghari meets Jessica Soho, March 7". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  35. ^ "Willie Revillame threatens to resign from TV?s Wowowee - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos". showbizandstyle.inquirer.net. Archived from the original on May 9, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  36. ^ "Willie Revillame takes 'indefinite break' from 'Wowowee'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  37. ^ "Willie Revillame rescinds contract with ABS-CBN | Manila Bulletin". www.mb.com.ph. Archived from the original on August 15, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  38. ^ "Global News - Breaking International News and Headlines | Inquirer.net". Archived from the original on August 7, 2011.
  39. ^ Jojo Malig. "Boy abused in 'Willing Willie,' DSWD says". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  40. ^ "DSWD calls for censure of Willie for boy 'macho dancer;' Willie says sorry". GMA News. GMA Network.
  41. ^ "Revillame's 'hit' on a minor causes stir in cyberspace | the Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online". www.mb.com.ph. Archived from the original on August 13, 2012. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  42. ^ "CHR to investigate 'Willing Willie' incident". ABS-CBN News.
  43. ^ Torres-Tupas, Tetch (October 18, 2015). "Willie Revillame ordered arrested over child abuse case". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 18, 2015.
  44. ^ "Lawyer on CA order: No need to arrest Willie, he already posted bail". GMA News. Retrieved October 18, 2015.
  45. ^ "Court denies Revillame plea in abuse case". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  46. ^ Samio, Veronica R. (April 17, 2004). "Tatlo ang panganay ni Willie". Philstar.com. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  47. ^ Bautista, Emy Abuan (September 29, 2004). "Willie, magiging Kapuso na?". Philstar.com. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  48. ^ "Cheer Factor: Hello, friend". INQUIRER.net. October 14, 2012. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  49. ^ "'Pepito Manaloto' stars sasali sa 'Wowowin'?". www.gmanetwork.com. June 22, 2016. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  50. ^ Gabinete, Jojo (September 14, 2018). "Inday Will Always Love You, tumaas ang rating dahil kay Willie Revillame". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  51. ^ "Willie Revillame to release new album". Philstar.com. September 7, 2015. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  52. ^ Santiago, Erwin (December 18, 2013). "Willie Revillame reconciles with composer Lito Camo; collaborate on new Christmas song". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  53. ^ Gil, Baby A. (January 19, 2011). "Willie, the recording artist". Philstar.com. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  54. ^ "Willie's new CD tops hit charts". Philstar.com. January 15, 2011. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  55. ^ "Uncover the other side of Willie Revillame". Philstar.com. February 21, 2004. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  56. ^ "ABS-CBN big winner at GMMSF Entertainment Awards". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2014-05-21.
[edit]
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