Willie Revillame

Wilfredo Buendia Revillame (Tagalog pronunciation: [bwɛnˈdɪa ɾɛˈvɪʎame]; born January 27, 1961),[1] better known as Willie Revillame, is a Filipino television host, singer, songwriter, businessman, actor, and comedian.

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
Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Other namesWil, Kuya Wil
OccupationTV host, singer, actor, comedian, producer, businessman
Years active1987–present
Musical career
GenresP-pop, novelty
InstrumentsVocals, drums
LabelsOctoArts EMI (2001)
Universal Records (2004–2005)
Star Music (2005–2010)
Viva Records (2010–2013)
MCA Music (Philippines) (2012–2013)
GMA Records (2015–present)

Life and career

Revillame started out as the host of GMA Network's noontime variety program Lunch Date in the late 1980s together with Randy Santiago. After his hosting stint he started appearing on different movies playing sidekick to big-named stars. In 1998, he started co-hosting the ABS-CBN noontime show 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila. After the show was cancelled to make way for his big break in Magandang Tanghali Bayan, he also started appearing in Richard Loves Lucy. Other shows he hosted within the network were Willingly Yours, Masayang Tanghali Bayan, and Wowowee, as well as TV5 variety programs like Willing Willie, Wil Time Bigtime and Wowowillie.

In March 2015, Revillame marked his homecoming in GMA Network (his original home network), his long-awaited return to Philippine showbiz and to Philippine television via his newest weekly-variety program Wowowin, airing on GMA Network every Sunday afternoon since May 10, 2015 until it became a weekday-variety program in February 2016 due to the huge popularity of the show.

Business ventures

Revillame is known for developing a business, the Wil Tower Mall near ABS-CBN Eugenio Lopez Drive in Quezon City with business partner Manny Villar. It held its grand opening on September 15, 2013.[2] 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 sold to his business partner and friend, former Senator Manny Villar.

Revillame was interviewed for the April 2015 episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho at his own rest house in Tagaytay City after the signing of contract with GMA Network. During the interview, GMA 7 broadcast journalist Jessica Soho said that Revillame is planning to build a 5-star resort-hotel located within the 5 hectare lot that he acquired from the Madrigal family. His own rest house is also located within the same lot.

Personal life

Revillame married Liz Almoro in a civil ceremony at Lipa, Batangas in March 2005, officiated by Mayor Vilma Santos. This was followed shortly by a church wedding in June 2005. Their marriage was annulled in 2008. Prior to his marriage to Almoro, Revillame was married to actress Princess Punzalan.[3][4]

Controversies

PhilSports Stadium stampede

On February 4, 2006, while Willie was hosting Wowowee, the PhilSports Arena stampede occurred.

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.[5]

Cory Aquino live funeral coverage controversy

In the August 3, 2009 episode of Wowowee, during which the show was interrupted for live coverage of the transfer of President Cory Aquino's remains from La Salle Greenhills to the Manila Cathedral, 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.[6] 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.[7] 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.[8]

Jobert Sucaldito controversy

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 'touchy').[9] He went on an indefinite leave three weeks later after the network declined his resignation letter.[10]

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.[11]

Child abuse case

On March 12, 2011, a "macho dance" by an apparently unhappy six-year-old boy 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.”[12][13][14][15] The Commission on Human Rights pursued an investigation of the program for violating the law.[16] In October 2015, the Court of Appeals allowed the arrest and prosecution of Revillame over the case.[17] 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.[18] 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.”[19]

Filmography

Movies
TitleYearCharacter/Role
Engkwento2009
Nobody, Nobody But... Juan2009Himself
Pera o bayong (Not da TV)2000Bartolome
Matalino man ang matsing na-iisahan din!2000Mando
Alyas Boy Tigas: Ang probinsyanong wais1998Boy Tigas
Kasangga Kahit Kailan1998Muerte
Bobby Barbers, Parak1997
Go Johnny Go1997
Kung kaya mo, kaya ko rin1996
Sa kamay ng batas1995
Ikaw Pa Eh Love Kita!1995
Omar Abdullah: Pulis Probinsya 2, Tapusin Na Natin Ang Laban1995
Hector1994
The Eddie Fernandez Story1994
Abrakadabra1994
Ako1993
Pat. Omar Abdullah: Pulis Probinsiya1992
Contreras Gang1991
Sagad Hanggang Buto1991
Joey Boy Munti, 15 anyos ka sa Muntilupa1991
Sam & Miguel (Your basura, no problema)1991Angelo
Barbi for President1991
Joe Pring 2: Kidlat Ng Maynila1990
Batang Ama1988

Television
TitleNetworkYear
CelebriTVGMA Network2015
WowowinGMA Network2015–present
WowowillieTV52013
Willing Willie/Wil Time BigtimeTV52010–2013
WowoweeABS-CBN2005–2010
Pinoy Big BrotherABS-CBN2005
Puso o PeraABC2004
Masayang Tanghali BayanABS-CBN2003
Willingly YoursABS-CBN2002–2003
Magandang Tanghali BayanABS-CBN1998–2001
Richard Loves LucyABS-CBN1998–2001
MaynilaGMA Network1999
Gillage PeopleGMA Network1997
TondominiumABC1995
Haybol RambolGMA Network1994–1995
Actually 'Yun Na!RPN1994
Barangay U.S.: Unang SigawRPN1994
Four da BoysIBC1993
Love NotesABC1993
Kate en BoogieGMA Network1993–1994
GMA Telesine SpecialsGMA Network1992
Lovingly Yours, HelenGMA Network1991
Young Love, Sweet LoveRPN1991
Barangay USAPTV1990
Pabuenas sa SiyeteGMA Network1989
Regal FamilyIBC1989
LovelinessIBC1989
Dance TonightIBC1988
Ayos Lang Tsong!IBC1988
Lunch DateGMA Network1987–1993

Singles

Composed by Vehnee Saturno
  • Gandang Filipina

Theme song of "Gandang Filipina" beauty contest segment of GMA 7 gameshow "Wowowin".

  • I Love You

Covered by Anja Aguilar for the theme song of TV5 primetime drama "P.S. I Love You (TV series)|P . S . I Love You".

  • Ikaw Ang Number 1
  • Ikaw Na Nga

Covered by Daryl Ong.

  • Kanlungan

Covered by Hannah Precillas for the theme song of GMA 7 primetime drama "Kambal, Karibal".

  • Kung Para Sayo

Covered by B.O.U. (Both Of Us) for the theme song of GMA 7 Turkish drama "Wings of Love".

  • Matapos Man Ang Kailanman
  • Munting Hiling
  • Nando'n Ako

Covered by Daryl Ong.

  • Para Sa Akin Ay Ikaw
  • Pinakamamahal
  • Sa Yakap Mo

Covered by Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid for the theme song of GMA 7 primetime drama "Sherlock Jr.".

  • Salamat Sa Inyo
  • Sandal Ka Na
  • Silong Na
  • S'yempre

Covered by Daryl Ong.

  • Yun Ka

Covered by Daryl Ong and also covered by Angel Lapuz.

Composed by Ogie Alcasid
  • Akala Ko

Albums

OctoArts EMI Music
  • "Parental Guidance?" (2001)

Universal Records
  • "Pito Pito" (2004)
  • "Para Sa 'Kin Ay Ikaw" (2005)

Star Music
  • "Wowowillie" (2005)
  • "Namamasko Po!" (2006)
  • "Dododo Dadada" (2007)
  • "Willie Sings... Camo and Saturno" (2007)
  • "Giling Giling" (2008)
  • "Ikaw Na Nga" (2009)

Viva Records
  • "I Love You" (2010)
  • "Willing Willie" (2011)
  • "Kendeng Kendeng" (2011)
  • "S'yempre" (2012)

MCA Music
  • "Christmas Wish" (2013)

GMA Music
  • "Nando'n Ako" (2015)
  • "Willie Sings... Camo and Saturno Vol. 2" (2019)

Awards
  • 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[20]
  • 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)

References
  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. Trina Lagura. "Willie's mall soon to rise in QC". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  3. "Willie Revillame Opens Up About the Women in His Life". Abs-cbn.com. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  4. "PEP: Princess Punzalan is happy for ex-husband Willie Revillame's success". GMA News. GMA Network. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  5. "GMA NEWS.TV, DOJ drops raps vs Revillame over Ultra tragedy". GMA News. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  6. "Criticisms mount against Wowowee host Willie Revillame - PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved on 2011-01-17.
  7. "ABS-CBN backs Willie Revillame; says Wowowee host did not violate Broadcast Code of the Philippines". Philippine Entertainment Portal. August 17, 2009.
  8. "Bebe Gandanghari meets Jessica Soho, March 7". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  10. "Willie Revillame takes 'indefinite break' from 'Wowowee'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  13. Jojo Malig. "Boy abused in 'Willing Willie,' DSWD says". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
  14. "DSWD calls for censure of Willie for boy 'macho dancer;' Willie says sorry". GMA News. GMA Network.
  16. "CHR to investigate 'Willing Willie' incident". ABS-CBN News.
  17. Torres-Tupas, Tetch (October 18, 2015). "Willie Revillame ordered arrested over child abuse case". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 18, 2015.
  18. "Lawyer on CA order: No need to arrest Willie, he already posted bail". GMA News. Retrieved October 18, 2015.
  19. "Court denies Revillame plea in abuse case". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  20. "ABS-CBN big winner at GMMSF Entertainment Awards". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2014-05-21.
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