Willie Revillame

Wilfredo “Willie” Buendia Revillame is a television host and businessman who is best known for hosting variety shows such as Wowowee, Wowowin, and Tutok to Win.

He began his career in the entertainment industry as a drummer before transitioning into acting, often portraying the comedic sidekick to leading stars in films. He later became a co-host of several noontime television programs before being given the opportunity to headline Wowowee in 2005.

As a television host, Revillame has been known for his on-air outbursts, including reprimanding staff members and co-hosts during live broadcasts. His career has been marked by several controversies, such as the 2006 PhilSports Stadium stampede during an anniversary show of Wowowee, allegations of game show rigging in 2007, and his 2009 remarks criticizing the simultaneous airing of the funeral possession of former president Corazon Aquino and his show. He was also involved in a legal dispute concerning his contract with ABS-CBN and has been scrutinized by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board for segments deemed inappropriate.

As an entrepreneur, he co-developed Wil Tower, a condominium project, in partnership with former senator Manny Villar. He has also owned and operated restaurants in Quezon City.

Revillame has been approached multiple times to run for public office. In 2010, then-president Rodrigo Duterte encouraged him to seek a Senate seat, but he declined, citing his commitment to his entertainment career. In 2021, he again dismissed the possibility of running in the 2022 elections, emphasizing his lack of experience in lawmaking. However, he made an attempt to enter politics through the 1-WIL SERVE party-list group in the 2012 elections, though the Commission on Elections later disqualified the group. In 2024, he formally filed his candidacy for the 2025 senatorial election as an independent candidate.

He has been married twice and has four children from different relationships.