How Willie keeps on winning

Wowowin host Willie Revillame reflects on his journey to success and says that he would not want to have reached it any other way. What his followers should learn from the popular host is to “never forget the people who helped you through your journey and to keep giving back to those who supported you.”

Years and years in show business taught him to become resilient despite the controversies and the storms he had to face that almost cost him his career. Being able to rise above these trials gave him the favor of the people. He recovers well after each setback — stronger, wiser, with his head held high ­— and remains true to what he believes in.

“I don’t mind the detractors. What I tell myself is, these people will like me once they see the real me. Basta ako, gusto ko lang na maayos, may sistema,” the Kapuso host reveals.

But who is Willie Revillame? Starting his career as a drummer, Willie recalls how he used to be a nonchalant ladies’ man who only cared about his music and the money he earned. He shares, “I never had any dream but to become a drummer or to work abroad. My dream was really to become Michael Jackson’s drummer. I wanted to audition before him. I would find time to practice. Pero isipin mo kung naging drummer ako ni Michael Jackson, eh patay na siya ngayon, kanino na ’ko tutugtog?”

His jolly personality goes well with how he wants to be seen by the people who look up to him. He is very approachable and warm. His generosity towards his staff makes them feel more like family than co-workers. This is proven true as his co-hosts and production team show their unending support to him. They are willing to go the extra mile just to bring out the best in their program.

Yvette Corral, one of Willie’s most loyal staff, started as a dancer for his show when she was 16. She used to borrow money from him just so she could juggle studying and working. Willie saw her potential and appreciated her hard work. Now, she is one of his co-hosts.

His jolly personality goes well with how he wants to be seen by the people who look up to him

“I’ve learned so much from Kuya Wil. I’m happy that I became part of the show. Kasi nag-pe-pay off yung mgapinaghihirapan namin sa rehearsals. Lalo na po kapag nakikita naming yung mga tinuturo po sa’min ni kuya ay nagagawa namin ng maayos. We do our best since it is our way of thanking him and returning all the goods things he has done for us,” says Yvette.

Meanwhile, for beauty-queen-turned host Ariella Arida, the newest addition to the Wowowin family, all the fun and entertainment that their program provides are a reflection of how they are off-cam. “Perhaps, people see that the show has a heart ­— and it is not pretentious, what you see on-cam is the same thing you see off-cam. So yung bonding, kung paano kami makisalamuha sa isa’t isa at sa mga tao, it’s all natural and organic. That’s the reason why people love the show.”

Wowowin has been running for a year now on GMA 7, and the secret to its success is the team behind it. Willie takes pride in his well-disciplined staff that he personally trains by example.

Host Willie Revillame is approachable and warm on- and off-cam

Being the perfectionist that he is, Willie shares, “From the start of the day nandito na ‘ko. I supervise them and then, I study everything. I watch different game shows — Japanese, Chinese, etc. — because I have to research. I check out the stage (design), the lighting, the games and even the music.”

His equally passionate team has imbibed Willie’s dedication. Even if he calls them up at 2 a.m., they will pick up the phone and attend to the impending concern without any questions. He admits that he tends to be too hands-on, but shouldn’t one be anything less in order to give his audience a well-crafted entertainment program?

Knowing what he does and who he is doing it for are the roots of his achievements. Willie believes that in the entertainment industry, it is important that the people behind a show are happy with what they are doing and he doesn’t end there. His show is not only for the people, but it’s also about the people.

“You give importance to those who are neglected or disadvantaged. I think that speaks of success. Yung mga taong di nabibigyan ng chance sa buhay, bibigyan natin. And it’s not a competition, it’s more of a performance,” he says.

Willie loves hearing other people’s stories. Giving them an opportunity to achieve their dreams is reason enough for him to keep going. Asked about the goals he still wants to reach, he maintains that he is already settled. If there is one thing he wants to do, it is to support the people in his team and to maximize their potential.

“OK na ko eh. Ang ‘di ko na lang nararating ay yung Mars at saka Moon,” he jokes. “Honestly, I want all of them (my staff) to have a good life. Someday, I want to see them having fulfilled their dreams.”

One thing he wants to remind people is to keep learning: “Develop your talent. Kahit anong mangyari, ‘di pwedeng mabait ka lang. Kahit mabait ka o mayabang ka, at the end of the day, what matters is you’ve proven something.” Words of wisdom from a man who has gone through hell and back and yes, he still stands proud on the stage of success.