Celebs welcome Willie’s return to TV

MANILA, Philippines — Some local celebrities wished Willie Revillame well and for his newest show, “Wil To Win,” to be a success. Willie mounted a “WIL-come Back Party” on Sunday at the New Frontier Theatre in Quezon City.

In a video greeting, shown on a stage screen, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” star Coco Martin congratulated the host for his grand comeback on television via his TV5 program.

“I’m sure that you will help a lot of people and make them happy,” Coco told Willie. “You already know (this) and I always say this to you, ‘You are my personal idol.’ I admire you because of the goodness of your heart, (you’re) helping a lot of people and (you’re a) professional. God bless you and more power to you. I hope we will see each other soon. We love you.”

In response, Willie expressed his gratitude to Coco for his kind words and greetings, quipping, “I like your bangs ha (laughs). Coco, thank you. Coco is very kind. Coco, to Julia (Montes) and to your kids, family, thank you. We spent time together during Holy Week. And I hope that you will invite me as a guest in ‘Batang Quiapo.’ I will give you jacket.”

Richard Gomez, as well, extended his congratulations to Willie, saying, “I hope that ‘Wil To Win’ will soar up, soar high. There’s nothing that I want but to wish you the best.”

John Estrada said Willie’s heart is open to all Filipinos, that’s why until now the masses are still on his side.

The veteran TV host hands out prizes to audiences and viewers.

“Kuya Wil is a friend, brother of every Filipino,” described Randy Santiago of Willie. “He has changed the beliefs of every person. Kumbaga siya ay isang kakampi. That’s what Filipinos saw in him, talagang tinatangkilik siya.”

Aga Muhlach, on the other hand, cited how Willie’s show will bring joy to people.

“It also gives inspiration and happiness (to them),” he added. “Willie always said that life is difficult nowadays, so we have to be happy. We have to extend help. Maraming nag-aabang sa kanya because he has helped so many people. A lot of people have already lost hope. When they see Willie, they feel that they have hope.”

“We’ve received plenty of questions and we want to make sure that we’ve answered them all,” Willie said during the event. “We want to start making people happy and give away prizes to the viewers kaya tuloy-tuloy na ‘to.”

During the “WIL-come Back Party,” the veteran TV host handed out prizes to audiences and viewers and also entertained the audience by performing Tagalog songs.

Willie was joined by Win Girls Ana Ramsey, Inday Fatima, Christine Bermas, Cindy Miranda, Boobsie Wonderland, Gab Basiano, and Roberta Tamondong on stage.

“Wil To Win” airs from Monday to Friday at 5 p.m. on TV5 and other Cignal channels.