Veteran TV host Willie Revillame officially marked his return to television as his new game show ‘Wilyonaryo’ premiered this week, positioning itself directly against long-running noontime programs ‘It’s Showtime’ and ‘Eat Bulaga!’.
The pilot episode of ‘Wilyonaryo’ aired on Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. and was streamed via wilyonaryo.com, while also being broadcast on WilTV Channel 10 of Cignal Cable, owned by Manny V. Pangilinan. Following the successful pilot, Revillame reportedly held a celebratory gathering with his team.
Starting Tuesday, January 27, 2026, ‘Wilyonaryo’ officially moved to the 12:00 noon weekday slot, placing it in direct competition with ‘It’s Showtime’—currently airing on GMA Network and led by Vice Ganda—and ‘Eat Bulaga!’, anchored by Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon on TV5.
The launch coincided with Revillame’s 65th birthday, which he described as a meaningful way to celebrate by entertaining and helping fellow Filipinos.
“Tara na, sabay-sabay na tayo sa masarap na pananghalian with Kuya Wil at sa chance na maging milyonaryo mula Lunes hanggang Biyernes!” read an announcement posted on Wilyonaryo’s official page.
Another post emphasized the host’s continued focus on giving joy to others, stating: “Hanggang sa kanyang kaarawan, para pa rin sa pagpapasaya ng kapwa Pilipino.”
With its noon airing, Wilyonaryo is expected to heat up competition in the already crowded noontime landscape, prompting speculation on whether rival shows will introduce new segments or bigger prizes in response.
Revillame’s television comeback comes months after his unsuccessful bid for the Senate in the 2025 elections. During a media conference on January 20, he openly reflected on the loss and said he has come to terms with it.
“Siguro hindi talaga ’yon para sa akin,” Revillame said. “Actually, ’yong pagkatalo ko, para sa akin nanalo pa ako, eh.”
He further explained that politics may not have suited him given the current political climate.
“Isipin n’yo kung nandoon ako ngayon, anong gagawin ko? Kanino ako sasama, kanino ako kakampi?” he said. “For me, ang politika hindi dapat politika—public servant ka dapat. Tumakbo ako para magserbisyo sa bayan, sa mga tao.”
