Coming soon: The return of Willie Revillame

It’s just a matter of time before Willie Revillame makes a comeback on TV.

Willie himself confirmed this in an interview on GMA-7’s Startalk on Sunday, May 18.

“Basta babalik na po ako within three months, sigurado po ‘yan.”

It was in October last year when TV5 pulled the plug on “Wowowillie”— ending his three-year contract with the network that became his refuge when he left ABS-CBN. The Kapamilya network then launched a messy legal dispute against its former prized talent.

“Nag-iipon lang ako ng mas maraming ideas. Gusto ko ‘yung masaya, ayoko ng malungkot. Gusto ko ‘yung opening, nagsasayawan,” Willie added.

He also hinted that he’s eyeing another primetime slot in a still unidentified channel.

“Ang napapanood natin sa news, puro na lang tayo corruption, puro patayan. Dapat sa gabi, habang kumakain ang pamilya sa hapag-kainan, ang pinanonood n’yo po ay mga good news.”

The controversial TV host, however, would have one less trusted production staff when he returns to the broadcast arena.

Willie’s right-hand man resigns

Jay Montelibano, Wil Productions’ business unit head, reasoned that he vacated his position as chief operating officer of WiRe (Willie Revillame Holdings) because he’s in the wrong industry.

“He knew from the start and I’ve been telling him that I’ve always been a broadcast person and the mall position was something new for me. I’m not really a realty person,” he told Yahoo Philippines.

Jay is back with the Kapatid network, this time in an executive position as VP for Sales. It will be recalled that Willie brought Jay and dozens of ABS-CBN staff with him when he transferred to TV5.

“If he goes back [to TV], it wouldn’t be me anymore because now I’m committed with TV5,” Jay said. “I’m sure he’ll be hiring another person.”

The long-time broadcast guy said he and the TV host parted ways amicably, and they remain friends.

Disposing of properties

Jay also confirmed that Willie has been selling some of his properties, but a long list of assets remains.
Willie sold his chopper, a midland property in Tagaytay (composed of three homes combined) and Wil Event’s Place in Quezon City.

He confirmed reports that Wil Tower Mall along Mother Ignacia Ave., Quezon City, is also up for sale to former senator and real estate mogul Manny Villar.

“Kasi hindi ko ho alam papaano patakbuhin ang isang mall. May mga bagay kang binebenta (kasi) hindi mo na kailangan,” he explained.

Among the properties still intact are the airplane, the yacht and the Ayala Heights residence which he acquired from ABS-CBN Chairman Gabby Lopez III.

The car enthusiast still maintains 11 to 12 high-end sports cars and 15 to 16 backup vehicles. He’s also busy developing WilSky, a 5-star boutique hotel overlooking the Taal lake in Tagaytay.

Says Jay, “The first villa was already up. So I believe that would be six villas and 1 hotel that would have 12 floors.”

On gambling

The disposal of Willie’s properties came amid reports that he’s been spending too much time and money in the casino where he allegedly lost up to P600 million.

“Ang perang pinanglalaro ko sa casino ay perang pinaghirapan ko at hindi ng kung sinu-sino,” Willie explained.

He added, “Ganito kasimple yan. Marami kang nabiling investments, hindi mo na napapakinabangan yung iba, ano gagawin mo dun? Nagbabayad ka ng monthly dues, nagbabayad ka ng taxes.”

Never say never to politics

Asked about his plans to enter politics, Willie said it’s hard to decide, considering the political climate in the country.

“Napakahirap pong desisyunan sa buhay ’yan eh, kasi gumawa ka ng mabuti, gumawa ka ng masama, masama ka pa rin basta masira ka lang. (Pero) mahirap magsalita nang tapos.”

He added, “Sa mga nangyayari ngayon papasok ka pa ba sa pulitika? Napakahirap, ’di ba?”