Vic Sotto is rumored to be the new host of the revived hit Philippine version game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? (WWTBAM) in TV5. The last time the Philippine WWTBAM aired was in 2003 and it was hosted by dramatic actor Christopher de Leon in IBC 13 under Viva Television. Actually, there was a clamor to air this game show again before in ABS-CBN because of its partnership with Endemol, but it fell on deaf ears because the format is similar to ABS-CBN's Game KNB? Now, TV5 has confirmed that it bought the rights for WWTBAM and it will air this game show as TV5's highlight in its 5th season.
If indeed the tapping of Vic Sotto as host for WWTBAM is true, then ABS-CBN and GMA should gird their loins because the last time WWTBAM aired -- it had beaten almost every prime time show it faced. WWTBAM was the game show that initiated the game show fever in Philippine television in the early 2000s. However, the WWTBAM stopped airing for awhile because its studio got burnt down. After returning, the WWTBAM lost its momentum against other game shows that sprouted until was canceled in 2003. After the success of Slumdog Millionaire in the 2009 Oscar Awards, WWTBAM is again on the spotlight. Will the revived WWTBAM hit it big again this year? For me, this sounds exciting because WWTBAM will give viewers a choice against other inane game shows in GMA and ABS-CBN. We hope that Vic Sotto will give life again to Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and TV5 will have stronger bullet to battle with in the ratings game.
