MANILA, Philippines - Popular "Wowowee" host Willie Revillame turned 49 today, January 27.

Born Wilfredo Buendia Revillame, "Wil" or "Papi" has been named most powerful entertainer by YES! magazine last year.

Revillame started his career in show business portraying small roles. He then became a sidekick of Phillip Salvador, Edu Manzano, Cesar Montano, the late Rudy Fernandez, Aga Muhlach and King of Comedy Dolphy.

In 1998, he became a co-host of ABS-CBN's 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila." He then joined Randy Santiago and John Estrada in hosting "Magandang Tanghali Bayan," a show which replaced 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila."

"Magandang Tanghali Bayan" was eventually replaced by "Masayang Tanghali Bayan" and Revillame became the main host.

Currently, Revillame is hosting “Wowowee,” one of the country’s most popular and controversial noontime shows.