MANILA, Philippines (1st UPDATE) – The wait is over as top-rating noontime show finally revealed action star Robin Padilla as its “Idol” host on Saturday.

Padilla was warmly welcomed by his co-hosts Pokwang, Mariel Rodriguez, Valerie Concepcion, Carmen Soo, Kelly Misa, Isabelle Abiera and Jed Montero, and Wowowee studio audience.

“Nakaka-mesmerize ang ka-gwapuhan niya," said Concepcion.

Pokwang, for her part, only had kind words for Padilla.

“Proud po kami sa kanya dahil alam naming first time niya pong ginagawa ito. Hindi siya sanay pero tina-try po niya yung best niya para mapalapit talaga sa lahat ng Pilipinong tumangkilik sa Wowowee,” said Pokwang.

The dashing actor did not only charm his co-hosts but the studio audience as well.

“Taos puso akong nagpapasalamat sa pagtangkilik at mainit na pagtangap sa akin, sa manangement at sa staff ng show, nangangapa pa kasi ako kanina. Kanina nga gusto ko ibigay lahat ng pera sa mga games, kaso hindi pala pwede yun,” Padilla said.

The audience was thrilled particularly when Padilla serenaded them and offered red roses to some women.

The excitement further escalated when Padilla’s former leading ladies, including Vina Morales, appeared on the show.

Hot topic on Twitter 

Padilla's Wowowee hosting also made it to the top trending topic on Twitter.

"Maraming, maraming salamat po sa ating mga kababayan. Hindi ko naiintindihan ang Twitter. Ang alam ko lang si Tweety [cartoon character]. Maraming salamat po sa suporta,” said Padilla.

He humbly added that he is just filling the gap in the absence of Willie Revillame, the host of Wowowee.

“Tayo po sa panahong ito ay nagpupuno lamang. Yun naman pong kay Ka Willie, kaibigan po natin yan. Katunayan ako po ay nagpaalam sa kanya bago po natin ginawa ito,” he explained.

Padilla will appear again on the show on Monday. With Gretchen Fulido, TV Patrol World