For many years Willie Revillame was the face of Philippine TV for many Filipino expatriates all over the world. Then he had a falling out with his former home network that sidelined him, although only briefly.

Many, however, considered him done. But his supporters say, "You can never put a good man down." True enough, like a phoenix rising, he came out blazing with a new show on a different network. His problems hounded him until finally he found the right formula for a show that brought his swagger back.

With Wil Time, Bigtime, Revillame is back entertaining people through his gameshow.

And now he's even back on a bigger stage, as his new home studio, Kapatid TV5, goes international. In the Middle East and Europe, his show is being carried by OSN, thus enabling him to reconnect with his expatriate audience.

tabloid! caught up with Revillame to talk about his new show and his fans.

How does it feel reaching out to your fans again?

I'm happy that we will be able to entertain our kababayans again. My primary goal is to entertain and serve others through my show, and I am glad I am being given the chance again.

What can your fans in the Middle East look forward to in your show?

Lots of fun and entertainment. And to mark our comeback, we are giving Filipino expats in the Middle East something to cheer about - they will be able to join my programme where they can win valuable prizes such as a condominium unit, a van, and a million pesos cash (Dh90,000).

How do they do that?

They can join through their relatives. We will dedicate the September 30 episode where the relatives of a Filipino worker in the Middle East, who is a subscriber to our programme, can become contestants in our games. They can join the contest until September 20. Ten lucky winners will be picked. If they have any questions they can send an email to marketing@tv5.com.ph or they can call their local cable provider, which is OSN.

In addition to the prizes that they will win, they will also get a special gift from me. That is just a bonus, my way of saying thank you for their support, and the hard work that they put in for their family and the country

You have been through a lot just to be able to get back. Your thoughts?

It's been difficult, yes, but we never gave up because our desire to serve and entertain is strong. Thankfully, we were given the chance and we hope our loyal supporters will support us once again.

Musically yours

In other news, Iza Calzado has joined the cast of The Kitchen Musical in Singapore. The highly anticipated musical series features an international cast, including Karylle and Christian Bautista from the Philippines.

Calzado was visiting Karylle in Singapore when she was spotted by the show's producers. She was then asked to submit a profile and a demo reel. Even before she went back to Manila, Calzado was offered a special role in the series, which will be shown in 19 countries in Asia and Europe beginning October 2011.

Not transferring

Cesar Montano has renewed his contract with GMA, belying reports that he was transferring to TV5 to join his good friends Willie Revillame and Aga Muhlach. "I'm staying with GMA. There is a new concept for a series that we are working on, and I am also exploring the possibility of doing another movie with them," the actor told tabloid!.

Earlier, Montano appeared in two GMA-produced movies, Muro Ami and Rizal, both critically-acclaimed and award-winning films. Montano is currently busy filming a new movie — he is the director, scriptwriter and the lead star.

Nora's comeback

Superstar Nora Aunor has finally returned. The controversial celebrity, described as the industry's living legend, is now in Manila to shoot a film — El Presidente opposite E.R. Ejercito — and a new series for TV5, Sa Ngalan ng Ina (In the Name of the Mother), which reunites her with former husband and drama king Christopher de Leon as well as director Mario O'Hara, who directed her in Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (Three Years Without God). Aunor spent the last eight years living in the US, and performing in various parts of the world where her concerts continue to be a big hit among Filipino expatriates.

Still loveless

Young star Lovi Poe has denied she and actor Richard Gutierrez are an item, and she has also refuted rumours that she and former boyfriend Ronald Singson are still together.

"I'm loveless," she said at a press conference for her new movie, My Neigbour's Wife, which also features Dennis Trillo and Jake Cuenca as well as fast rising actress Carla Abellana. Despite her denials, rumours persist Poe is secretly visiting Gutierrez, a former congressman, who is in jail in Hong Kong for drug trafficking.

Playlist: Mark Anthony Fernandez, actor

Song on repeat mode: Crazy For You by Six Cycle Mind. Galing nang kantang to. Pakinggan mo minsan (This is a great song. You should try listening to it.)

Song that makes you cry: Wala akong maisip. I guess di lang ako nakikinig ng sad songs. (I can't think of anything. I guess I just don't consciously listen to sad songs.)

Song that makes you move: You're a Jerk by New Boyz. Narinig ko minsan, naaliw ako at napasayaw ako. (I heard once, I got hooked and danced).

At karaoke you would sing: Way Back into Love by Hugh Grant and Haley Bennett. Masarap kantahin. Nakaka-relax (Gives me a good feeling singing this song. Very relaxing).

Track that you would want to skip: Wala rin, eh. (I also can't think of anything.)