BEING “Box Office King” for the fifth straight year is fine, but Vic Sotto says his dream is to win an acting award.
“I wish more award-giving bodies would also appreciate the work of comedians,” Vic told the press recently.
For the fifth time, the TV host-actor won the (Metro Manila Film Festival) Box-Office King of Philippine Movies 2011 award from the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Foundation.
“Most people refer to what we’re doing as ‘comedy lang.’ For me, comedy is more challenging than drama,” said Vic, who turned 57 on April 28.
His latest movie, “Pak Pak My Dr. Kwak,” a co-production of his M-Zet Films and Star Cinema, is now showing in theaters nationwide. He is seen on the daily game show “Eat Bulaga” on GMA 7 and the sitcom “My Darling Aswang” on TV5.
The sixth season of the local version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?,” which he also hosts, premieres on TV5 on May 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Does this very busy schedule explain Vic’s lack of time for a loved one? “My love is not directed at just one person, parang networking ito,” he quipped. “I enjoy my kids and grandchildren. I spend a lot of time with my dabarkads. I don’t need a romantic partner to feel happy.”
He had a tough time adjusting, he admitted, when son Oyo left the house they used to share, after Oyo got married to actress Kristine Hermosa. “For the first few nights, it was hard for me to sleep.”
Vic said he felt like he’s hosting “Millionaire” for the first time: “There will be changes to make it more challenging. We’re starting off with kids as contestants. We did that in Season 1 and it was a big hit.”
On May 15, honor students recommended by their schools will get the chance to win P2 million. On top of the jackpot that will be split between the winner and the school, the show will award each of the players, win or lose, a college scholarship.
To help a player, new lifelines can now be used. Aside from the pre-existing “50-50” and “Phone-a-Friend,” the new season will introduce “People Speak” and “Switch.”
Through “People Speak,” the studio audience member who gives the correct answer will have a chance to win P20,000 cash. “Switch” entitles the contestant to exchange the original question with another one of the same value.