# Jhong Hilario

Virgilio Viernes Hilario Jr. (born August 11, 1976), known professionally as Jhong Hilario, is a Filipino actor, dancer, television host, and politician. He is part of the Filipino dance group Streetboys. He is currently serving as a councilor of Makati from its 1st district since 2016. He is widely known for his antagonist roles in television; as Gary David in the 2010 remake of Mara Clara (originally portrayed by Eruel Tongco from 1992 to 1996 and William Martinez for its movie version), and as Homer "Alakdan" Adlawan in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano. He currently appears as a regular host on ABS-CBN's noontime variety show It's Showtime.

## Early life and education

Virgilio Viernes Hilario, Jr. was born on August 11, 1976, in Asingan, Pangasinan. He attended primary school at Bangkal Elementary School II in Makati and secondary school at South Eastern College in Pasay from 1991 to 1995. He availed a high school home study program from the Department of Education, Culture and Sports in 1996. In 2023, he graduated magna cum laude from the Arellano University earning a degree in political science. In 2024, he finished his master's degree in public administration with highest merits from World Citi Colleges.

## Career
### Film and television

Hilario started his career in 1993 as a member of the dance group Streetboys. He made his debut as an actor in 1996.
As an actor, Hilario has acted in movies such as Muro Ami, released in 1999, in which he portrayed Butong; D' Anothers (2005), and Dekada '70 (2002).
In 2012, Hilario is part of ABS-CBN's noontime show It's Showtime, starting as a judge until he became one of the hosts of the program.
In 2017, he was cast in the series FPJ's Ang Probinsyano as Homer "Alakdan" Adlawan, one of his best known roles. In 2019, he left the series in order to focus on his re-election bid for councilor during the 2019 midterm elections.
In 2021, Hilario was chosen as one of the contestants of the third season of Your Face Sounds Familiar. However, after 6 weeks, including a win in the first two weeks, Hilario withdrawn from the competition for the safety of his family.
In the recent Magpasikat 2023, he won the grand prize of ₱300,000 with his team, including Kim Chiu and Ion Perez. The prize money was subsequently donated to their chosen charity.

### Politics

Hilario decided to run for councilor in the 1st district of Makati under United Nationalist Alliance and Abby Binay's ticket in 2016. In an interview, Hilario credited his father, Virgilio Sr., who served as a councilor from 2007 to 2016, as his main inspiration to run for the council seat. He was re-elected in 2019 and in 2022. He was the top vote getter on all the aforementioned elections.

## Filmography
### Television

| Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes |
| 1999–2001 | Rio Del Mar | Rodel | GMA Network | |
| 1999–2001 | Maynila | Various roles | GMA Network | |
| 2000–2001 | GMA Telesine Specials | Various roles | GMA Network | |
| 2000–2001 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | | ABS-CBN | Episode: Wedding Cake |
| 2002–2003 | Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay | Ivan | ABS-CBN | |
| 2003–2004 | Basta't Kasama Kita | | ABS-CBN | |
| 2004 | Spirits | Kuya Dong | ABS-CBN | |
| 2006 | U Can Dance | Himself | ABS-CBN | |
| 2006 | Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko | Ka Edgar | ABS-CBN | |
| 2006 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Big Boy | ABS-CBN | Episode: Rugby |
| 2007 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Joel | ABS-CBN | Episode: Rehas |
| 2007 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Rex Ferrer | ABS-CBN | Episode: Tren |
| 2007 | Rounin | Venom | ABS-CBN | |
| 2008 | Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal | Himself | ABS-CBN | |
| 2008 | Kung Fu Kids | Kevin Marilao | ABS-CBN | |
| 2009 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Romualdo "Lolong" Rubi | ABS-CBN | Episode: Medal for Valor |
| 2010 | Showtime | Himself | ABS-CBN | Judge; voluntarily exited after 30 weeks |
| 2010 | Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo | Jason / Agustin | ABS-CBN | |
| 2010 | Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla: Tonyong Bayawak | Nitoy | ABS-CBN | |
| 2010 | Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash 2010 | Himself | ABS-CBN | Guest judge |
| 2010–2011 | Emil Cruz Jr.'s Mara Clara | Gary David | ABS-CBN | Main Role / Antagonist |
| 2011 | ASAP | Himself | ABS-CBN | |
| 2011 | You Got It 2 | Himself | ABS-CBN | |
| 2011 | Gandang Gabi, Vice! | Himself | ABS-CBN | Guest |
| 2011 | Happy Yipee Yehey! | Himself | ABS-CBN | "Waka Waka guest host with John Prats" |
| 2011 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Sumalde | ABS-CBN | Episode: Bisikleta |
| 2011 | It's Showtime | Himself | ABS-CBN | Judge |
| 2011 | The Price Is Right | Himself | ABS-CBN | With Dimples Romana |
| 2011 | Ikaw ay Pag-Ibig | Alex | ABS-CBN | |
| 2012–present | It's Showtime | Himself | ABS-CBN (2012–2020) Kapamilya Channel/A2Z (2020–present) All TV/GMA Network (2024–present) | Host |
| 2013 | Juan dela Cruz | Poldo | ABS-CBN | Special Guest / Antagonist |
| 2013 | My Little Juan | Poldo | ABS-CBN | Special Guest / Antagonist |
| 2013 | Little Champ | Lucas Caballero / Leon del Torro Jr. | ABS-CBN | Main Role / Anti-Hero |
| 2013 | Gandang Gabi, Vice! | Himself | ABS-CBN | Guest |
| 2014 | Ipaglaban Mo! | Erwin | ABS-CBN | Episode: Ako ang Biktima |
| 2015 | Matanglawin | Himself | ABS-CBN | Cameo |
| 2015 | Walang Iwanan | Kamlon Bautista | ABS-CBN | Supporting Role / Anti-Hero |
| 2017 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Agustin "Isong" Batucan | ABS-CBN | Episode: Sto. Niño |
| 2017 | Ipaglaban Mo! | Ely | ABS-CBN | Episode: Hinala |
| 2017–2019 | FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | Homer "Alakdan" Adlawan | ABS-CBN | Main Role / Antagonist |
| 2019 | Ipaglaban Mo! | Tony | ABS-CBN | Episode: Kalaguyo |
| 2021 | Your Face Sounds Familiar | Himself | Kapamilya Channel/A2Z | Season 3, performer / contestant |
| 2022 | PIEnalo: Pera o Bayong | Himself | PIE Channel | Guest co-host |
| 2022 | PIEnalo: Palong Follow | Himself | PIE Channel | Featured celebrity content creator |
| 2022 | The Chosen One | Himself | PIE Channel | Actor-Mentor |
| 2024 | Family Feud (Philippine game show) | Himself | GMA Network | Celebrity Contestant / Guest |

### Movies

| Year | Title | Character/Role | Film Producer |
| 1996 | Istokwa | Nestor | MAQ Productions |
| 1998 | Sa Pusod ng Dagat | Luis | GMA Films |
| 1998 | José Rizal | Prisoner servant | GMA Films |
| 1999 | Muro Ami | Botong | GMA Films |
| 2000 | Spirit Warriors | Buboy | MAQ Productions |
| 2001 | Sa Huling Paghihintay | | Viva Films |
| 2001 | La Vida Rosa | Boy Kulet | Star Cinema |
| 2001 | Bagong Buwan | Jason | Star Cinema |
| 2002 | Dekada '70 | Willy | Star Cinema |
| 2003 | Spirit Warriors: The Shortcut | Buboy | MAQ Productions |
| 2004 | Kulimlim | Ex-convict | Viva Films |
| 2005 | Nasaan Ka Man | Nardo | Star Cinema |
| 2005 | D' Anothers | Gorio | Star Cinema |
| 2006 | Sukob | Erning | Star Cinema |
| 2008 | Caregiver | Joseph | Star Cinema |
| 2008 | Iskul Bukol 20 Years After (Ungasis and Escaleras Adventure) | Fernando | OctoArts Films |
| 2009 | Kinatay | Abyong | Swift Productions |
| 2009 | Astig (Mga Batang Kalye) | | Cinemalaya |
| 2009 | Lola | Bebong | Swift Productions |
| 2010 | Noy | Adik 1 | CineMediaStar Cinema |
| 2010 | Emir | Boyong | Cultural Center of the PhilippinesViva Films |
| 2011 | Segunda Mano | Dindo | Star CinemaMJM Productions |
| 2012 | The Healing | Dario | Star Cinema |
| 2013 | Boy Golden | | Viva FilmsScreen Cinema Concepts |
| 2016 | The Super Parental Guardians | Val Santos | Star Cinema |
| 2017 | Mang Kepweng Returns | | Viva FilmsCineKo Productions |
| 2017 | The Ghost Bride | Cameo | Star Cinema |
| 2017 | Ang Panday | Sword guard | Star CinemaCCM Film ProductionsViva Films |
| 2019 | 3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon! | Rigor | CCM Film ProductionsQuantum Films |
| 2024 | And the Breadwinner Is... | Biboy Salvador | Star CinemaThe IdeaFirst Company |

## Personal life

He was previously married to theater actress Michelle Westgate, from 2005 to 2011. In 2024, their marriage ended in divorce.
Hilario has a daughter named Sarina Oceania, with partner Maia Azores in March 2021.

## Accolades
### Awards and nominations

| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
| 2000 | 48th FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actor | Best Supporting Actor | Muro-Ami | Nominated |
| 2000 | 23rd Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actor | Best Supporting Actor | Muro-Ami | Nominated |
| 2000 | 16th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Best Supporting Actor | Muro-Ami | Won |
| 2000 | 10th Young Critics Circle Awards | Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role | Muro-Ami | Nominated |
| 2004 | 18th PMPC Star Awards | Best Single Performance by an Actor | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Yellow Baby | Nominated |
| 2006 | 20th PMPC Star Awards | Best Single Performance by an Actor | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Bangka | Nominated |
| 2007 | 21st PMPC Star Awards | Best Single Performance by an Actor | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Piso | Nominated |
| 2011 | 60th FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actor | Best Supporting Actor | Segunda Mano | Nominated |
| 2011 | 25th PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Drama Actor | Mara Clara | Nominated |
| 2012 | Golden Screen TV Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | Mara Clara | Nominated |
| 2012 | 26th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Reality and Game Show Host | It's Showtime | Won |
| 2014 | 37th Gawad Urian Awards for Best Actor | Best Actor | Badil | Nominated |
| 2014 | 11th Golden Screen Awards | Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role | Badil | Nominated |
| 2014 | 24th Young Critics Circle Awards | Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role | Badil | Won |
| 2017 | 31st PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Drama Supporting Actor of the Year | Ang Probinsyano | Nominated |
| 2018 | 32nd PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Drama Supporting Actor of the Year | Ang Probinsyano | Nominated |
| 2018 | 8th EdukCircle Awards | Best Supporting Actor (TV Series) | Ang Probinsyano | Won |
| 2019 | Golden Laurel Lyceans' Choice Media Awards | Best Television Supporting Actor | Ang Probinsyano | Won |
| 2019 | 3rd Guild of Educators, Mentors, and Students (GEMS) | Best Male Performance in a Supporting Role | Ang Probinsyano | Won |
| 2020 | 4th Guild of Educators, Mentors, and Students (GEMS) | Best Single Performance by an Actor | Ipaglaban Mo: Kalaguyo | Won |
| 2022 | Jeepney TV Fan Favorite Awards | Favorite Musical/Variety Show Host | It's Showtime | Nominated |
| 2024 | Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Supporting Actor | And the Breadwinner Is... | Nominated |