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 However, after 6 weeks, including a win in the first two weeks, Hilario withdrawn from the competition for the safety of his family.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 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

Movies

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 2021.

Accolades

Awards and nominations