Willie Revillame Sugar Mercado relationship details were finally addressed as the veteran television host opened up about the emotional truth behind his past romance with the former SexBomb Girls member, revealing that fatherhood and his bond with her children played a central role.

During a recent press conference for his upcoming game show “Wilyonaryo,” Village faced members of the media and addressed long-standing rumors surrounding his relationship with Mercado. Speaking with honesty, the TV personality clarified that while romance played a role, it was his bond with Sugar’s children that truly changed him.

Revillame explained that spending time with the children filled a void in his life as a father, especially since he was no longer living closely with his own kids.

“I grew attached to Sugar’s children. They became like my own,” Revillame said. “Because I do not get to spend time with my children anymore, my love and attention naturally shifted to hers.”

The actor-host admitted that being around the children brought him joy and fulfillment, something he had been missing for years.

“I genuinely enjoyed being with them. I played with them, took care of them, and treated them like my own. I will not deny that,” he added. “You should not deny the truth.”

Revillame emphasized that his affection stemmed from his role as a father first before anything else. He has several children from past relationships, most of whom are now adults. Among them is actress Meryll Soriano, her daughter with Bec Soriano, the sister of veteran actress Marcel Soriano. He also has a son with his former wife, Liz Almost.

According to Revillame, his longing to be present as a father played a significant role in his emotional closeness to Sugar and her children.

While his relationship with Mercado did not last, Village said he remains grateful for the happiness it once brought him.

“Maybe we were not meant for each other,” he shared. “But what truly made me happy back then was Sugar and her children. Being with them filled the emptiness I felt from not being around my own kids.”

He also clarified that his children were aware of the situation and were understanding.

“My children knew about it. They were not jealous because they saw that I was happy, and I was always fair to them,” he explained.

Revillame stressed that he never denied his past relationship out of respect for Mercado.

“You should not deny someone you were in a relationship with. That is unfair to the woman. It happened, and i am not that kind of person who hides the truth.”

In March 2025, Sugar Mercado publicly confirmed that she and Village were in a relationship for seven years. She spoke fondly of the host and his role in her children’s lives.

“What he gave my children will always stay in our hearts,” Mercado said at the time. “He will always be part of our lives.”

She also defended Village, emphasizing his genuine love for her children.

“I have nothing bad to say about him. He truly loved the kids,” she added.

Despite the end of their romance, both parties appear to have moved forward with mutual respect and appreciation for what they once shared.

Meanwhile, Village is preparing for the launch of his latest project, “Wilyonaryo,” which is set to premiere on January 25 and will be streamed exclusively on wilyonaryo.com. The show marks another milestone in his long-standing career in Philippine television.

As Village opens a new chapter professionally, his reflections on love, family, and fatherhood offer a rare glimpse into the personal life of one of the country’s most enduring TV icons.