AMID the irrepressible glitz of Philippine entertainment, few stars have radiated as brightly and endured as remarkably as action sensation turned Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. Proof is the fact that one of the biggest names in showbiz is marking 50 illustrious years as an actor this August, while still very much on top of his game.

Tonight will, in fact, see the first season finale of Sen. Bong’s top-rated Sunday night sitcom on GMA Network, “Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis,” with preparations for the second one well underway.

Indeed, the beloved showbiz personality has winningly managed to satisfy his overwhelming fan base amid the demands of what he unequivocally declared as his top priority to serve the even larger number of Filipinos who voted him to the ascending offices of his political career. Since embracing public service, Sen. Bong has made it a habit to dedicate Congress breaks to jampacked shooting schedules and keep his promise to release at least one exhilarating TV project and/or one high-budget full-length movie for his audiences to enjoy every year.

And that he is able to switch on his acting skills in a snap as he jumps from senate to set is another testament to the level of his talent as a performer.

Turning 57 on September 25, Sen. Bong’s cinematic debut dates back to when he was just seven years old. The year was 1973, and he graced the silver screen as an extra in “Tiagong Akyat,” produced by Imus Productions and led by his father, the iconic Ramon Revilla Sr., alongside Aurora Salve.

A pivotal point in his artistic journey arrived when, at the tender age of 14, he starred in “Bianong Bulag” and convincingly portrayed the role of a young blind boy. This was just a glimpse of the myriad films he would contribute to local cinema throughout his youth, culminating in his official launch in the 1983 film “Dugong Buhay” under Lea Productions.

Of his 50 prolific years as an actor, his filmography’s most unforgettable titles include “Boboy Tibayan-Tigre ng Cavite, “Pieta: Ang Ikalawang Aklat,” “Sa Dibdib ng Sierra Madre,” “Celeste Gang,” “Tigre ng Cavite,” “Beloy Montemayor,” “Anak ng Supremo,” “Isa Lang ang Dapat Mabuhay,” “Bodyguard: Masyong Bagwisa, Jr.,” and “Sgt. Villapando: A.W.O.L.”

Reveling in the heartwarming reception of his projects through the years at a catch-up interview on Thursday Sen. Bong – in particular, the current success of “Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis” – could only express his deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed his small and big screen success in the last five decades and counting.

“It’s overwhelming to be here 50 years later and still enjoy all this support as an actor,” he said in Filipino. “I can only feel [immense] gratitude right now. To GMA, for their trust in me in this sitcom and the many other projects we’ve done together. To all the advertisers for always making our shows a hit. And of course, to our beloved fans, thank you for never failing to watch everything I do.”

Acknowledging that showbiz runs in his blood, Sen. Bong reaffirmed his pledge to the entertainment industry, which he calls home, to do everything he can to address its continuing challenges. From producing more movies under the family’s film outfit to working with stakeholders in his capacity as senator to bring down the cost of movie tickets, these are all on his to-do list.

But before he gets started on his goals, Sen. Bong, evidently touched, revealed that the stars of TV’s various networks have promised to come together for a grand anniversary celebration to coincide with his birthday on September 25.

“I’m not privy to all the details except that Kapamilya, Kapuso, Kapatid are coming together to mount a celebration in Okada,” he excitedly shared. “And I really hope that beyond that, everyone in showbiz can keep this kind of unity going because we are one family in this industry, after all.”

Asked for his birthday wish, Sen. Bong paused meaningfully before saying, “What more could a Bong Revilla ask for? I constantly say this – I am so blessed. I am so grateful for everything the Lord has given me. Imagine, I am now a father to a doctor, a lawyer, and children serving the nation. [My sons] Jolo and Bryan, they’re also contributing to nation-building. I have the most supportive and understanding wife [actress-turned-congresswoman Lani Mercado]. I don’t look like a granddad,” he teased as he showed off a noticeably buff physique since his last meeting with the Entertainment press, “but the number of grandchildren we have is growing.”

Pausing for effect again and flashing his famous chinito smile, Sen. Bong joked, “The Lord can take me any time! Pero wag muna [but not just yet]!”

A fulfilled man, Sen. Bong’s continuing narrative encapsulates an artist fulfilled by his multifaceted journey as a father, actor, and politician. His stellar career and enduring love from his fans affirm that his journey is far from over.

“All I can do is to give back, whether it’s through my regular prize giveaways on Sundays on my Facebook page, making sure that every project I make for TV or the movies is worth the wait for my fans as far as showbiz is concerned,” Philippine Entertainment’s latest golden boy expressed.

“I owe where I am today to all my supporters that’s why I owe it to them to keep on going as long as I can.”