MANILA, Philippines—When it was first announced that Vic Sotto had been chosen to host the new local edition of the quiz show, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”, some people were surprised and wondered if he was up to the challenge of reinventing himself as a quizmaster. After all, he was known mainly as a comedian and variety-show host, so what did he know about quiz shows?

We didn’t share those naysayers’ apprehensions, however. A long time ago, we caught a quiz portion on “Eat Bulaga” that Sotto handled, and we were pleasantly surprised to see him doing so well. So, when we caught the new “Millionaire” show on TV5, we were fairly confident that Vic would be able to at least pass muster as its quizmaster.

Less studied

True enough, Sotto acquitted himself well, exuding both confidence and concern that contestants would do well on the show. So, what makes him different from previous “Millionaire” quizmaster Christopher de Leon? Sotto is less studied and more relaxed, even coming up with light comments and banter every now and then.

This lighter approach is welcome, but Sotto has to be aware of the possibility that, if things get too breezy and laid-back on the show, its essential seriousness of purpose, suspense and “drama” could be eroded.

It’s a difficult balancing act, but the quizmaster should be able to pull it off. If Sotto needs a role model for this, the iconic “Jeopardy” quiz show could offer him some pointers. On that decades-long hit show, the tone is sometimes breezy, but its host, Alex Trebek, runs a tight ship, and the contestants stay focused on the intellectually-stimulating competition from start to finish.

As for the contestants on the local edition of “Millionaire,” the telecast we watched showed that they too were bent on doing well—but with less than triumphant results.

A celebrity panel composed of Ara Mina, Mo Twister, Polo Ravales, Assunta de Rossi, Rafael Rosel, Manilyn Reynes, Jay Manalo, Gladys Reyes, Nadia Montenegro and Megan Young competed for the first slot, which went to Mo Twister.

He did well with the first few questions asked, which were relatively easy, but failed to make it all the way up the show’s 15-question ladder, to get within hitting distance of its P2 million top plum.

In fact, he went home with a relative pittance, proof to other perspective contestants that becoming a “Millionaire” is much more difficult than playing a bright and breezy game of Q&A.

True, the show does throw its contestants some lifelines (50-50, Ask the Audience, Phone a Friend). Depending on the question asked however, they may not be of much help—as the May 23 initial telecast’s next contestant, Megan Young, found out, when it was her turn to Phone A Friend.

The question was about the age of Barbie, the doll, but Megan’s friend turned out to be her teacher, who was obviously not an expert on dolls, so there went that lifeline!

‘Notorious’

Actor Derek Luke initially rejected his role as Puff Daddy aka Sean P. Diddy Combs in the critically acclaimed biopic “Notorious”—until he got a phone call from the hip-hop mogul himself. How could he say no after that?

Luke was introduced to audiences in 2002 in the acclaimed drama “Antwone Fisher,” where he played the title character. He earned several awards for his performance, including a Black Reel award for Best Actor and an Independent Spirit award for Best Male Lead.

In 2004, Luke starred in Peter Berg’s “Friday Night Lights” with Billy Bob Thornton. His other credits: “Glory Road” and Robert Redford’s “Lions for Lambs.”