Jhong Hilario undoubtedly got a second wind in his acting career when he joined the cast of the top-rating primetime series, "Ang Probinsiyano." Hilario's marked role as Alakdan/Homer has definitely become widely known and popular to viewers that the character has become his alter-ego even when he's not in front of the cameras.

However, Hilario will soon have to say goodbye to “Ang Probinsiyano” to give way to his political career. He is running for re-election as councilor in Makati's first district, his second term. Expectedly, he has to throw in the towel in playing Alakdan.

At the third GEMS (Guild of Educators, Mentors and Students) Hiyas ng Sining Awards, Hilario was ecstatic when he received the award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role for "Ang Probinsiyano."

"Nasungkit kita," Hilario proudly beamed, holding his plaque. "Nakakatuwa. Bago ako mamatay sa ‘Probinsiyano,’ nabigyan ako nito. Malapit na kasi ang kampanya."

The ceremony was held at the Center for Performing Arts De La Salle Santiago Zobel in Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City.

Even before he opened his mouth when he mounted the stage, Hilario immediately had to give in to the clamor of the audience when they shouted, "Sample, sample." To which Hilario, tagged as the "Sample King," gladly obliged and displayed his slick dance moves.

The former Streetboys member admitted he really didn't know how to dance when he first auditioned for the group in the mid '90s. Streetboys was then managed by director Chito Rono, who remains Hilario's manager to this day.

"Marunong lang akong mag tumbling, pero ginalingan ko," Hilario said. "Months after nakapasok ako sa Streetboys, naging choreographer pa ako ng grupo."

Even in hosting, Hilario said he wasn't initially keen on hosting after he became Hurado in "It’s Showtime" and later graduated to being a regular host.

"Ginalingan ko lang po," Hilario said of his daily hosting stint. "Even sa public service, ganoon din po ang ginawa ko. (Kaya) Hindi po ako naniniwala sa taong walang talent."

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Hilario was elated after receiving the award and acknowledged veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who was in the audience that night. "Lahat po ng adlib ko sa role ko sa Probinsiyano, kay Tito Eddie ko 'yun pinulot."

Hilario also expressed his gratitude to "Ang Probinsiyano" lead actor, Coco Martin, who gave him an acting break anew. The series, now running on its fourth year, was also awarded Best TV Series.

"Abutin man ng isang siglo, walang katapusan ang laban ni Cardo," said the host of GEMS Awards.

Garcia, meanwhile, was also in the audience, when he received the highest award for the night, "Natatanging Hiyas ng Sining sa Pinilakang Tabing."

KAPAMILYA NETWORK REAPS AWARDS

Other ABS-CBN programs and stars were recognized in the Third GEMS Hiyas ng Sining Awards.

Kim Chiu received the Best Actress in a Single Performance for "Mata," an episode in the long-running drama anthology, “Maalaala Mo Kaya.”

"Acting is my first love and I want to challenge myself in everything that I do," said Chiu. “I am so thankful to ABS-CBN for entrusting me with a lot of challenging roles.”

"Recognition like this will be my inspiration in everything that I do. Don't forget to smile. If you fall, don't forget to stand up."

Iza Calzado won Best Female Performance in a Supporting Role for playing Rebecca in "Ngayon at Kailanman."

She was thankful for being recognized even in a role that TV audiences loved to hate. "I am so grateful for the many amazing people in the industry who helped me along the way," Calzado said.

Joross Gamboa, meanwhile, won as Best Actor in a Single Performance for "Alkansiya," an episode on "Maalaala Mo Kaya."

"Pinagsabay ko ang pag-aartista at pag-aaral," Gamboa humbly said. "Knowledge is power. More powerful than that is the application of knowledge."

Gamboa finished college in a span of 13 years, as he shuttled his time between his acting job and his studies. He graduated from Southville International School and Colleges in 2014.

Jericho Rosales was named Best Actor in a TV Series for “Halik,” while Julia Barretto was Best Actress in a TV Series for “Ngayon at Kailanman.” Both didn’t make it to the awards night.

Young star Xia Vigor received the Talentadong Anak ng Sining Award for “The Kids’ Choice.”

“Ipaglaban Mo” and “ASAP Natin ‘To” were recognized as the Best TV Programs.

ABS-CBN was also named TV Station of the Year for the second time.