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Ruby Rodriguez
Ruby Rodriguez
Ruby Rodriguez
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Mari Ruby Rodriguez-Aquino (born January 10, 1966) is a Filipina actress and a former host of the Philippine noontime variety show Eat Bulaga!.

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Rodriguez originally started her career as a preschool teacher, later appearing in a recurring role in Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! alongside Vic Sotto and Aiza Seguerra.[1] She has been starring as one of Eat Bulaga!'s hosts since 1991 and has since then become a regular host.

Rodriguez joined Eat Bulaga! at the age of 25, replacing Helen Vela, who left the show due to medical and health reasons that led to her death a year later. In 2021, she left Eat Bulaga! after 31 years as a co-host–counting her hiatus in hosting the program due to the COVID-19 pandemic–due to her having to take care of her son who has dyslexia, and then, her relocation to the United States to be with her daughter.[2]

As of 2021, she is now living in Los Angeles, California and currently works at the Philippine Consulate Office.[3]

Personal life

[edit]

Rodriguez has an elder sister, a doctor who died from COVID-19 in 2020.[4]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role
1986 Payaso
1988 Me & Ninja Liit
1990 Papa's Girl
Pido Dida: Sabay Tayo
Iputok Mo... Dadapa Ako! (Hard to Die)
Ang Titser Kong Alien: Wooly Booly II
1991 Pitong Gamol May Sikwat
Humanap Ka ng Panget Gracia
Ipagpatawad Mo Ruby
Kaputol ng Isang Awit
Darna Vibora
Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!: The Movie Amy
1992 Alabang Girls Butch
Goosebuster
Tough Guys: Mga Batang Walong Gatang
Mahirap Maging Pogi May
Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!: Part 2 Amy
1993 Ang Boyfriend Kong Gamol
Sala sa Init, Sala sa Lamig Malou
Manchichiritchit
1994 Once Upon a Time in Manila Carnap victim
Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang
Pinagbiyak Na Bunga (Lookalayk)
Relaks Ka Lang, Sagot Kita Lizette
O-Ha! Ako Pa? Elsa
Eat All You Can
Abrakadabra Sadama Husina
1995 Pustahan Tayo, Mahal Mo Ako Vicky
Proboys Louie
Basta't Kasama Kita Sare
Isang Kahig, Tatlong Tuka
1996 Ang Tange Kong Pag-ibig
Do Re Mi
Istokwa
Kung Kaya Mo, Kaya Ko Rin!
2003 Utang ng Ama Ginger
2004 Enteng Kabisote: OK Ka Fairy Ko... The Legend Amy
2005 Enteng Kabisote 2: Okay Ka Fairy Ko... The Legend Continues!
2006 Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend Goes On and On and On
2007 Ouija Yaya
Enteng Kabisote 4: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko... The Beginning of the Legend Amy
2008 Urduja Mayumi
2010 Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote Amy
2011 Enteng ng Ina Mo
2012 Si Agimat, si Enteng Kabisote at si Ako
2013 My Little Bossings Janet Napulis
2014 My Big Bossing
2015 My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore One Esplanade guest member
2018 So Connected Lea
2024 Hello, Love, Again[5] Amy
TBA Petrang Kabisote

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role
1987–1997 Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! Amy
1991–2021 Eat Bulaga! Host
1991–1997 Abangan ang Susunod Na Kabanata Trisha Llamado
1993 Kool Skool[6]
1999–2000 Back to Iskul Bukol
2001–2007 Daddy Di Do Du Empee
2005 Saang Sulok ng Langit Yaya Rosa
2007–2008 Sine Novela: My Only Love Tessie
2008 LaLola Aling Marita
2010 The Biggest Loser Asia (Season 1) Herself
Sine Novela: Mars Ravelo's Basahang Ginto Ms. O
My Driver Sweet Lover Yaya Tabs
Bantatay Voice Over
2012–2021 Pinoy Henyo Herself / Judge
2013 Toda Max Myka (guest role)
Banana Nite (Ihaw Na) Herself / guest
2015 Wattpad Presents: Lala Laitera
Sabado Badoo Cameo Footage Featured
2016 Kalyeserye Dra. Lydia Pingping
Magpakailanman: Tamang Pag-ibig sa Maling Panahon Maribel
Hay, Bahay! Nenuca / Lola Nidora
2017 Wish Ko Lang: Basahan Nene
2019 Inagaw na Bituin Gladdine Sevilla (Edward's Auntie)
2019–2020 One of the Baes Madel Mendoza
2020 Ilaban Natin Yan!
I Can See You: Truly. Madly. Deadly Marge
2021 Owe My Love[7] Corina "Coring" Guipit
TBA Nurse the Dead Ros

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ruby Rodriguez

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mari Ruby Rodriguez-Aquino (born January 10, 1966) is a Filipino actress and television host renowned for her long tenure on the iconic noontime variety show Eat Bulaga!, where she served as a regular host for 31 years from 1990 until her departure in 2021. Rodriguez transitioned into acting with a recurring role in the fantasy comedy series Okay ka, Fairy ko! alongside Vic Sotto and Aiza Seguerra in the late 1980s. Her hosting debut on Eat Bulaga! quickly established her as a beloved figure in Philippine television, contributing to the show's enduring popularity through segments involving comedy, games, and audience interaction. Over the years, she also ventured into film, appearing in notable roles such as in the Enteng Kabisote franchise, including Si Agimat, si Enteng Kabisote at si Ako (2012), where she showcased her comedic talents. In 2021, Rodriguez relocated to Los Angeles, California, with her family, prioritizing her son's health amid his battle with a rare autoimmune disease (Henoch-Schönlein purpura) and intellectual disabilities, which required specialized medical care and education in the United States. This move marked the end of her regular on-air presence in the Philippines, though she has maintained ties to the industry by collaborating on projects, including returning in 2024 for a role in the film Hello, Love, Again, and working with the Philippine consulate in Los Angeles to support community initiatives. Her decision underscored a commitment to family, as she had planned the transition for years but delayed it due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early life and education

Early years

Ruby Rodriguez was born on January 10, 1966, in , . She was raised in as part of a Filipino family that included her sister, Dr. Sally Gatchalian, a prominent pediatrician who later served as president of the Philippine Pediatric Society. Before entering the entertainment industry, Rodriguez worked as a at OB Montessori in the late 1980s.

Education

Ruby Rodriguez pursued studies in during the late 1980s in the . Upon completing her degree, she took on a role as a from 1989 to 1991, which offered her early professional stability and experience in before transitioning to the entertainment industry.

Career

Entry into show business

Prior to entering the entertainment industry, Ruby Rodriguez worked as a preschool teacher following her college graduation. In 1987, she transitioned to full-time show business after being discovered by comedian Vic Sotto, who cast her in a recurring role on the television sitcom Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!. This opportunity marked her initial professional foray into acting, where she appeared in supporting capacities that highlighted her natural comedic timing and engaging personality. Rodriguez's early career was supported by Viva Artists Agency, which signed her as a contract star in the late 1980s and provided essential management and exposure in the Philippine entertainment scene. Under this agency, she honed her versatile performance skills, blending humor with relatability in minor television sketches and variety segments, laying the foundation for her reputation as a multifaceted entertainer. Her background in , including , assisted in navigating the practical aspects of her burgeoning career.

Television hosting

Ruby Rodriguez joined the long-running Philippine noontime Eat Bulaga! in 1991 as a co-host, replacing and becoming a fixture on the program for three decades until her departure in 2021. She shared hosting duties alongside prominent co-stars such as and , contributing to the show's dynamic ensemble that blended entertainment formats to engage a broad audience. During her tenure on Eat Bulaga!, Rodriguez participated in a variety of segments, including interactive game shows, comedic skits, and live musical performances, which highlighted her versatility as a host in the fast-paced noontime . Her role emphasized audience interaction and lighthearted banter, solidifying her presence in daily episodes that aired on and reached millions of viewers across the . Beyond Eat Bulaga!, Rodriguez took on other television hosting opportunities, such as co-hosting the family-oriented game show Ready Set Laban on GMA in 2014, where she joined and fellow celebrity moms like and to feature challenges for mothers and young children. She also made guest appearances on various noontime specials and variety programs throughout the 1990s and 2000s, extending her hosting footprint in Philippine broadcast media. Rodriguez's hosting style, characterized by her bubbly and humorous persona, left a lasting mark on Philippine pop culture, endearing her to fans who appreciated her comedic timing and relatable energy amid the show's high-energy segments. Her contributions helped maintain Eat Bulaga!'s status as a cultural staple, fostering a loyal fanbase that celebrated her as a key "Dabarkad" (close friend) in the program's family-like dynamic.

Film roles

Ruby Rodriguez made her debut in Philippine cinema in the early , with an early supporting role as Sadama Husina in the fantasy-comedy Abrakadabra (1994), directed by Jett C. Espiritu and starring . Her first major role came in 1995 with the youth-oriented comedy Proboys, where she portrayed Louie, one of five young women navigating friendships and adventures, showcasing her emerging comedic timing in ensemble casts. Rodriguez's film career gained significant traction in the 2000s through her involvement in family-oriented comedies, particularly the long-running Enteng Kabisote franchise, which adapted the popular television series Okay ka, fairy ko!. She first appeared in the series' inaugural film, Enteng Kabisote: Okay ka fairy ko... The Legend (2004), playing the supporting role of Amy, Enteng's wife, a relatable character who provides amid fantastical elements. This role recurred in subsequent installments, including Enteng Kabisote 2: Okay Ka Fairy Ko: The Legend Continues (2005), Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend Goes On and On and On (2006), Enteng Kabisote 4: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko: The Beginning of the Legend (2007), and Enteng Kabisote 5: The Legend of Okay Ka, Fairy Ko (2008), where her portrayal emphasized Amy's witty, grounded reactions to supernatural chaos, contributing to the films' appeal as lighthearted family entertainment. Her performance in these movies highlighted her ability to blend with emotional warmth, drawing on the relatable domestic dynamics she honed in television. Beyond the Enteng Kabisote series, Rodriguez took on diverse supporting roles in 2000s comedies and dramas that underscored her versatility in portraying strong, humorous female characters. In Utang ng Ama (2003), she played Ginger, a feisty ally in a story of family redemption and financial struggles, adding levity to the ensemble narrative. She also appeared as Mayumi in the animated historical epic Urduja (2008), voicing a warrior figure in a tale inspired by Philippine folklore, which allowed her to explore dramatic depth while maintaining comedic undertones. Later films like Ouija (2007), a horror-comedy where she contributed to the film's satirical take on urban legends, and So Connected (2018), in which she portrayed the bossy yet endearing Boss Lea, further exemplified her knack for creating memorable, laughter-inducing side characters in genre blends. These roles solidified her reputation in Philippine cinema for delivering authentic, audience-relatable performances that balanced humor with heartfelt moments, often in ensemble-driven stories celebrating Filipino family values.

Retirement and post-showbiz activities

Ruby Rodriguez departed from her long-standing role as a host on the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga! in 2021 after 30 years, primarily to relocate to the with her family. She has described this decision as aligning with her long-term plan to focus on family well-being over her entertainment commitments. Following her exit from , Rodriguez effectively retired from full-time acting and hosting in the Philippine showbiz industry during the early 2020s, though she has made occasional guest appearances. Notable among these was her role in the 2024 film Hello, Love, Again, marking a rare return to the screen while based . In 2025, she hosted the kick-off activity for the 50th in . She has expressed openness to selective projects that fit her current lifestyle but emphasized a deliberate shift away from the demanding pace of regular showbiz work. Since relocating to , Rodriguez has been employed as an at the Philippine Consulate General, a position she began around 2020 that allows her to apply her background in . Graduating with a degree in from the Philippine School of Business Administration in the late , she has noted that this role provides practical use of her academic training in areas like and community services. In recent interviews, Rodriguez has reflected on her career with a sense of fulfillment, highlighting the balance she has achieved between professional stability and personal life. She stated in 2025 that her work brings satisfaction through utilizing her education, contrasting it with the high-pressure environment of showbiz, and reiterated that family remains her top priority for a harmonious work-life equilibrium.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Ruby Rodriguez married Mark Aquino on October 20, 1997, after meeting him on the set of the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga!, where he worked as a graphic and set designer. The couple's relationship developed amid the demands of Rodriguez's rising career in Philippine entertainment, with Aquino providing support behind the scenes. The couple has two children: daughter Antoinette Nicole "Toni" Aquino, born in 1998, and son Antonio Jesus "AJ" Aquino, born in July 2006. , the eldest, pursued interests outside of , including an in 2018 to non-showbiz partner Ricardo "Rick" Centurion. As of 2025, 's engagement status remains undisclosed in public reports, and she is working in . AJ was diagnosed with an , meaning his is delayed relative to his biological age, as well as Henoch-Schönlein (HSP), a rare autoimmune condition. During Rodriguez's peak years hosting Eat Bulaga! from the 1990s to the 2010s, life required careful balancing with her demanding schedule, often involving long hours on set that limited time for . She has shared that commitments sometimes strained routines, but Aquino's role as a stay-at-home helped maintain stability for the children. Rodriguez prioritized her children's needs, particularly AJ's medical and educational requirements, which influenced her decision to scale back her career and eventually retire from full-time in 2021. The remains close-knit as of March 2025, with Mark preferring life in the but staying in for the children, despite unsubstantiated rumors of separation in mid-2025, focusing on AJ's milestones, such as his high school graduation in June 2024 despite his challenges.

Relocation to the United States

In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruby Rodriguez relocated permanently from the Philippines to Los Angeles, California, primarily to address her son AJ's medical needs, including treatment for chronic Henoch-Schönlein purpura and access to superior special education and healthcare options for children with disabilities. This decision, which she had planned for years, prioritized family well-being over her established career, with Toni, who was already residing independently in the US, supporting the transition by moving in with her mother after she secured housing. Husband Mark and son AJ joined in June 2021. Upon settling in Los Angeles, Rodriguez began working at the Philippine Consulate General in May 2021, where she processes dual citizenship applications and assists members of the Filipino diaspora with legal and consular services. Her role allows her to engage with the local Filipino community, including hosting events such as the Metro Manila Film Festival's 50th anniversary celebration in March 2025, which featured a ceremonial jeepney handover to community organizations. By 2025, she continues to reside in , describing her daily routine as stable and family-oriented, with her son AJ graduating from high school in June 2024. Rodriguez has adjusted to a low-profile lifestyle in the U.S., embracing ordinary without relying on her past fame, as she noted in a November 2024 interview: "When I work, I don't expect people to know who I am. I am working as an ordinary employee." This shift includes handling household chores independently, such as laundry—a departure from her life in the where domestic help was common—and focusing on family preparations. In a March 2025 interview, she expressed contentment with this phase, appreciating the fulfillment from her consulate duties while maintaining peace by avoiding reminders of her former showbiz world.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0735508/bio/
  2. https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2021/06/03/2102874/ruby-rodriguez-bares-real-reason-leaving-eat-bulaga-after-31-years
  3. https://entertainment.inquirer.net/545486/ruby-rodriguez-says-she-left-career-in-ph-for-her-family
  4. https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2024/11/26/ruby-rodriguez-reveals-reason-why-she-moved-to-the-us-permanently-0946
  5. https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/ruby-rodriguezs-sister-dr-sally-gatchalian-dies-from-covid-19/61050/
  6. https://philstarlife.com/celebrity/557811-filipino-tv-personalities-teachers
  7. https://www.pep.ph/news/local/185635/ruby-rodriguez-life-in-los-angeles-a4118-20250303-lfrm
  8. https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/photos/in-photos-celebrities-na-teacher-pa/15258/
  9. https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/06/02/21/why-ruby-rodriguez-decided-to-move-to-the-us
  10. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-rodriguez-b162bba5
  11. https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/celebrities/ruby-rodriguez-chose-family-over-celebrity-life-philippines/
  12. https://philstarlife.com/geeky/775117-celebrities-who-became-part-of-eat-bulaga
  13. https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/eat-bulaga-anniversary-tape-unveils-new-song-tito-vic-joey-national-dabarkads-day-july-29-2023/
  14. https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2021/06/02/2102609/viva-comeback-ruby-rodriguez-hopes-work-abs-cbn-other-networks
  15. https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/43127/be-ready-to-be-the-next-big-game-show-tandem
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0784806/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0424364/
  18. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1345076-ruby-rodriguez
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0422175/characters/nm0735508
  20. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/ruby_rodriguez
  21. https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2021/06/08/2103753/ruby-offers-glimpse-new-life-us
  22. https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/ruby-rodriguez-and-husband-celebrate-20th-wedding-anniversary/34717/
  23. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/599415/dabarkads-love-stories-how-ruby-met-her-husband-through-eat-bulaga/story/
  24. https://www.facebook.com/chaewon.cha.9/posts/ruby-rodriguez-and-mark-aquinos-love-story-began-on-the-set-of-the-philippine-no/1915974252530599/
  25. https://www.pep.ph/news/local/70771/ruby-rodriguezs-daughter-toni-aquino-20-is-now-engaged-to-non-showbiz-boyfriend
  26. https://x.com/rodriguezruby?lang=en
  27. https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/look-ruby-rodriguezs-daughter-toni-aquino-is-now-engaged/41586/
  28. https://ph.theasianparent.com/ruby-rodriguez-son
  29. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/familyandrelationships/802858/ruby-rodriguez-opens-up-about-son-aj-s-rare-autoimmune-disease/story/
  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8zw-Ex7g-8
  31. https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/parenting/180774/ruby-rodriguez-sped-son-achievement-award-a5128-20240518
  32. https://entertainment.inquirer.net/561393/ruby-rodriguez-ecstatic-as-son-graduates-from-high-school-in-us
  33. https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2021/05/25/2100729/ruby-rodriguez-now-working-philippine-consulate-california
  34. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/familyandrelationships/909928/ruby-rodriguez-s-son-aj-graduates-from-high-school/story/
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