From Little Miss Philippines to Grown-Up Star: Ryzza Mae Dizon Opens Up About Growing Up in the Spotlight

Ryzza Mae Dizon during her guesting in Toni Gonzaga's online talk show "Toni Talks"

​For two decades, Ryzza Mae Dizon has been a constant presence in Filipino homes. Since her iconic win as Little Miss Philippines at the tender age of six, the public has watched her grow, work, and thrive on national television. In a recent, heart-to-heart interview on Toni Talks, the now 20-year-old star looked back at her journey—from her humble beginnings to navigating the complex shifts within the industry.

​The Audition that Changed Everything

​Ryzza Mae candidly recalled the early days when money was tight, and her mother had to borrow funds just to get them to the auditions in Bulacan. Despite being surrounded by other children who looked like "typical princesses," she stood out with her signature wit and energy.

​She opened up about the immense pressure she faced as a child star, including moments of doubt during the competition where she was almost replaced by other trainees. "Kinakabahan po ako non kasi ang daming bata na alam niyo po 'yung mga tipikal na maputi, cute, charming. Tapos ako lang talaga 'yung nag-standout doon kasi mukha akong dugyot talaga," she shared, remembering the uncertainty she felt as a child.

Ryzza won Little Miss Philippines 2012 at the age of 6.

​Industry Challenges and Standing Up for Her Tenure

​The interview took a serious turn as Ryzza Mae discussed the turbulence surrounding the transition of Eat Bulaga. She revealed that during her time under the show's former producer, TAPE Inc., she was frequently sidelined and felt she was at the top of the list of talents they wanted to remove. She recalled the painful experience of being reduced to just one segment and being kept waiting in the dressing room while others worked.

​However, she expressed deep gratitude to Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ), who fought to keep her on the show despite the pressure to let her go. Ryzza shared how the sudden announcement of the separation of TAPE and Eat Bulaga was a difficult time, but having the support of TVJ and her fellow hosts provided comfort.

Credits: TV5 / TVJ Productions, Inc.

Ryzza with the EB Dabarkads on their first airing day on TV5.

​Finding Security and Peace

​Looking back at the move from GMA-7 to TV5, Ryzza feels a sense of relief and security. She noted that since TVJ took over the management, the environment has become much tighter and more supportive. The fear of being unexpectedly removed has vanished, and the bond between the hosts and the staff has grown significantly stronger.

​A Heart of Gold

​Beyond the professional hurdles, Ryzza Mae reflected on her role as a breadwinner. Despite the struggles of the industry—including online bashers—she maintained her humility. Her ultimate "plot twist" in life? Being able to buy a house for her family, including the very neighbor who once made her feel small as a child.

​"Nabili ko po 'yung bahay ng kapitbahay namin kasi siya 'yung... 'yan ang sinasabi ko sa inyong plot twist. Huwag kayong manghamak ng mga bata dahil balang araw bibili nila 'yung bahay niyo," she declared, highlighting her journey from being belittled to becoming the provider for her family.

Credits: TV5 Network, Inc.

​Looking Ahead

​Now 20, Ryzza Mae is ready to explore new horizons beyond hosting, expressing a dream to eventually try her hand at acting or even culinary arts. While she continues to navigate life in the public eye, she remains the same playful, witty, and grounded person that Filipinos fell in love with years ago.

​For the 6-year-old Ryzza Mae who won Little Miss Philippines, her older self has a simple message:

"Masasabi ko lang po na sobrang proud po ako sa kanya na hindi po siya sumuko para sa pangarap niya kasi worth it po lahat talaga ng hindi niya pag-give up."

Watch the full episode here. (Credits: TGS)

The Power of Unconditional Love: Lessons from Eat Bulaga’s Lenten Special ‘Bahay Aruga’

The Lenten season has always been a time for reflection, and this year, Eat Bulaga delivered a powerful message of hope and redemption through its special episode, "Bahay Aruga." Featuring a stellar cast led by Helen Gamboa-Sotto and Maine Mendoza, the story dives deep into the complexities of "found family" and the healing power of forgiveness.

A Sanctuary for the Lost

The story centers around Nanay Isabel (played by Helen Gamboa-Sotto), a selfless midwife who turned her home into "Bahay Aruga"—a sanctuary for children and individuals who had nowhere else to go. Alongside Marissa (Maine Mendoza) and the residents of the home, including Ivy (Ryzza Mae Dizon), Dennis (Allan K.), and Cindy (Teri Onor), she raised a community built on the warmth of a true mother.

However, the peace of Bahay Aruga is threatened when Nanay Isabel’s health begins to fail. Diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, she struggles to keep the sanctuary running while her "children"—now adults with their own burdens—grapple with the possibility of losing the only home they’ve ever known. The tension rises as Evelyn (Luanne Dy) suggests selling the property, a move that could displace everyone Isabel has worked so hard to protect.

Conflict and Dark Secrets

The emotional core of the episode rests on Miguel (played by Paolo Ballesteros), a man harboring deep resentment. A long-buried secret surfaces when a relative visits: Miguel believes Nanay Isabel was responsible for his biological mother’s death during childbirth. Through flashbacks featuring Ciara Sotto as the young Isabel and Barbara Miguel as the young Digna, the painful history of the home begins to unravel.

This revelation leads to a heartbreaking confrontation where Miguel renounces Nanay Isabel as his mother. The scene serves as a stark reminder of how past traumas can blind us to the sacrifices made by those who chose to love us, even when others like Efren (Lucky Robles) and Kaloy (June Ryle Quiambao) have moved on to build their own lives.

Redemption and the True Meaning of Family

The climax of "Bahay Aruga" isn't just about physical healing, but the healing of the soul. Through a confession from Digna (Julia Clarete), it is revealed that Nanay Isabel did everything in her power to save Miguel's mother, and it was actually his biological family that had abandoned them. Isabel’s love was never an obligation; it was a choice made out of pure compassion.

The episode concludes with a beautiful message: Family isn’t always defined by blood; it is defined by who stays when everyone else leaves. Miguel’s eventual return and plea for forgiveness highlight the Lenten theme of renewal and second chances.

Why 'Bahay Aruga' Resonates Today

In a world that often feels divided, "Bahay Aruga" reminds us that:

• Sacrifice is Silent: The most profound acts of love, like those of Nanay Isabel, often happen behind the scenes.
• Forgiveness is Freedom: As Miguel learned, holding onto anger only imprisons the heart.
• Home is a Person: Houses are made of wood and stone, but a home is built through "aruga" (care).

As we reflect this Holy Week, may we find our own "Bahay Aruga"—a place where we can be ourselves, be forgiven, and learn to love unconditionally.