24 Philippine Showbiz Today
24 Philippine Showbiz Today
February 8 - 21 , 2018
Ryzza Mae Dizon continues to impress the viewing public with her wit , charm and humor as she takes on a new role in longest running noontime variety program “ Eat , Bulaga !” ( EB ).
Gone are the days when the former “ Little Miss Philippines ” winner was recognized by many through her moniker “ Aling Maliit .” Now , the 12- year-old is making headlines for her grumpy , fierce and strict character “ Boss Madam ” in EB ’ s hit segment “ Barangay Jokers .”
Every day , the young television host would dress-up in adult clothing , exchange banters with EB Baes Jon Timmons , Kenneth Medrano , Joel Palencia , Tommy Penaflor , Kim Last and Miggy Tolentino , and re-enact the sent in comedy gag sketches and jokes created by the dabarkads .
“ I realized that it ’ s nice to be the boss ,” says Dizon , who was comfortably wearing a fur coat , over-sized shades and kitty heels . “ I enjoy playing this role because it is something new to me . Also , even if she ’ s ill-tempered , she still has a good heart .”
Dizon added that she likes portraying “ Boss Madam ” because it allows her to add personal nuances to her character and she gets to work closely with “ Eat , Bulaga !” creative head , Jenny Ferre .
“ There ’ s really no secret on how to play this role . You just have to focus on work at hand . It also helps that I get the support of everyone in EB . They help me on what to do and how to properly deliver my lines .
It ’ s nice to be the boss – Ryzza Mae Dizon
I also have a stylist who does all the costume picking for me . I also get help from Tita Ruby ( Rodriguez ) and Tita Pia ( Guanio ) for some of the bags I use . I enjoy this role and it does not feel like work to me .”
Ferre said these days , it ’ s not difficult to think of roles that fit Dizon as the latter listens and is very focused on her craft .
The television executive admitted though that six years ago , they initially struggled to think of a perfect concept for television for the child star , who by then just won “ Little Miss Philippines .” “ I really don ’ t know what to do with this cute girl . Then I noticed that every time we post something
on social media , netizens response positively . So , I thought there ’ s really something special in her .”
Coincidentally , Ferre needed to produce a late morning program that will air before “ Eat , Bulaga .” When she saw how natural Dizon was in front of the camera , an idea hit her – make the then seven-year-old Ryzza the star of her own talk show , “ The Ryzza Mae Show .”
Ferre ’ s peg : American comedian , television host , and actress Ellen DeGeneres .
“ Ryzza is my biggest gamble . During that time I didn ’ t know what to do or how to start it but the show survived for two and a half years . I
am so proud of her . You just need to give her time and opportunity to grow and to become a real star .”
Six years on , that same passion and hunger when she first auditioned in “ Little Miss ” is still very much present in Dizon .
Her mother , Rizza , who is the constant companion of the child star , said that from their humble beginnings in Angeles , Pampanga , their lives definitely changed for the better because of “ Eat , Bulaga !”
“ Until now , we couldn ’ t believe the blessings we received from the Lord . Our lives have changed because of Ryzza ’ s hard work . I ’ m constantly reminding her that not all kids were given the same opportunity so we have to be grateful always . Not everyone gets the same chance to perform in “ Eat , Bulaga !”
Dizon , on her part , said she ’ s living her dream . She also wants to do more movies , portray more roles and even work with different actors .
But more than anything , she wants to continue to make people happy .
As for her message to kids her age who also want to join show business , Dizon said to hold and believe in that dream . “ Always pray to Papa Jesus because he will give it to you . It is also important to always say ‘ thank you ’ for all the blessings you received . If they really want to become a star , they need to have diligence and passion for work ,” she ended . ●
- Malaya