Small wonder Ryzza dreams big

MANILA, Philippines - When Aiza Seguerra caught everybody’s attention as a runner-up in Little Miss Philippines in Eat, Bulaga!, that paved the way for her stellar showbiz career which now spans 25 years.

Recently, another tyke has inched her way into showbiz by way of winning the Little Miss Philippines title. She is cute and talented Ryzza Mae Dizon, who is now seen in Eat, Bulaga! daily. She is the latest addition to the roster of celebrity talents in the noontime show.

Interestingly, Ryzza’s rise to fame has been featured in other GMA 7 shows. She was interviewed by newscasters Jessica Soho and Arnold Clavio. She was also featured in the showbiz-oriented shows Startalk and H.O.T TV.

Ryzza’s life story was even dramatized in Magpakailanman, with host Mel Tiangco interviewing her.

In the Bayanihan of d’ Pipol portion of the Eat, Bulaga! segment, Juan for All, All for Juan, she pushes the small bucket of balls with numbers. Host Vic Sotto picks a number to win cash and other prizes.

— Photos by VER PAULINO

On weekends, Ryzza is sometimes featured doing special concerts with other Eat, Bulaga! stars including Bossing Vic.

Ryzza has made her big-screen debut in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at si Ako. It is her first movie, where she plays a dwarf with a magic stick. “My co-stars” are Bong Revilla Jr., Vic Sotto and Judy Ann Santos. Tony Reyes directs.

Judy Ann gave Ryzza a small folding chair that’s “pang-artista.” Ryzza uses the chair while she’s in Eat, Bulaga!, basking on her new-found status as “showbiz star.”

The tyke was given the moniker Chichay in the movie, that’s why Vic calls her Chichay even while in Eat, Bulaga! Ryzza may no longer know who the real Chichay is (Chichay was a veteran comedienne who is no longer around), but Ryzza certainly has the makings of being one movie star who has the ability to entertain people with her innate talent.

Now “78 years old,” Ryzza enjoys what she does and that’s the important part of being in showbiz. Right now, she probably sees showbiz as something she loves to do. To her, it’s not work. But the kid is talented and hardworking.

At present, Ryzza has her trademark chacha dabarkads dance which she does intermittently in the show or wherever there’s music and she’s prompted. She launches into cha-cha when she also does TV guestings. Then she promotes her “first single” which is “now on i-Tunes.”

Ryzza gets to be the biggest money earner in her family now. Since she became regular in Eat, Bulaga!, her family moved to Tondo from Pampanga. She and her mom take the LRT to go to Eat, Bulaga! daily. They have yet to buy a car.

Ryzza keeps the faith that one day, she can buy a house for her family. Maybe, she can also buy a car for her mobility.

At a very young age, she has learned to set her goals not just for herself but for her family as well. With her talent and the work that she enjoys, Ryzza is well on her way to realizing her big dreams.