Ruby Rodriguez on leaving showbiz for the US: 'I left the Philippines for my son'

For decades, Ruby Rodriguez was a familiar and comforting presence in Philippine showbiz — steady, hardworking, and deeply loved by viewers. Her life appeared firmly rooted in the spotlight, defined by a career many could only dream of.

But in 2021, she made a quiet yet life-altering decision: to leave everything familiar behind and start over in the United States.

In an intimate interview with broadcast journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdes, Ruby opened up about the deeply personal reason behind the move — one rooted not in ambition, but in unconditional love for her son.

“I left the Philippines in 2021. It’s for my son kasi nga he is being treated here [in the US] for a rare autoimmune [condition].”

Behind the calm delivery of her words was a story of courage, sacrifice, and maternal instinct. For Ruby, the decision was never about leaving a career behind. It was about choosing her child — every single time.

Choosing healing over comfort

At the height of her professional stability, Ruby faced a reality that reshaped her priorities overnight: her son needed specialized medical care that was more accessible abroad.

“And then let’s face it, mas maganda ang special education dito…”

The move meant stepping away from television projects, endorsements, and the familiarity of home. It meant trading applause for hospital visits, scripts for school meetings, and red carpets for quiet moments of worry and hope.

Yet Ruby never framed it as a loss.

For her, it was a necessary step toward healing — both physical and emotional.

A mother’s fight for her child’s future

Beyond medical treatment, Ruby emphasized the importance of education for her son, who has special needs.

“…because my son’s also special, he has intellectual disability.”

She spoke candidly about how the US education system provided more focused support.

“So dito ’yung school nila talagang tututukan nila, and they have a special school and they are all special [education] students.”

In those words lies a mother’s quiet victory: finding a place where her child is not overlooked, rushed, or misunderstood — but seen, supported, and nurtured.

Leaving the spotlight, keeping her strength

Walking away from a thriving career is never easy, especially in an industry where visibility often defines relevance. Ruby chose a different measure of success.

Her son’s well-being.

Her story mirrors the reality of many parents who make invisible sacrifices — decisions that never trend online, but alter lives permanently.

A life rewritten by love

Today, Ruby’s life looks different from her showbiz days. It is quieter. More private. Less glamorous.

But it is also fuller.

It is shaped by medical milestones, school achievements, small daily triumphs, and moments that only a mother and child truly understand.

Her journey is a reminder that some of the bravest roles are not played on screen.

They are lived — every day.

“I left the Philippines… for my son.”

In that simple statement, Ruby Rodriguez defined her legacy — not as a celebrity, but as a mother who chose love over comfort, and courage over convenience.