Ruben Gonzaga

"Pinoy Big Brother" Big 4 reveal their plans after leaving Bahay ni Kuya

2008-09-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 Big 4—Ruben Gonzaga, Riza Santos, Gaby dela Merced, and Will Devaughn—made their first public appearance in The Buzz yesterday, January 6, after coming out from Bahay ni Kuya.

WILL DEVAUGHN. Fourth placer Will Devaughn revealed his thoughts about leaving the Big Brother house, his appreciation of the show, and of course, his true feelings for co-celebrity housemates Riza Santos and Ethel Booba.

"I'm absorbing everything," replied Will when asked by Ruffa Gutierrez about his thoughts after leaving the Big Brother house. "In every little detail that I learned in the house, I feel it now. It's a life lesson in three months—a complete life lesson."

Ruffa kidded, "Three months where nagpatibok ka ng dalawang puso sa loob ng bahay ni Kuya?"

With that, the studio audience grew wild as Will grinned, as if remembering the good old days.

Ruffa asked, "Kay Ethel at kay Riza, kanino ka ba talaga in love ngayon na nasa labas ka na ng Bahay ni Kuya?"

"Yung dalawa talaga, ah, ibang-ibang tao. Si Ethel talaga, explosive, expressive, that's what I like about her. Si Riza naman mabait, matalino, church-oriented. So yung dalawa, it really depends. In love? Hindi pa," said Will.

If that's the case, then who would he consider knowing more now that there's no camera pointed to his direction?

Will smiled and said, "Si Riza, kasi I think I can learn a lot from her even if she's younger than me. Pero I enjoy our small talk and I know, ibang usap na."

Changing the subject, Ruffa asked, "Ikaw ba, Will, were you really thinking na papasok ka sa Big Four? Siyempre ang dami mong competition sa Bahay ni Kuya. What made you stand out?"

"Hindi ko alam, parang me and Riza and, syiempre, me and Ethel. Baka si Gladys [Guevarra] din, e, parang sort of put a twist into it as Kuya would say."

Where does Will Devaughn go from here?

"For me, dahan-dahan lang whatever I'm doing. So, sana more movies and more endorsements. I'm just happy to be here and to be part of the Big Four," Will said with a grin.

GABY DELA MERCED. Dubbed as the Racing Goddess, Gaby finished third among the Big 4. The hot racer responded to news about her being courted by Derek Ramsay.

"Magkaibigan po kami. We're really good friends," she explained.

How about Diether Ocampo? Rumor has it that he courted her, too.

Gaby laughed, "Matagal-tagal ko na siyang kilala, and good friends din kami. Dapat tutulungan ko nga po siya sa foundation niya."

Her decision to join PBB was completely supported by her dad, although her mom had her doubts. Why was that?

"Hindi kami mapanood sa mga shows and sa mga narining daw niya na, pagkarinig niya na 42 cameras, e, napraning siya. Pero nung nalaman niya kung paano pinalabas yung show, e, more than happy sa nakita niya," said Gaby.

What are her plans now that she's outside the Big Brother house?

"Gusto ko talagang kumarera sa U.S. Pareho pa rin yung pangarap, pero sigurado pabalik-balik ako," she answered.

Gaby was known to have always sacrificed herself for her housemates inside the House by volunteering to exit. What was she thinking?

Gaby explained, "Well, yung sa first voluntary exit, e, naramdaman ko na nawala ako ng direksyon. Yung kay Mommy Yayo [Aguila], e bago pa siya umalis at napag-usapan yung four hundred thousand, e, kinausap ko si Big Brother at sinabi ko na kung kailangan ng kapalit, e, I was willing to do it."

RIZA SANTOS. This FHM Babe finished second place, but that's just the beginning for Riza as she starts the New Year with loads of projects and the possibility of finding love with fellow PBB housemate Will Devaughn.

Boy Abunda wasted no time in getting straight to the point concerning the PBB love triangle between Riza, Ethel, and Will. He asked, "Mahirap bang karibal si Ethel Booba? You know Ethel likes Will. Na-bother ka ba at crush ni Ethel si Will?"

"No, Ethel is not a task," Riza said. "Hindi po ako na-bother, kasi medyo I'm very mahiyain."

Boy asked, "Sino si Will sa iyong buhay? Papayagan mo bang mahalin ka ni Will Devaughn?"

"Kung may isang pipiliin ko sa mga housemates, e, definitely si Will kasi I like to get to know him better," Riza said.

How about Polo Ravales and Mark Bautista? Did they woo her, too?

"Kaibigan. They're both my friends," answered Riza.

Boy also asked: "Mark, Polo, Will—sino ang bibigyan mo ng pagkakataon na ligawan ka?"

"I definitely like to get to know Will better," Riza shyly said.

With that, Will stepped on the stage and sat beside Riza, much to the delight of Boy and The Buzz's studio audience. Now that they're face to face, what would they want say to each other?

Will spoke first, "Honestly, ito ang unang araw, di ba, [outside PBB] so sana we get to know each other more. Ito yung totoong test, so simula na."

"Malalaman natin sa takdang panahon," Riza replied.

RUBEN GONZAGA. Big Winner Ruben Gonzaga has everything laid out for him as he starts a new life after PBB. The comedian from Davao talks to The Buzz about his plans for the prize money and what he wants with his career. But first, is he planning on settling right here in Manila?

"Pag once na nakaaalis na po ako dito, e, lilipat na kami dito. By next month po, e, lilipat na kami dito," Ruben announced.

Is the post-PBB Ruben afraid of showbiz now that he has attained national fame?

"Medyo may katog dahil once na sumikat ang tao, e, marami nang ibabato na intriga sa iyo," said Ruben.

How does he feel now that he's the first ever male winner of PBB?

"Siyempre, masaya po," a smiling Ruben answered. "Yun lang po ang sandata ko, kasi na alam nila lahat na pamilya ko ang prayoridad ko. Sa lahat ng sumuporta, salamat."

About his winnings, does he already have a plan on what to do with it?

"Unang-una ko pong gagawin, kasi may napalanunan akong bahay, e, nanay at tatay ko po sa Davao, e, bibigyan ko ng totoong bahay," Ruben said.

Finally, the locally known comedian sent out a message to his wife by saying, "Mahal na mahal kita. Alam mo ‘yan, ha. Lagi mong isipin na kahit Big Winner na ako, e, ako pa rin si Ruben. Ang Ruben na nakilala mo, habang buhay."

To end the interview on a funny note, Boy asked Ruben if the comedian is also fit to don a sexy image?

"Ayoko talaga mag-bold," Ruben jokingly said, while slowly taking off his polo.

PBB Big Winner Ruben Gonzaga!

2008-01-06T10:18:00.000-08:00

Last night,January 5,was the Big Night of PBB Celebrity Edition 2 held at Araneta Coliseum and with special guests Nikki Gil and Vina Morales.

While all these were happening, Will, Riza, Ruben and Gaby waited patiently for Kuya’s signal to leave the house.

Riza gave another one of her shocking screams when her father came in next. Mr. Ruel Santos shared some encouraging words for his daughter and was also very pleased to meet the other housemates. Will, on the other hand, received a special phone call from his mother, Doris Dorman, from the States. Kuya mentioned that he had a hard time locating Will’s mom for apparently she relocated to homes. Will was so pleased to hear from his mother that he could not help but shed a tear or two. Ruben also jumped for joy upon seeing his uncle whom he affectionately calls Papa Locloc. He proudly introduced to the housemates the man who inspired him to be a comedian. Last but not the least is Gaby’s older brother, Jan. The housemates were amazed how he was so much like Gaby. He even joked a lot with them despite having a sprained leg. All of the housemates only had 100 seconds each to speak to their loved ones and these short moments left them craving to see the outside world more.

Meanwhile, Ethel Booba was on a roll at the Big Night stage with her fellow comedians who were ready to give their hilarious sketches of the Big Four. Tuesday Vargas took the stage first as the Racing Goddess. The crowd could not help but laugh with her on the spot imitation of Gaby. A ‘bald’ RS Francisco transformed into Will and emphasized the Fil-German’s effort to speak tagalog in spite of his twisted tongue. He and Ethel cracked the audience up as they re-enacted the love team-that-would-just-not-be. Giselle Sanchez, who took on the role of last season’s fourth big placer Gee Ann Abrahan, became Riza. Beauty conscious like the Cheering Chick, Giselle carried a compact wherever she went. Also she went from conservative to screaming girl just like Riza when she saw her mother. The comedian from Davao was portrayed by Ricci Chan, who copied Ruben’s trademark Budotz dance and failed first marriage proposal.

Finally the Big Four arrive at the Araneta and were ushered in a mini confession room backstage. Jon, Victor, Baron and Mariel made a skit reminiscent of their Kaishou Taishou task to announce what the winners will be receiving. The Fourth Big Placer will be receiving P400,000 from Jack and Jill snacks and ABS-CBN while his/her chosen charity will be getting P200,000 from Globe Asiatique. The Third Big Placer in turn will be getting P600,000 from Jack and Jill snacks and ABS-CBN and his/her chosen charity will be given P300,000 from Globe Asiatique. The Second Big Placer is to receive a whopping P1,000,000 from Jack and Jill snacks and ABS-CBN and his/her chosen charity P500,000 from Globe Asiatique. The Big Winner will be taking home a Sony Bravia, a Goodah business franchise worth P2,000,000, a condominium unit from Chateau Valenzuela and P2,000,000 cash from Jack and Jill snacks and ABS-CBN. His/her charity on the other hand will be receiving a million from Globe Asiatic. Toni also mentions that Gaby’s prizes will have a deduction because of her two week stay outside the house. She too reminds everyone of the Big Four’s pledge of 10% of their winnings to Mommy Yayo.

The moment of truth arrives and the envelope of the Fourth Big Placer comes out with a bang. Will is then announced to come out and receive his prizes on stage. The model could not be happier with the decision for he feels they are all winners already at that point. The True Lover took in 230,509 or 14.65% of the text PinoyBigBrothervotes. He is also announced Jag Jeans newest celebrity endorser.

The third place belonged to Gaby, garnering a total of 406,892 or 25.5% of the votes. The Racing Goddess cheerfully waved to her supporters after emerging from below the stage. She thanked everyone for making her stint inside one big life changing experience.

The tension was definitely off the charts when the Second Big Placer was announced. Riza, the Desirable Diva, took in 430,135 votes or 27.335 of the total tally. She was ecstatic to see not only her family but also her supporters.

Ruben could only shed tears of joy as he relished victory in the confession room alone. He soon emerged on a throne in the middle of a fire works filled stage. The Komedyanteng Promdi could not help but jump up and down. He was met on stage tearfully by his wife, Jesselle. The other housemates crowded him too with their congratulatory hugs and kisses. Ruben could only utter endless thanks to those who helped him bag the most coveted prize of all. “Para sa lahat ng sumuporta , pangrarap ng buong bayan natupad nap o. Maraming, maraming salamat po!”

PBB celebrity housemate Ruben Gonzaga overwhelmed at his wedding

2008-01-01T10:15:00.000-08:00

Even though it wasn't wedding bells that greeted Ruben Gonzaga a good morning, wedding songs were playing in the background as the housemates woke up last December 29, 2007. "This is the day...," was all Ruben kept on saying. Big Brother then told Ruben to go to the secret room for him to prepare for his big day.

The other housemates were called to the confession room and it turned out that they would be taking part in the entourage. Will Devaughn was the Best Man and Ethel Booba, the bride's Maid of Honor. During the wedding ceremony later, Riza Santos sang "From This Moment On" and "Habang May Buhay" for the couple.

The wedding took place at the Mt. Carmel parish church in Project 6, Quezon City. Ruben couldn't hold back his tears when he saw his two sons, his parents, and his longtime partner, Jeselle, walk down the aisle. The ceremonies were solemn and simple but once in a while, the Davao comedian cracked a few jokes to keep the mood light and jovial.

For his wedding vow, Ruben told his beautiful bride: "Jeselle, pinapangako ko, ikaw lang ang babaeng mamahalin ko habang buhay at alam mo yun. Sa araw na ito, ginagawa kong saksi ang buong mundo ang pangako ko na hindi mababali kahit kailan."

After receiving the priest's blessing, the couple, their family and guests proceeded to the Big Brother house for the reception where the housemates were waiting for them.

After Ruben and Jeselle's family gave their inspirational messages to the couple, comedienne Ethel Booba suddenly emerged from the storage room and presented the couple with a honeymoon trip for two to Hong Kong. Ruben was dumbfounded by her kind gesture and was in tears when delivering his thanksgiving speech. As Ruben was trying to hold back tears of joy, his son interrupted him and the Komedyanteng Promdi quipped: "Teka lang, anak, ‘wag mo akong galawin. Nagmo-moment ako..."

It will be remembered that Ruben proposed to Jeselle twice. At first, the bachelor was rejected because Jeselle felt that he was only pressured by Angel Locsin's remark regarding their relationship. The second time was an irresistible moment for them because Ruben did it personally and sincerely. When it was time for Jeselle and the other guests to leave, Ruben couldn't get enough of his wife's kisses and even chased her to the door for a final goodbye kiss.

Ruben's big day

2007-12-30T19:41:00.000-08:00

Wedding songs started playing as soon as the housemates were up the day of Ruben's wedding. "This is the day," Ruben kept on saying. Soon, he was called into the secret room to dress up. The other housemates meanwhile were called into the confession room and were also told to get ready to leave for the wedding. Kuya informed Will that he was to serve as Ruben's best man while Ethel will be Jeselle's maid of honor.

Ruben was already teary eyed upon seeing Jeselle walking down the aisle in the arms of her parents. He was happily surprised too when he saw his fellow housemates joining his entourage. With the blessing of the Church finally bestowed on their union, Ruben, his bride and their families proceeded to the big yellow house for the reception. The housemates cheerily welcomed everyone and soon they were all sharing in a sumptuous feast.

Ruben and Jeselle's family gave messages of encouragement and were followed by the housemates' congratulatory remarks. Ethel had something special in her tube though for the newly weds. Before everyone left for the wedding, the comedienne asked Big Brother if she could give Ruben a wedding gift of two honeymoon tickets to Hong Kong. Of course, Kuya gave Ethel the permission and as she presented her gift, Ruben was utterly taken aback by her kind gesture. Again, Ruben was in tears while thanking Ethel for giving him the support he needed inside the house. The serious moment was interrupted though when his son suddenly asked for his attention. "Nagmomoment ako anak..." Ruben quipped, causing everyone to laugh.

The time for the guests to leave arrived and the housemates had to face another live event, totally not expecting Kuya's first barage of challenges. The five HMs remained stubborn and refused to give in to the first test of naming the person who doesn't deserve to be part of the Big Four. They remained hard headed to the point of scattering the medallions on the floor and pretending to stomp on them. Will even joked and said 'Kuya you wear this!'. The housemates were rash in their actions and the consequence of this greeted them early this morning. The video of the incident played on the plasma screen which bothered everyone greatly. And what's worse, Kuya's not speaking to them at all.

We've seen Kuya go silent on his HMs in the previous editions. Is this another one of Kuya's tests? Or is the owner of the house simply mad at his boarders? Could a Big Five be possible?

PBB Celebrity Big Five?

2007-12-30T09:35:00.000-08:00

Fresh from Ruben’s wedding this afternoon, the five remaining official celebrity housemates must take on Kuya’s new and difficult challenges, without the ‘help’ of Ethel and Mariel. Yes, Gaby, Ruben, Will, Riza and Jon will be celebrating New Year’s Day without the celebrity house guests. The two ladies thanked everyone for being such good people and wished them all the best of luck. Once on stage with Toni and Bianca, the three kids from Payatas Ethel and Mariel sponsored were awarded food carts which their families can use to earn a living. The two were also surprised when they themselves received food carts. But Ethel received a bigger surprise when her ex-boyfriend Alex Crisano appeared on stage to welcome her back to the outside world.

While Ethel was basking over Alex’s attention, Big Brother was getting down to business with the housemates and told them his first challenge. The housemate were instructed to give an X medallion to the person who doesn’t deserve to belong to the Big Four. Everyone was horrified and Riza, who was first called to do the deed, did not budge from the sofa.

” I think we are all deserving … we should be the Big Five,” Riza explained tearfully to Big Brother. Kuya then called on the others but like Riza, they all declined to name someone ‘undeserving.’ Ruben even mentioned that all of them even talked abou sharing their prizes to the 5th placer just like what they did with Yayo.

Big Brother then proceeded to the second task which was naming the Big Winner. Every one placed their star medallions on Ruben’s neck for they all felt he’s this edition’s Big Winner. For Gaby, Will, Riza and Jon, Ruben embodies what the first placer should be — he was dilligent with all of the tasks, he was a humble guy and most of all he was such a loving person, who cared not only for his family but also his friends. Ruben got teary eyed with all his fellow housemates’s testimonies. The funny man from Davao chose Gaby though as his Big Winner for he felt that the racer proved she can do anything, even tough jobs that are considered for men only.He also stated that he liked Gaby’s firm conviction on her beliefs, giving her move to save the pigs as an example.

Ruben awaits his wedding day

2007-12-26T18:57:00.000-08:00

This afternoon in Uber, Big Brother spoke to the Komedyanteng Promdi in the confession room about his feelings about his upcoming wedding. Although he is still unsure of when the big day will be, Ruben confessed that he is excited to finally profess his undying love to the mother of his two children in front of God and the public. According to Ruben, the wedding day will serve as the culmination of the years he and Jeselle fought for their love. However, a part of Ruben could still not describe the way he feels about the wedding. Ruben then told Kuya that he looks forward to seeing his whole family and the other relatives of his girlfriend, and most especially, their two lovely children.

But like how all the housemates stood together in every task, Ruben will not be alone in this event. After his live conversation with Ruben, Big Brother called on Jon and Will to discuss what their plans are for Ruben's bachelor party. The Fil-British hunk decided to have fun games and reggae music instead of the usual alcohol drinking. Jon added that he wants to bring the Davao atmosphere inside the famous yellow house to pay homage to Ruben's roots. On the other hand, Will was still unsure on what to give his bestfriend for a gift on his bachelor party. But since Fil-German hottie observed that his best pal comedian is fond of electronic gadgets, specifically digital cameras, Will figured that Ruben might appreciate a camera of his own which he can use to take pictures of his family and friends during special occassion. However, Kuya started asking Will on his 'future' plans and he asked him of who between Ethel and Riza would he rather marry. Without a second thought, Will chose Riza whom he feels more close and comfortable to. But he got concerned, however, of how Ethel will react once the sexy-comedienne finds out his choice as he doesn't want anyone to get hurt.

The girls, on the other hand, spent the whole afternoon learning how to make a special carrot walnut cake for Ruben. Expert cake maker Penk Ching showed Ethel, Riza, Mariel, and Gaby all the basics of baking as tomorrow, all our housemates will have to work on Ruben's wedding cake on their own. Will our celebrity housemates get it right?

Ruben Finally ready to propose Jeselle

2007-12-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

Ruben, on the other hand, is finally ready to make his proposal to partner Jeselle. Big Brother let Ruben make a phone call to Jeselle so he could say his piece. But instead of joyfully answering Ruben's proposal of marriage, Jeselle felt that he's just being pressured inside the house, with Angel Locsin's task and everything about their relationship being televised and all. The Komedyanteng Promdi explained that he has thought it over and believes this is the right time for them to do it. Still, Jeselle told him to think it over. Kuya then told Ruben that maybe Jeselle will see his sincerity if he does the proposal again once he's outside the house.

Pleasant surprise for the Racing Godess by Mariel, Donni, Ruben, Riza and Will

2007-11-08T18:39:00.000-08:00

Big Brother decided to connive with Mariel, Donni, Ruben, Riza and Will. Whether they were asked to make a sacrifice or a pleasant surprise for the Racing Godess remains to be seen. But for now, what's made privy to all of us is the special task which they started to accomplish right after they played tug-o-war.

With a touch of irony, they were told to take a bath first before proceeding to the storage room where their costumes lay in waiting for them. There the five selected celebrities covered their bodies with paint, following a unified checkered flag design, which we mostly see in circuits. To complete their outfit, they wore a strapped-tire on their waists. Then they came out of hiding by skating around the house with their brand new roller blades!

Naturally, Gab immediately realized that the task is related to her. She asked if it was a punishment but Mariel said no. Other than that, the five of them were tight-lipped regarding their "secret mission" which is extended till later. In fact, they were instructed to sleep on the living room for tonight with their costumes on!

Ethel Gabison and Ruben Gonzaga Deliver Pinoy Big Balita

2007-11-08T10:09:00.000-08:00

Big Brother has chosen Ethel Booba (whose real surname is Gabison) and Ruben Gonzaga to deliver the wacky and the not so wacky news in Pinoy Big Balita. Prior to choosing the two, Big Brother held an audition to all the housemates and had them one by one deliver a news from the outside world.

The housemates were shocked about the news article regarding the Glorietta blast and they are all clueless if it’s true or not. Jon Avila got worried because her mom likes to shop in the malls. However, Big Brother did not reveal that the news regarding the Glorietta blast was true.

Baron, Donnie, Will, and Ruben failed in their goblet pyramid task

2007-11-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

This morning, Big Brother ordered another task that tested our housemates' patience, teamwork, and strategy. In the activity area, Baron, Donnie, Will, and Ruben must work together in building a pyramid using crystal water goblets. But the twist in this task was that they must the pyramid on an unstable beam and the pyramid must stand for at least 10 minutes.

Ruben and Baron took charge of building the pyramid, but the difficult part was that they have inflatable buoys on their body which kept them from moving freely. Meanwhile, Donnie and Will stood on the each sides of the wooden beam placed on top of a tin drum. Donnie and Will must work with one another in keeping the beam as steady as they can while Ruben and Baron placed the goblet pyramid. During the task, the pyramid fell down several times, and this almost pushed Baron off the edge of his patience. Good thing Ruben always reminded his mates that they can do the task for as long as they stick together. On the other hand, Donnie and Will felt the strain on their legs as they tried to keep their feet on the unstable beam. But after several minutes of painstakingly trying to build the balanced goblet pyramid, Kuya called off the task, and the four guys left the activity area in disappointment. Nevertheless, they assured each other that they all gave their best shot to make the pyramid work.

Ruben Gonzaga

2007-10-19T23:55:00.000-07:00

Personal Data

Real Name: Ruben Gonzaga
Nickname: Ruben
Origin: Las Piñas City
Age: 25
Birthdate: March 16
Place of Birth:Davao City
Nationality: Filipino
Occupation: Comedian
Sport: Basketball, billiards and boxing
Hidden Ambition: To be a famous actor
Claim to Fame: The "Budots" dance of Davao
Charity: Cosugian Home for The Aged, DavaoCity

Educational Background

Elementary: na
High School: na
College: na

Trivia

Ruben Gonzaga is a popular comedian in Davao. He is most noted there for his "Budotz Dance." He is not related to Toni Gonzaga due obviously to their home bases.
Although relatively unknown in Manila, Ruben is quite a celebrity in Davao. Working for ABS-CBN Davao, Ruben is popularly known as a member of the channel Joke Squad. He is also a stand-up comic in various bars with his trademark screaming faggot act. He's become so good at it that everyone who sees him perform assumes he is gay. But this comedian is actually a ladies man and is already married with 2 kids.
Ruben is most famous in the South for Budots, naming his crazy dance steps after the slang term for bum in Davao. But despite the fame, Ruben is struggling to keep his head above the water. Right now, he is earning enough to get by and doesn't want his family to experience the impoverished life he had before. Ruben is working hard to help his parents and finally buy his dream house.