Veteran actress Ruby Ruiz continues to shine on both local and international screens — and she’s doing it with heart, humor, and her signature Filipino hospitality.
Following her critically praised role as Essie in the Amazon Prime Video limited series ‘Expats’, Ruiz revealed that she remains in contact with her Hollywood co-star Nicole Kidman, months after wrapping up the six-part series.
“Hindi naman kami ‘yung super close na close, pero may communication pa rin kami hanggang ngayon,” Ruby shared during the press conference for her upcoming film ‘Outside De Familia’.
Ruiz spent nearly 11 months filming in Hong Kong and Los Angeles, where she bonded not only with Kidman but also with the Expats cast and crew — many of whom she still chats with today.
True to her roots, Ruby became a beloved figure on set — often whipping up classic Filipino dishes like adobo, mechado, and lumpiang shanghai for the production team.
“Kapag free day ko, wala akong ginawa kundi magluto. Natikman nila lahat — mula sa producer hanggang sa staff,” she recalled with pride.
While Kidman couldn’t enjoy the savory Filipino favorites due to her vegetarian diet, she did get a taste of Filipino baked goods — thanks to Ruby’s thoughtful gesture.
“Napatikim ko siya ng pandesal natin. Sabi niya, ‘This is wonderfullllll!’” Ruby recounted, adding that she also had traditional ensaymada made especially for the Hollywood star — at a hefty price of $50 per box from a Beverly Hills bakery.
“Mereseng kalahati ng talent fee ko napunta sa pandesal at ensaymada, ha!” she joked. “Pero worth it kasi touch na touch siya.”
Ruby also gave Nicole a humble gift — a traditional bayong bag — which the actress said Kidman appreciated deeply despite her collection of luxury bags.
“Naloloka rin kasi si Nicole sa akin, kasi wala akong pakialam… Super touch siya sa binigay ko,” she laughed.
Now back in the Philippines, Ruiz is gearing up for the August 27 release of her new family drama ‘Outside De Familia’, directed by Joven Tan under Grid Film Productions.
In the film, she plays the mother of Gelli De Belen’s character and best friend to Sheila Francisco’s role. The ensemble cast also includes Luis Alandy, Matet De Leon, Peewee O’Hara, Rey ‘PJ’ Abellana, and introduces young actor Dwayne Garcia.
“Maraming makaka-relate sa pelikula kasi nangyayari talaga ito sa tunay na buhay,” Ruby shared.
The movie’s trailer touches on themes of friendship, unconventional families, and emotional reunions — a narrative that mirrors Ruby’s own belief that family goes beyond blood ties.
