Instead of throwing a lavish birthday celebration, actor and television host Ryan Bang chose to celebrate his 35th birthday by giving back to the people closest to him and to a public school affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao.
In a vlog uploaded on his YouTube channel, Ryan documented how he turned years of savings into financial assistance for his longtime staff and a donation for Mahayahay Elementary School in Davao, whose facilities were heavily damaged by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao in June.
Ryan revealed that since becoming a regular host of It’s Showtime in 2010, he had faithfully set aside ₱1,000 every month, following the advice of his parents to always save a portion of his earnings.
What began as a simple habit eventually grew into ₱190,000. He then added another ₱10,000 from the proceeds of his community market, bringing his birthday fund to ₱200,000.
He explained that he never intended to spend the money on himself.
Ryan divided part of the amount between his longtime personal assistant and driver, both of whom he considers family after years of working together.
His personal assistant is currently facing medical expenses for a child scheduled to undergo surgery, while his driver’s child—who also happens to be Ryan’s godchild—also received financial assistance.
“Galing sa puso ko… Matagal nang nagtatrabaho sa akin ‘yung personal assistant ko at driver ko. Sila talaga ‘yung pinaka-malapit sa puso ko kasi wala po akong pamilya dito,” Ryan shared.
Although both initially hesitated to accept the money, Ryan insisted that helping them was the best birthday gift he could give himself.
A significant portion of Ryan’s donation also went to Mahayahay Elementary School after he learned about the extensive damage the campus suffered following the powerful earthquake.
According to the school, Ryan’s contribution helped fund the repair of damaged classrooms, walls, and roofing, allowing students and teachers to return to a safer learning environment.
“Nadurog talaga ‘yung puso ko sa sobrang awa sa mga bata. Hindi naman malaki pero hanggat kaya ko, ginawa ko ang konting tulong para sa kapwa Pilipino,” he said.
School officials also expressed their gratitude, saying the donation brought much-needed relief to the school community.
Rather than receiving presents, Ryan said he feels more fulfilled knowing he can become an instrument of kindness.
“Thank you kay Lord kasi ginagamit Niya ako para magpasaya at makatulong sa mga Pilipino,” he shared.
The Korean-born television personality also thanked Filipino viewers for embracing him throughout his career despite the language barrier.
“Thank you so much sa pagmamahal sa akin, Madlang People, at sa pag-suporta kahit hindi malinaw ang pagsasalita ko.”
Ryan ended his vlog with a promise that this would not be his last act of generosity.
He said he plans to begin saving again so he can continue helping Filipinos, particularly children and communities in need.
