The man called by netizens as ‘Jollibee’s ulirang ama’ after his photo went viral online visited Piolo Pascual on the noontime musical-variety show “ASAP” on January 6 to personally thank the Kapamilya actor for changing the life of his entire family.
It can be remembered that in 2017, a photo of Ryan Arebuabo melted the hearts of many for treating his children to a meal in Jollibee while he silently watching them.
He wanted to treat his children to a delightful meal that day. Little did he know that a certain Jhunnel Sarajan would also dine in the same fast food at the same time, and take a photo that would later on change his life.
After the photo went viral, Tatay Ryan’s life story got featured on the drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” His character was portrayed by Pascual.
Because of the said “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode, the public learned of his story: he suffered from stroke four years back and his wife left him.
After the episode aired, Pascual promised to help Tatay Ryan by shouldering the school fees of his two daughters, Rose Ann and Rose Mae, until they reach college. Now, Rose Ann and Rose Mae are in the third grade, while Tatay Ryan runs a small sari-sari store and operates his own tricycle.
Aside from his kid’s scholarship at a private school, Pascual also gave Tatay Ryan a cellphone.
A local bookstore also promised to take care of the kid’s school supplies.
“Lumuhod ako sa kasiyahan. Tuwang-tuwa po ako noon. Masaya po ako noon,” Tatay Ryan said in an interview with ASAP recalling how he reacted when Pascual promised the scholarship for his children.
Pascual also had a special birthday production number and sand the song “You Were There” with Regine Velasquez.
After his performance, Rose Ann and Rose Mae went up the stage to give Pascual a birthday letter.
