Ryan Morales Reyes (born April 19, 1989), known professionally as Ninong Ry, is a Filipino vlogger and chef known for his cooking videos that combine humor with culinary instruction. He gained success by posting his video featuring the Filipino dish Kare-kare on Facebook during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also collaborated in cooking with celebrities such as Bea Alonzo, Arthur Nery, Cong TV, and Sarah Geronimo.
Ninong Ry | ||||||||||
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| Born | Ryan Morales Reyes April 19, 1989 | |||||||||
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| Children | 1 | |||||||||
YouTube information | ||||||||||
| Website | ninongry | |||||||||
| Also known as | Ninong Ry | |||||||||
| Channels | Ninong Ry | |||||||||
| Years active | 2020–present | |||||||||
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| Subscribers | 2.31 million | |||||||||
| Total views | 319 million | |||||||||
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Last updated: September 20, 2024 | ||||||||||
Reyes chose "Ninong" (godfather) as his screen name, considering it more uncommon than "Tito" (uncle), and made it a distinctive part of his branding. His audience is referred to as his "inaanak".[1] He also expanded his career by authoring his first cookbook, Hindi Ito Cookbook ni Ninong Ry, which is set to be officially launched in May 2024.[2]
Early life and education
editRyan Morales Reyes was born and raised in Malabon. He previously worked as a restaurant chef before taking over the family's poultry business in the market after the passing of his father. He cites his father as his greatest influence, having honed his culinary skills as a child while assisting him in the kitchen.[1][3]
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (BS HRIM), majoring in Culinary arts, from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.[4]
Career
editReyes began sharing cooking videos in July 2020 as a way to pass the time. His first video, which demonstrated how to cook Kare-kare, went viral within two months of being uploaded.[5] Due to his popularity, he was named the 2021 calendar model for White Castle Whiskey, becoming the first male individual to be featured in the liquor brand's calendar campaign.[6]
In June 2022, Reyes collaborated with celebrity chef Boy Logro for a cooking session in his kitchen, followed by sharing aspects of Logro's life after the cooking experience.[7][8]
In October 2022, Reyes shared a memorable experience in one of his vlogs where he cooked for over 300 detainees at the San Juan City Jail Male Dormitory. He was joined by fellow vlogger Karen Bordador and partnered with Caritas Manila, a branch of Caritas Philippines, to be a part of the National Correctional Consciousness Week initiative.[9][10]
In September 2023, Filipino singer and songwriter Jose Mari Chan made an unexpected visit to Reyes' kitchen vlog.[11]
Reyes played the role of Chef Kino in the 2023 horror anthology film Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme, specifically in the "Mukbang" episode.[12]
Personal life
editBefore starting his career as a vlogger, Reyes faced significant financial challenges and accumulated substantial debt. He recalled that he hoped to repay his debts through earnings from social media, with the intention of eventually returning to his previous work as a market vendor.[13]
He suffered second and third degree burns to his face and arms following an accident during a breadmaking workshop, when an oven exploded. He expressed concern about his restaurant, medical expenses, and the potential long-term effects of his burns.[14][15]
Reyes introduced his newborn son in May 2024. He had announced the pregnancy of his partner Belle Cruz in November 2023 and confirmed they were expecting a boy during a gender reveal party in December.[16]
Filmography
edit| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Shake Rattle & Roll Extreme | Chef Kino | [17] |
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Fast Talk with Boy Abunda | Himself | GMA Network | [18] |
| 2023 | Family Feud | Himself | GMA Network | [19] |
| 2023 | Bubble Gang | Himself | GMA Network | [20] |
| 2024 | Regal Studio Presents | Mitoy | GMA Network | [21] |
Book by Reyes
edit- 2024 Hindi Ito Cookbook ni Ninong Ry, Self-published, ISBN 978-621-404-486-3
References
edit- ^ a b "Ninong Ry opens up about childhood, handling online fame | GMA News Online". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ "Attention, mga inaanak: Ninong Ry releases his first cookbook". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ dela Cruz, Liezel (March 25, 2024). "What makes Pops Fernandez happier and braver, plus Ninong Ry shares how he started vlogging". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ Arceo, Therese. "Ninong Ry inaming naging tindero sa palengke: It taught me na there is no job beneath you". Bandera. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ AGUJO, CYRIAN (February 11, 2022). "Life-Changing Kare-Kare: How Viral Chef Ninong Ry Handles Fame, Fortune, and Bashers". Esquire Philippines. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ {{Cite web White Castle taps male YouTube star as face of 2021 calendar | ABS-CBN News |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/12/30/20/white-castle-taps-male-youtube-star-as-face-of-2021-calendar |access-date=2020-12-31 |website=ABS-CBN News}}
- ^ "Chef Boy Logro meets social media star Ninong Ry". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ Ninong Ry (June 19, 2022). BOH: CHEF BOY LOGRO ORIGINS | Ninong Ry. Retrieved September 1, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Ninong Ry cooks for detainees at San Juan City Jail Male Dormitory | GMA News Online". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ "'True meaning of influencer': Ninong Ry lauded for cooking for San Juan inmates". interaksyon.philstar.com. October 26, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ "WATCH: Jose Mari Chan loses Christmas feels – but Ninong Ry helps bring it back". qa.philstar.com. September 4, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ Cabinete, Jojo (September 24, 2023). "Chef/content creator Ninong Ry, artista na". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ "Ninong Ry, nakilala ang partner dahil sa vlogging". ABS-CBN News. February 5, 2024. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ "Chef-YouTuber Ninong Ry, inalala ang pinagdaanang pagsubok nang masunog noon ang mukha". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ "Chef-YouTuber Ninong Ry, nasunog noon ang mukha dahil sa 'sumabog' na oven | Balitambayan". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ Acar, Aedrianne. "Ninong Ry welcomes first baby with non-showbiz partner". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ "Roselle Monteverde, wagi ang pagsali kay Ninong Ry sa Shake, Rattle and Roll Extreme". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ "Ninong Ry and Chef JR Royol cook up some fun on 'Fast Talk With Boy Abunda'". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ Family Feud Philippines (November 27, 2023). Family Feud: NINONG RY, NAKIPAGMEKUS-MEKUS KAY MR. NOBODY (November 27, 2023) (Full Episode 341). Retrieved September 1, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Ninong Ry overwhelmed ang utak sa collab nila ni Michael V". PEP.ph. November 26, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ Ruiz, Marah. "Father and son reconnect through food in 'Regal Studio Presents: My Daddy Chef'". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 1, 2024.