Ruby Rodriguez is one proud momma!
On May 15, 2024, the former Eat Bulaga! host became the bearer of inspiring news, as her son AJ — diagnosed with learning disabilities — claimed another academic milestone.
Read: Filipino celebrities who have opened up about raising special children
CONSISTENT AWARDEE
Taking the announcement to social media, Ruby uploaded a photo of Antonio Jesus Aquino, nicknamed AJ, carrying his latest scholastic certificate.
She wrote in the caption (published as is): "Last year September I posted a similar photo. Indulge me please, Im just a proud mama.
"My son Aj again for the month of April was awarded Panther of the month.
"May not be much to others but for a mother of a sped child who got same award twice on the same school year, makes me feel I must be doing something right," she related.
She added (published as is), "Im so proud of your achievements my son. I love you so much."
About eight months ago, AJ first got a taste of the being a Panther of the Month awardee.
Beaming with pride, Ruby expressed (published as is): "These are the moments when everything you sacrificed for and gave up makes it all worth it I'm so Proud of you my son.
"My Aj, despite of your disability you strive to be your best and make your family proud.
"This award may not be much to others But to me to us his Family it means more than a Gold medal.
"Love you my son You make mommy proud."
Read: 12 Filipino celebrities who quit showbiz and moved abroad
RUBY MIGRATES TO USA FOR AJ
In September 2021, during her appearance in Pia Arcangel's show Tunay Na Buhay, Ruby gave an update on the health conditions of her son AJ.
Apart from being diagnosed with learning disabilities, AJ also suffers from the rare autoimmune disease Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HPS), a condition that involves inflammation of small blood vessels
The former Eat Bulaga! co-host revealed it was her son's special needs that made her decide to move to the States.
Ruby mentioned that AJ’s medication was costly, and when she was still in the Philippines, having to spend her own savings for the expenses.
Now that they've become residents in the U.S., she said she was grateful that her son’s treatment was covered by insurance.
She related her only wish was for AJ to be a "functioning member of society."
"Basta kailangan ma-support niya sarili niya pag wala na kami," she said.
When a netizen called AJ "abnormal" in a comment on Ruby's Instagram post, she was quick to reprimand the offender: "Excuse me? What u mean abnormal??? If u mean if he is a special child Im proud to say Yes he is. He has ADHD and Dyslexia."
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