While many dream of becoming famous, there are several celebrities who leave show business behind to follow other paths.
RR Enriquez (left) and Neri Naig (Photos by Manny Llanes/Manila Bulletin)
If you were an avid viewer of the now-defunct game show “Wowowee,” you probably remember host RR Enriquez, also known as the “Money Girl.” Her last TV appearance was on “Happy Wife, Happy Life” in 2015.
To those who wonder what she’s been up to lately, know that RR is a successful entrepreneur.
In a chance encounter recently, RR said that though showbiz has been good to her and quitting was a crucial decision, it turned out to be worth the gamble.
She now manages a skin clinic and nail spa in her hometown in Cavite.
“It’s been a long time since I appeared on television and since I have plenty of time, I decided to have my own business. Ever since I’m into whitening and I spend a lot of money for those expensive products. So when once I had capital, I went into skin care,” she said in Filipino.
RR is not closing her doors on showbiz. Given the chance, she would like to play villain roles.
“Hopefully two to three years from now, if there’s an offer, why not? As long as it’s not sexy roles because I want to be known differently now, like, not the usual ‘pa-sexy RR,’ but rather the ‘nagmamalditang RR.’ I want to show the viewers I also can do other things apart from being sexy,” she explained.
The former dancer quit drinking and clubbing after strengthening her faith in God.
“‘Jeremiah 29: 11: For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,’” reads her life verse.
As for her love life, RR has been together with her Filipino-American boyfriend for seven years now. Wedding bells soon?
“I don’t know. My partner says he is still young (to get married)!” the 32-year-old businesswoman laughed.
‘Wais na Misis’
Though no longer active in show business, former actress Neri Naig-Miranda continues to inspire her followers because of her bright ideas to earn money.
The wife of Parokya Ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda owns several small businesses like ice candy, gourmet tuyo, and cupcakes under her “Neri’s Kitchen.” She does it at home while she taking care of the households as well as her husband and son.
She studied Culinary Arts in preparing for her business.
“Being a businesswoman has always been my dream. I used to have a journal and I list down every business I think of,” she recalled.
Though she considers herself a late bloomer in entrepreneurship, Neri credits social media for the success of her businesses. She also thanks Chito for his support.
In fact, Chito’s Instagram is full of stories on how hard working she is.
“I think that’s another secret to success. If you do have a supportive husband, it will boost your confidence. You will be more inspired,” she said.
For tips to aspiring entrepreneurs, Neri said: “First of all, do research. Know your market, study your business plan. Don’t be scared. If that’s really your passion, you have to do your best. Find what you really like, don’t just ‘sumabay sa uso.’”
What about her showbiz career?
“Showbiz is not for me anymore,” she smiled. “I’m okay na where I am now. I always dreamt of becoming a housewife and a mother. Now that I’m on it, I want to give my 100 percent so I can make my son and husband happy all the time.”
RR and Neri were two of the celebrity entrepreneurs who showcased their businesses and shared their success stories with small and medium enterprise owners during the Star Bazaar held at SM Megamall activity center over the weekend. The event was headed by Globe myBusiness in partnership with Summit Media.