In the bright, bustling world of Philippine showbiz, some stars shine—and some become legends. Ryza Mae Dizon, once the beloved “Aling Maliit” of Eat Bulaga!, was undeniably both. Tiny in stature but huge in personality, she captured the nation’s hearts as the youngest member of the iconic noontime show. For years, she was the cheerful “bunso” of the Dabarkads, a symbol of innocence and laughter in Filipino homes.
But a new report has reportedly shattered that familiar image. According to sources, Vic Sotto—the veteran host and her on-screen father figure—has allegedly made a “brave confession” that exposes the unseen struggles behind Ryza Mae’s rise. What fans thought was a carefree childhood on set, the report claims, may have been a carefully hidden struggle, leaving viewers shocked and rethinking the story they thought they knew.
From Prodigy to “Aling Maliit”
Ryza Mae’s journey began as a standout contestant in Little Miss Philippines. Her charm, wit, and comedic timing quickly earned her a permanent spot on Eat Bulaga! and her own segment, Ang Pinakamaliit na Bida sa Telebisyon. She was more than a child host—she was a force of nature, holding her own alongside comedy giants like Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon. The mentorship of Vic Sotto, in particular, reinforced a paternal bond that fans believed mirrored a real family connection.
As time went on, however, the “Aling Maliit” persona grew harder to sustain. Ryza Mae appeared less frequently on the show, often said to be “focusing on school.” Her absence was explained away politely, but the new report suggests that this shift was far from ordinary.
The Alleged Confession: Pressure, Identity, and Lost Childhood
The shocking claim is that Vic Sotto allegedly admitted the environment of a daily noontime show was too harsh for a child. Behind the laughter and lively antics, Ryza Mae reportedly faced immense pressure to perform constantly, to entertain millions, and to maintain the character of “Aling Maliit” even as she was growing up. The “happy” image broadcast on television may have masked the psychological toll she endured.
According to the report, Sotto’s confession highlights the crisis of identity a child star can face: the person the public adored—“Aling Maliit”—was not always the same as Ryza Mae, the child navigating adolescence under constant scrutiny. The weight of expectation, combined with the relentless spotlight, is allegedly what led to her gradual withdrawal from the screen.
A Stark Reassessment of Showbiz “Family”
This revelation, if true, forces a difficult conversation. Eat Bulaga! has long presented itself as a tight-knit, almost familial environment. But the alleged admission by Vic Sotto raises questions about the cost of creating child stars and the unseen pressures behind the cameras. Fans are now reflecting: were we watching a child’s joyful antics, or witnessing a childhood consumed by fame?
The report frames Sotto not as a villain, but as a “brave confessor,” someone acknowledging the unintended consequences of an entertainment machine that prioritizes ratings over well-being. His alleged confession is a rare glimpse into the human side of mentorship in the cutthroat world of television.
Ryza Mae Today
Now a young adult, Ryza Mae Dizon has seemingly transitioned successfully into a life beyond child stardom. She has focused on personal growth and cultivating a mature identity outside of the “Aling Maliit” persona. Yet, Vic Sotto’s alleged revelation has caused fans to look back, reconsidering the challenges she faced and the pressures inherent in child fame.
It’s a reminder that behind every cherished television figure may lie struggles the audience never sees—and that the cost of entertainment is sometimes more personal than we realize.