Robbie Jaworski reveals he once survived on street food, P10 rice

Despite being born into one of the country’s most recognizable families, rising actor Robbie Jaworski revealed that his upbringing was far from the privileged lifestyle many people assume.

In an interview on ABS-CBN News’ “Oh My Gan!,” the son of equestrienne Olympian Mikee Cojuangco and politician Robert Jaworski Jr. opened up about his experience working a corporate job, commuting to work, and budgeting his modest salary.

Before entering show business, Jaworski worked in human resources at a shipping company, where he interviewed job applicants and helped organize corporate social responsibility programs.

At the time, he was still an undergraduate and earned very little. He also shared that his father had a strict rule when it came to financial support.

“May batas din ‘yung daddy ko sa akin dati. Kung hindi ka nag-aaral, wala kang allowance.”

With no allowance and a limited salary, Jaworski recalled relying on affordable street food to get through his workdays.

“So ‘yung ginagawa ko, pang pampatipid, kumakain ako ng fishball at kikiam for lunch. Eh, sobrang sarap naman siya.”

“Parang ’yun na lang kinakain ko everyday. Tapos bumibili ako ng one cup rice for 10 pesos.”

The actor also recalled commuting on small trucks and riding jeepneys during his student years, experiences that helped him appreciate the value of hard-earned money.

Jaworski admitted that he understands why some people assume he grew up spoiled because of his family’s prominent surname.

However, he emphasized that his parents made sure he understood the importance of hard work and personal responsibility.

“I don’t blame people for thinking that. Pero, I’m blessed also na pinalaki ako ng mga magulang ko na ayaw nila dumikit yung pag-iisip sa akin na dahil Cojuangco-Jaworski ako, may entitlement ako.”

“In all things in life, you have to work hard for. No short cuts.”

Jaworski also revealed that he experienced a difficult period in 2023 when he struggled with his finances, career direction, and physical health.

He described that period as one of his biggest personal heartbreaks, realizing he needed to take greater responsibility for his future.

Now an actor, television host, and businessman, Jaworski said those experiences continue to shape his outlook on life.

He currently runs a marketing startup and is also involved in his family’s hospitality business.

For Jaworski, success is not simply about earning money or becoming famous, but about building a stable future while helping others along the way.

“Ang pangarap ko sana sa buhay or ang goal ko sa buhay is hindi lang kumita pero sana, ‘yun nga, ‘yung in all walks of my life, sana kaya ko din i-angat ‘yung mga tao sa tabi ko.”

“I want to be a blessing to others.”

Jaworski currently stars in “The Loyalty Game” alongside Janine Gutierrez and is also one of the hosts of “Y-Speak 2.0.” He is also part of “Pinoy Big Brother Collab 3.0.”