Ninong Ry Credits Culinary Success To Parents, 'Hindi Nila Ako Masyadong Hinigpitan, And Nagbunga Ng Maganda’

Ryan Morales, more popularly known as Ninong Ry, is celebrating the launch of his first ever cookbook: Hindi Ito Cookbook Ni Ninong Ry, published by Summit Publishing. The book includes 40 of his original and most beloved recipes, plus 11 exclusive, newly-released dishes. The well-loved chef and vlogger, known for dishes such as Ube Gnocchi, Pinknigang, and the viral Sizzling Crispy Kare-Kare, sat down with Smart Parenting and other Summit Publishing brands to share his journey from a “bulakbol” student to a passionate culinary star.

Ninong Ry: From bulakbol student to head chef

“Bagsakin talaga ako, academically challenged talaga ako,” Ninong Ry confessed, reflecting on his school years. “Tapos nung tinanong ako nung guidance counselor, sabi sa akin, ‘Ano bang gusto mong gawin?’ Sabi ko, ‘Gusto kong mag luto.’” This, he said, is a “pilosopo” answer, but the guidance counselor took him seriously and explored culinary courses with him.

Despite his parents’ initial hesitation to support his culinary aspirations due to the high costs, they eventually gave him the freedom to pursue his passion. “Hindi nila ako masyadong hinigpitan… Sinabi nila apprehensions nila pero pinagbigyan pa din nila ako kasi siguro nagtiwala sila sa akin… And nagbunga ng maganda.”

Ninong Ry emphasized that this doesn’t mean parents should always give in to their child’s every whim, but highlighted the importance of communication and trust, “Kung maganda foundations ng bata, alam niya ang tama at mali at sigurado ako na pipiliin niya lagi yung tama at kung saan siya mapapaayos diba?”

Ninong Ry’s professional life has been anything but smooth. He faced numerous setbacks, including a failed business, a series of exhausting jobs, significant debts, and the loss of his father. “Hinubog talaga ako, naging furnace ko yun, hinubog talaga ako ng karanasan na yun,” he shared.

The pandemic and vlogging

His father’s death prompted Ninong Ry to take over the family food business, which took up his time during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the business had to close and he found himself isolating while waiting for COVID test results, Ninong Ry rediscovered his passion for cooking and vlogging. He began filming his dishes, and then eventually his cooking, to distract himself. “Nung third day, luto na nga lang ako. I think burger steak, pinrito ko sa cast iron pan, may sauce sa isa pang pan… Pinost ko sa What’s Your Ulam Pare, Let’s Eat Pare, my day… Lahat may sizzling, laging may apoy, walang luto pa… Hanggang sa ang dami nang nagrerequest ng recipes.”

This continued until his viral dish of Sizzling Crispy Kare Kare, which gained 8 million views, which is a significant number considering he posted it using his Facebook personal profile. He said, “Iyan ang dish na nagsimula ng Ninong Ry.” With this success and support from his friends, Ninong Ry fully embraced his new identity, “Right then and there, gumawa ako ng YouTube, Facebook page, lahat… Kung gagawin ko ito at gagawin ko ito para madistract ako sa mga nangyayari sa buhay ko, kailangan all-in ako, kailangan para itong day job.”

“Hindi nila ako masyadong hinigpitan… Sinabi nila apprehensions nila pero pinagbigyan pa din nila ako kasi siguro nagtiwala sila sa akin… And nagbunga ng maganda.”-Ninong Ry on how his parents supported his passion

Ninong Ry as Daddy Ry

Now expecting a child with his partner, Ninong Ry looks forward to cooking for his growing family. His wife’s favorite dish is “inihaw na liempo,” a simple yet beloved recipe that Ninong Ry prepares with extra love and care.

Having come a long way from his days as a wayward student and carefree chef, Ninong Ry is now a popular food vlogger and a published author. “Actually, noong bata ako, pinangarap ko nang maging writer/author,” says Ninong Ry. “The glory of the byline, ika nga nila. Malaking-malaking milestone sa akin ‘to kasi katuparan ‘to ng isa sa mga marami kong pangarap nung bata pa ako.”

Hindi Ito Cookbook Ni Ninong Ry retails for P625, and is available in the Summit Books shop on Lazada and Shopee. It is also available at all leading bookstores nationwide. Ninong Ry will also have a book launch event on May 5, at the Robinsons Galleria Atrium. Registration starts at 3:00 pm.

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