CJ Ramos leaves showbiz to support his family as TNVS driver

From entertaining audiences on television to driving passengers to their destinations, former child star CJ Ramos has taken an unexpected turn in his career. Once a familiar face on Philippine television in the 1990s, Ramos now works as a transport network vehicle service (TNVS) driver, finding a new source of income outside show business.

Ramos began his career in the early 1990s through the popular youth-oriented program “Ang TV.” He later appeared in films such as “Tanging Yaman,” “Ang TV Movie: The Adarna Adventure” (1996), and “Biyudo Si Daddy, Biyuda Si Mommy” (1997). He also returned to television through “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” where he played Patrick Espinosa.

As acting opportunities became less frequent, Ramos explored other ways to earn a living. He has been driving for inDrive for a year after being encouraged to try the platform. What initially served as an alternative source of income has since become his primary livelihood, helping him cover household expenses and support his family.

More than just a ride

“Malaking bagay sa akin ang pagmamaneho kasi binigyan ako nito ng pagkakataong magsimula ulit. Masarap sa pakiramdam na hindi ko na kailangang laging mag-alala kung paano ko babayaran ang mga bills, at mas nakakatulong ako sa pamilya ko para mabigyan sila ng mas magandang buhay,” CJ said.

The flexible work arrangement also allows him to manage his responsibilities at home while earning a living.

Ramos said one of the most memorable experiences he has had as a driver involved helping a nun who was experiencing a medical emergency. He brought her safely to the hospital, an encounter that made him realize how his work could extend beyond simply taking passengers from one destination to another.

He has also found another way to reconnect with audiences through vlogging. Encouraged by his wife, Diane, and close friends, Ramos began sharing personal experiences, family moments, travels, and snippets of his daily life as a driver on their online platform, Team Moshi.

A new chapter

Although initially hesitant to open up, the positive response from viewers encouraged him to continue documenting his life outside show business.

His experience is among the personal stories behind the ride-hailing industry, where drivers take on the job for different reasons, often balancing work with family responsibilities and other aspirations.

“CJ’s story is a powerful reminder that every driver has a story beyond the trips they complete. There are people behind the wheel who are working toward something. Whether it is supporting their families or creating new opportunities for themselves, they and their journeys deserve to be heard and respected,” said Vanessa Taqueban, inDrive country driver operations lead.

While Ramos may no longer appear regularly on television, his years in show business remain part of his journey. Today, he has found a different way to make a living, taking on each trip as another opportunity to support his family.