Arnaldo Arevalo Ignacio[2] (born March 17, 1964), known professionally as Arnell Ignacio, is a Filipino television personality, actor, singer-songwriter, and public official.
Arnell Ignacio | |
|---|---|
 Ignacio in 2019. | |
| Administrator of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration | |
| In office August 10, 2022 – May 16, 2025 | |
| President | Bongbong Marcos |
| Preceded by | Hans Leo J. Cacdac |
| Succeeded by | Patricia Yvonne Caunan |
| Deputy Executive Director and Deputy Administrator of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration | |
| In office January 25, 2018 – February 26, 2019 | |
| President | Rodrigo Duterte |
| Assistant Vice President for Community Relation and Services Department of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation | |
| In office July 7, 2016 – January 25, 2018 | |
| President | Rodrigo Duterte |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Arnaldo Arevalo Ignacio March 17, 1964 Philippines |
| Party | Independent (2009–present) |
Other political affiliations | LDP (2004–2009) |
| Spouse |
Frannie Ignacio (m. 2004) |
| Children | 1 |
| Occupation | Actor, singer, comedian, host |
Television career
editIgnacio has hosted several shows, like Chibugan Na!, Kwarta o Kahon, GoBingo, Katok Mga Misis, and K! The 1 Million Peso Videoke Challenge, and occasional host for ASAP and Wil Time Bigtime. He also guest judged for Kakaibang Idol, a special edition of Philippine Idol which was held for contestants with the most notable auditions.[3]
Politics and government
editIn 2004, he declined offers to run as the running mate of former Mayor Mel Mathay,[4] but later vied for a city council seat in Quezon City's 4th district.
In 2016, he was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as Assistant Vice President for Community Relation and Services Department of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).[5] He served in PAGCOR until January 2018 when he was transferred to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to serve as a deputy executive director and deputy administrator.[6] He resigned from his post in February 2019 reportedly for personal reasons.[7][8]
In 2022, Ignacio was appointed by President Bongbong Marcos as the new administrator of OWWA.[9] But in May 2025, he was dismissed from the same position due to loss of trust and confidence following his involvement in a ₱1.4-billion land acquisition deal intended for the accommodation of Overseas Filipino Workers that was allegedly acquired without the required legal approval and authorization of OWWA's board of trustees.[10]
Filmography
editTelevision
editFilm
edit| Year | Title | Producer | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isang Araw Lang | Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International[11] | Main Cast | ||
| 1997 | Isang Tanong, Isang Sagot | Main Cast | ||
| 2025 | Jackstone 5 | Bruno | Main Cast |
Radio
edit- Si Susan Na, si Arnell Pa! (DZBB) (with Susan Enriquez)
- No More Lonely Nights with Arnell (DZIQ)
- PATOL: Republika ni Arnelli (Radyo5 92.3 News FM, with simulcast on AksyonTV)
- Manila sa Umaga! (Radyo5 92.3 News FM, with simulcast on AksyonTV)
- LOL: Labor of Love (DZMM) (with Rica Lazo)
- OMJ: Oh My Job! (DZBB) (with Tuesday Sagun-Niu and Bea Binene)
Awards
edit- Winner, Best Game Show Host – PMPC Star Awards for Television (1997 & 2006)
- Go Bingo (GMA Network)
- Now Na! (QTV 11)
- Winner, Best Talent Show Hosts – PMPC Star Awards for Television (2008)
- Shall We Dance: The Celebrity Dance Challenge (with Lucy Torres-Gomez & Dominic Ochoa, ABC 5 "Now TV5")
Personal life
editIgnacio was in a relationship with Frannie Ignacio, a businesswoman, as his live-in partner for 12 years. They got married on March 10, 2004,[4] but they separated in the same year. Since 2015, he had plans to have their marriage annulled.[12] Together, they have a daughter.[13]
Ignacio is openly gay.[14] He got engaged to singer Ken El Psalmer in June 2015,[1] but broke up almost two months later.[15]
References
edit- 1 2 "Comedian Arnell Ignacio engaged". Rappler. June 8, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
- ↑ "Arnell Ignacio resigns from OWWA". ABS-CBN News. February 26, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ↑ "Arnell vs. Jennylyn". The Manila Times. August 18, 2020. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
- 1 2 Salterio, Leah (February 22, 2004). "Arnel, Frannie to wed". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
- ↑ Serato, Arniel (July 8, 2016). "Arnell Ignacio appointed AVP of PAGCOR by President Rodrigo Duterte" (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
- ↑ Macas, Trisha (January 25, 2018). "Arnel Ignacio moved from PAGCOR to 'preferred' OWWA post". GMA News. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ↑ "OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio resigns". CNN Philippines. February 28, 2019. Archived from the original on April 1, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ↑ Parrocha, Azer (February 27, 2019). "Palace confirms Arnell Ignacio's resignation". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
- ↑ "Arnell Ignacio named OWWA chief". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- ↑ "DMW chief Cacdac says ex-OWWA admin Ignacio removed". GMA News. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ↑ "Arnell Ignacio in Isang Araw Lang". Archived from the original on April 2, 2010. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
- ↑ Regondola, Glenn (May 20, 2015). "Arnell Ignacio plans to file for annulment so his wife can be free". Philippine Entertainment Forum (in Filipino). Retrieved August 11, 2022.
- ↑ Salteriio, Leah (June 19, 2021). "The 'unbeatable' father-daughter team of Arnell & Pie". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
- ↑ Lo, Ricky. "Arnell is never affected by bullying for being gay". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- ↑ Rula, Gorgy (August 1, 2015). "Arnell Ignacio speaks up about split with boyfriend Ken Psalmer". Philippine Entertainment Forum (in Filipino). Retrieved August 11, 2022.
External links
edit- Arnel's Magnanimity Archived September 30, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- Arnel Ignacio at IMDb