Princess Ryan/ Photo by ABS-CBN News

MANILA --  Former Kapamilya actress Princess Ryan is back in the country with two vital roles: as 2024 Model Mom Universe and as the founder and CEO of her advocacy "Kidz Groove" and a dance production and workshop for kids with disabilities.

Together with her advocate friends, Ryan brought Kidz Grove to the Philippines and celebrated its first year of advocating for kids with special needs.

Princess Ryan with Daughter Ameera and 'Kidz Grove' studio partners Maverick & Jonas Ng and Business Manager Wheyee Lozada 

"It started in 2018 in California I was just teaching kids para may confidence sila nag-co-conduct ako ng workshops and then one time I got a call and they want me to choreograph children with Down syndrome for a special event and from there every year ako na ang kinuha nila. That's how I was exposed and trained regarding the special needs of these kids," the former actress said.

Returning to the Philippines is a big step for the former actress, as she introduced her latest passion to bridge the gap for needy children.

"I was away for 13 years I am now based in the US raising my daughter and she is now 13 years old already. I want to raise my daughter hands-on and become a parent that is why when I got this title as Model Mom Universe I felt amazing," she said.

Playing the real-life role of a mother changed everything for Ryan. It challenged her to push further and be a mom to other kids with neuro divergency which started her advocacy.

"I prioritize my being a mom and that's why I founded Kidz Groove in California. Now I have many children with or without neuro divergency who have special needs, and we are trying to close the gap in our workshops sa dance programs namin," she explains.

Ryan recently opened her first Kidz Groove dance studio in the Philippines located in Estancia Mall in Pasig City.