Arnell Ignacio

Last updated

Frannie Ignacio
(m. 2004)
[1]
Arnell Ignacio
Arnell Ignacio RTVM 2019 - cropped.jpg
Ignacio in 2019.
Administrator of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
In office
August 10, 2022 May 16, 2025
Children1
OccupationActor, singer, comedian, host

Arnaldo Arevalo Ignacio [2] (born March 17, 1964), known professionally as Arnell Ignacio, is a Filipino television personality, actor, singer-songwriter, and public official.

Contents

Television career

Ignacio has hosted several shows, like Chibugan Na!, Kwarta o Kahon , GoBingo , Katok Mga Misis , and K! The 1 Million Peso Videoke Challenge , and occasional hosts 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

In 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.

Ignacio (left) and President Bongbong Marcos (center) attending the funeral of Jullebee Ranara in Las Pinas on January 30, 2023 PBBM in Ranara wake 2023.jpg
Ignacio (left) and President Bongbong Marcos (center) attending the funeral of Jullebee Ranara in Las Piñas on January 30, 2023

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 P1.4-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

Television

YearTitleRole
Chibugan Na!Host
Actually, Yun Na!Host
Family Kuarta o Kahon Host
1995–1998 Katok Mga Misis Host
Ober Da Bakod
1996–1999; 2008 GoBingo Host
GolympicsHost
BrunchCo-host
Hiwalay Kung Hiwalay Daw
Comedy Central MarketHost
Text Game Show
Cooking.ComHost
2002–2004 K! The 1 Million Peso Videoke Challenge Host
2004–2005 MTB: Ang Saya-Saya Host
Wowowee Himself
2006–2007Now Na!Host
Shall We Dance: The Celebrity Dance Challenge Co-host
Shall We Dance: The Stars Are Back Co-host
2006 I Luv NY Chichi Florence LaRoux
2007 Stars on Ice Host
2007 Mga Mata ni Anghelita Manager / Madam
All Star K!: The 1 Million Peso Videoke Challenge Host
2009 Daisy Siete: Kambalilong Various
Quickfire: 10 Minute Kitchen Wonders Guest appearance
2009–2010 Sana Ngayong Pasko Wanda
Wil Time Bigtime Host
The Jose and Wally Show Starring Vic Sotto
Game 'N Go Host
The Amazing Race Philippines Leg 1 only: Quizmaster of the Ikot Detour choice.
Solved na Solved Host
The Singing Bee Himself/Guest
Sunday PinaSaya Melody
Dear Uge
Digong Hotline 8888Host
Magandang Buhay Himself
The Boobay and Tekla Show Himself
Arnelli in da HausHost

Film

YearTitleProducerRole
Isang Araw Lang Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International [11] Main Cast
Isang Tanong, Isang SagotMain Cast

Radio

Awards

Personal life

Ignacio had 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

  1. 1 2 "Comedian Arnell Ignacio engaged". Rappler. June 8, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
  2. "Arnell Ignacio resigns from OWWA". ABS-CBN News. February 26, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  3. "Arnell vs. Jennylyn". The Manila Times. August 18, 2020. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  4. 1 2 Salterio, Leah (February 22, 2004). "Arnel, Frannie to wed". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
  5. Serato, Arniel (July 8, 2016). "Arnell Ignacio appointed AVP of PAGCOR by President Rodrigo Duterte" (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  6. Macas, Trisha (January 25, 2018). "Arnel Ignacio moved from PAGCOR to 'preferred' OWWA post". GMA News. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  7. "OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio resigns". CNN Philippines. February 28, 2019. Archived from the original on April 1, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  8. Parrocha, Azer (February 27, 2019). "Palace confirms Arnell Ignacio's resignation". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
  9. "Arnell Ignacio named OWWA chief". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  10. "DMW chief Cacdac says ex-OWWA admin Ignacio removed". GMA News. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  11. "Arnell Ignacio in Isang Araw Lang". Archived from the original on April 2, 2010. Retrieved March 28, 2010.
  12. 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.
  13. Salteriio, Leah (June 19, 2021). "The 'unbeatable' father-daughter team of Arnell & Pie". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
  14. Lo, Ricky. "Arnell is never affected by bullying for being gay". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  15. Rula, Gorgy (August 1, 2015). "Arnell Ignacio speaks up about split with boyfriend Ken Psalmer". Philippine Entertainment Forum (in Filipino). Retrieved August 11, 2022.