RJ Ledesma didn’t plan on becoming one of the most sought-after hosts in the Philippines, but looking back, the path seems clear. His gift for speaking and connecting with people was evident early on. “I think I’ve always had a deep love for connecting with people, especially through storytelling and public speaking,” he says.
As a child, RJ joined elocution and extemporaneous speech contests, with his mother always in the front row cheering him on. She played a key role in shaping his path, enrolling him in speech classes and encouraging him to audition for television shows. From early TV appearances like Children’s Hour and Junior Newswatch, to joining GMA’s Teen Talk in college, RJ gradually found his voice—on stage, on screen, and in real life.
He sharpened his skills through the La Salle debate team, where he learned how to think on his feet—something that’s proven useful in countless events, especially when things don’t go exactly as planned. Along the way, he dabbled in acting and became known as “Joey” from the ‘80s Royal Tru-Orange commercials. “Thirteen versions of teenage angst and orange pulp bits,” he jokes.
But the real turning point came during a family event. “I hosted my sister’s wedding in Baguio,” RJ recalls. “It was raining, guests were packed into the cocktail area, and there was a lot of wine flowing. I was trying to keep the energy up and, admittedly, enjoying the wine too. By the time the program started, I was tipsy but apparently hilarious,” he laughs. “To my surprise, Rita Neri, the wedding planner, said I nailed it and even offered to recommend me to her clients.” That experience opened the door to a wedding hosting career that’s lasted for years.
Today, RJ hosts a wide range of events, from corporate launches and forums to lifestyle gatherings—but weddings remain closest to his heart. “Wedding receptions are different,” he explains. “They’re not just events, they’re real love stories unfolding in front of the people who matter most to the couple.”
For RJ, hosting isn’t just about keeping things on schedule or cracking a few jokes. “It’s about making people feel something. The couple should feel seen and celebrated. Their guests should feel like they’re part of something meaningful.”
He adds, “What drives me is the privilege of telling someone else’s love story. Every couple has a different journey, and bringing that to life through words, laughter, and shared emotion, that’s what makes it special.”
Over the years, RJ has collected countless memories from the weddings he’s hosted. But one that stands out is his own. “My friends JM Rodriguez and Issa Litton were hosting, and halfway through the program, they handed me the mic to host the couple’s game I had created,” he says. “It was surreal—hosting my own wedding game. Even more surreal? A former President and his then-Senator wife were contestants, and they won!”
For couples looking for the right host, RJ offers three practical tips:
Chemistry matters. “Meet your host and see if you connect. They’ll be with you through one of the most personal and emotional days of your life. It should feel like you’re talking to someone who gets you.”
Do your research. “Watch videos, read reviews, and ask around. A good host knows how to hold a crowd’s attention, keep things flowing, and respond to changes calmly and professionally.”
Look for empathy. “Hosting isn’t just about being funny. It’s about knowing when to lift the mood, when to step back, and when to shine the spotlight where it belongs—on the couple.”
RJ’s journey has come full circle. From that childhood stage with his mom cheering him on, to wedding receptions where he helps other couples start their own stories. “Hosting reminds me of my own marriage,” he says.
“Hearing all these love stories keeps me grounded. It reminds me that the day I married my wife was the day I loved her the least, because I love her more every day after.”
For RJ Ledesma, hosting isn’t just a job. It’s a way to honor connection, laughter, and love—one celebration at a time.
Get in touch with RJ Ledesma through these messaging channels: E: [email protected] | FB: facebook.com/rjledesma | IG: instagram.com/rjled610 | tiktok.com/@rjledesma | W: rjledesma.com
