Ruby Ibarra makes a guest appearance on Fox’s ‘The Cleaning Lady’

LOS ANGELES – The second episode in the third season of Fox’s primetime drama, “The Cleaning Lady,” will feature a performance by Filipino American rapper and musician Ruby Ibarra.

The multi-talented artist expressed gratitude for her on-screen role after having the opportunity to work on the soundtrack for seasons 1 and 2 of “The Cleaning Lady,” as well as founding music label Bolo Music Group and the scholarship program Pinays Rising and various appearances and performances in between.

Ibarra has proven that she can be skillful and flexible when amplifying her passion to uplift Filipino music and culture.

Ruby Ibarra says episode 2 “carries a lot of heart, cultural identity and belonging.” Image: rubyibarra/IG

“Being able to musically contribute to The Cleaning Lady has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience because I know that this show is helping open the doors for many more stories like this,” Ibarra told Inquirer.net USA in an exclusive interview.

“I’m particularly proud that I will be appearing on Episode 2 (third season) because as viewers will witness, this episode carries a lot of heart, cultural identity, and belonging – all things that align with my music and the reasons why I’m an artist.”

Ibarra emphasized that her on-screen performance includes original music from her longstanding collaborator, LASI, who shares her passion and enthusiasm for uplifting Filipino music.

“Being able to musically contribute to “The Cleaning Lady” has been a once in a lifetime experience because I know that this show is helping open the doors for many more stories like this,” Ibarra added.

Ibarra had a positive experience while contributing to “The Cleaning Lady,” highlighting the team’s camaraderie and dedication.

 “Working with Miranda Kwok and The Cleaning Lady cast and crew has been such a fulfilling experience,” Ibarra said. “Every person that I’ve met from the team has been very passionate about this show and they truly care about the story and the communities it represents.”

“I believe that Miranda has pioneered a project that will help influence more Cambodian and Filipino American stories and will help normalize characters that come from these cultures,” Ibarra said.  “The Cleaning Lady is the first of its kind, but won’t be the last.”

Many in the Fil-Am community believe that “The Cleaning Lady” is able to depict authentic Filipino American cultural experiences by hiring Filipino talent.

Ibarra’s on-camera debut will greatly enhance this authenticity as she is a familiar face and voice to the younger generation of Filipino Americans.

“The Cleaning Lady’s diverse cast of Filipino actors really speaks to the show’s intentionality and thoughtful care of the story,” Ibarra said.

“I love that the actors reflect the characters and communities that they represent!”

This season’s Filipino cast members allow certain cultural nuances in the story to come alive on screen, she added.

“For example, I’m fascinated with Fiona’s relationship with her parents, and a lot of their interactions remind me of my own family,” she explained. “I believe that they have such a brilliant Filipino cast and it is so inspiring to see on a mainstream platform!”

Ibarra remains a strong-willed artist – the one who didn’t mind performing on small stages at community events. She has persistently shown that she can grow and evolve using her talents as herself, a Filipino American.

The on-camera performance of Ibarra will air this Tuesday, March 12 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.