Riza studied Mechanical Engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering.
Riza’s interest to promote environmental awareness and sustainability led her to work in partnership with the Canadian International Development Agency [CIDA] and the Philippine Tourism Authority as an Ambassador of Goodwill.
She has worked with CIDA both nationally and internationally through the PEARL II Project. While residing in the Philippines, Riza also became a popular actress for the ABS-CBN television network. She is most recognizable for her roles in many Philippine television shows and movies. Her leading lady role in the movie “Dobol Trobol” gave her the opportunity to work with legendary Philippine actors and earned her a best actress award nomination from the Film Academy of the Philippines (Luna Awards). Dobol Trobol was a blockbuster hit and ranked in the top three at the Philippine box-office for the year of 2008.
In addition, Riza was the official television host of the Asian Poker Tour, with tournaments in Manila and Macau, airing on the CS 9-Sports Channel and Solar Sports. She has graced magazine covers such as FHM, Gadgets, Action & Fitness, Total Woman, Women’s Journal, Speed, and MOD to name a few. She has also been an endorsement model for numerous campaigns across Canada and the Philippines.
Riza Raquel Santos competed in the Miss Earth 2006 pageant, in which she was given the Miss Photogenic and Miss Fontana awards. She also competed in Miss World 2011 contest, where she placed 29th out of 113 contestants.