Raymond Arrieta (born March 26, 1965) is a Puerto Rican actor, comedian, host and philanthropist. Starting his career as a comedian in various local shows, Arrieta gained popularity in the 1990s when he hosted a string of successful comedy shows where he showcased his various characters and personifications. Since 2007, Arrieta has been hosting the mid-day variety show Día a Día, along with Dagmar. Arrieta is also a radio show host and a theater actor. Arrieta has gained prominence for his philanthropic endeavors. After his friend and co-host, Dagmar, was diagnosed with cancer in 2008, Arrieta has performed a yearly charity walk around various parts of the island while also raising awareness. Because of his commitment to the cause, Arrieta has received numerous recognitions, including from the Senate of Puerto Rico. Early years Raymond Arrieta was born as Ramón Emilio Arrieta Vázquez in Hato Rey, one of the main barrios of San Juan, Puerto Rico. His parents were Ramón Arrieta and Carmín Vázquez. Arrieta went to school at the Academy Nuestra Señora de la Providencia. When he was in the third grade, Arrieta volunteered to play the part of "Ramoneta Cienfuegos", a character of popular Puerto Rican comedian Shorty Castro, in a school play. After that he continued to participate in many other plays at school, even organizing his own. One of the works he wrote and directed was Mundo Loco, which told a story about a war between fans of Salsa music and fans Rock music. Arrieta has mentioned that José Miguel Agrelot has always been his main inspiration. After Arrieta graduated from high school, he enrolled in the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón of San Juan, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Radio and Television Production in 1987. There, he also joined Phi Sigma Alpha fraternity. On one occasion, Arrieta and some friends visited the café theater "El Punto del Coquí" located in Old San Juan. He sat down and played the piano while doing imitations. The owner of the club was impressed and asked Arrieta to prepare an act for his club. Arrieta prepared an act called "Black and White" which was a success and he was soon traveling around the island with his "show". In 1983, Our Lady of the Providence Academy established the "Raymond Arrieta Award" which is annually awarded to the student with the best artistic qualities. Career as a comedian In 1988, Arrieta