LIST: Momagers who made their kids big in Philippine showbiz
The phrase "Mom knows best" could apply to many aspects of life—including work.
Take for example, some mothers who served as managers to their kids, who later became known and loved in the local entertainment scene.
Here are some momagers who made their children big in Philippine showbiz in their own ways.
Pinty Gonzaga
Pinty Gonzaga, known as Mommy Pinty, managed the Gonzaga sisters, Alex and Toni, in the early parts of their showbiz careers. She began managing Alex when the latter joined ABS-CBN in 2006 until she moved to TV5 two years later. Pinty also served as a manager to Toni when she joined GMA Network in the late 90s and transferred to ABS-CBN in 2005.
From time to time, Alex and Toni give a glimpse of their relationship with Pinty via their social media posts as well as YouTube vlogs.
Annabelle Rama
Just like Kris Jenner in Hollywood, Annabelle Rama, the matriarch of the Gutierrez family, managed the entertainment careers of her three children: Ruffa, Raymond, and Richard.
In 2014, they released the reality series, It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez, giving a look at their family life as well as events that make them an intriguing showbiz family in the country.
Cecile Ongpauco
Heart Evangelista, who joined showbiz when she was just 13, used to be co-managed by her mother, Cecile Ongpauco, alongside Annabelle Rama. When their contract expired in 2011, Cecile took over Heart's career.
Cecile, in 2013, accused Heart's husband, politician Chiz Escudero of asking Heart to remove her as her manager. “As Heart’s manager, I suspect na he wants to be, wants me, to be substituted by a person who acts as his dummy so he could be Heart’s real manager, to control her financially," she said at a press conference without getting into much detail.
Heart previously revealed that her parents skipped her wedding with Chiz in February 2015 as they did not want her to be in a relationship with the politician. Cecile, however, made sure to be present at their second wedding in February 2024.
Pia Magalona
Pia Magalona is a mom of eight, two of whom were master rapper Francis M's stepchildren: Unna and Nicolo. Aside from being a mom, she also serves as the talent manager of actresses Maxene and Clara, content creator Saab, actor Elmo, music artist Arkin, as well as actor and rapper Frank.
Also included in her talent roster are Lauren Young, Marc Abaya, and Joey Tha Boy.
Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano
Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano is the mother of Gab and Kiana and a loving wife to Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano.
Angeli is the President of Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management Inc., which represents Gary Valenciano and their children, performers Gab and Kiana.
Other artists under this label are Donita Rose, Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon, Leo Martinez, Lesley Martinezmiriam Quimbao, and Princess Punzalan.
Jenn Punzalan
Jenn Punzalan manages her daughter Janina Vela, who is known as a YouTuber, beauty guru, and musician.
Aside from being her momager, Janina has previously referred to Jenn as her "best friend" and "travel buddy" in various social media posts.
