Toni Gonzaga

Celestine "Toni" Cruz Gonzaga (born January 20, 1984) is a Filipino actress, singer, and television presenter. She is known for her roles in romantic comedies and dramas, as well as for her work in reality shows. Gonzaga received many accolades including a FAMAS Award, 11 Box Office Entertainment Awards, four Star Awards for Music, 14 Star Awards for Television, and was recognized by Tatler magazine as one of the most influential people in Asia in 2021 and 2022.^[1][2]

Early life and career beginnings

Celestine Cruz Gonzaga was born on January 20, 1984, in Taytay, Rizal. Her mother, Crisanta "Pinty" Cruz, worked as a financial manager for a bus company. Her father, Carlito "Bonoy" Gonzaga, served as the vice mayor of Taytay.^[1]

2001–2009: Rise to prominence

In 2001, at age 17, Gonzaga appeared in a television advertisement for the soft drink Sprite. Having no prior experience as a lead actor in the commercial, she was cast as the lead role over multiple candidates. She screamed at actor Piolo Pascual: "I love you, Piolo!" This caught the attention of actor Vic Sotto, who cast her as a guest in the sitcom Daddy Di Do Du.^[1]

2010–2015: Commercial successes

Gonzaga co-starred alongside actor John Lloyd Cruz in the 2010 romantic comedy My Amnesia Girl. She played Irene, a girl who has no memory over her former boyfriend Apollo (Cruz). A commercial success, it was the highest-grossing Philippine film of 2010, grossing ₱144.8 million (US$3.24 million) at the box office.^[1]

2016–present: Comedies and reality television

Gonzaga's only television of project of 2016 was serving as a judge on the reality competition show I Love OPM. Her planned reunion with Pascual in the drama series Written In Our Stars was cancelled due to Gonzaga's pregnancy. She returned to reality television as a host of The Voice Teens, a spin-off of The Voice of the Philippines.^[1]

Music career

Gonzaga has released eight studio albums throughout her career. She released her first studio album, Toni Gonzaga (2002), under Prime Records, but was a commercial failure. Her next studio album, You Complete Me (2006), was released under Star Records, and it contained the lead single "We Belong", written by Christian Martinez.^[1]

Personal life

In July 2007, Gonzaga announced her relationship with director Paul Soriano. Gonzaga publicly announced their engagement in February 2015, and on June 12, they were married in Taytay. They have two children: a son, born in September 2016, and a daughter, born in August 2023.^[1]

Acting credits and awards

Gonzaga has appeared in numerous film and television productions, primarily in romantic comedies and drama, throughout her career spanning over two decades. According to the online portal Box Office Mojo, Gonzaga's most commercially successful films include You Are the One (2006), My Amnesia Girl (2010), This Guy's in Love with U Mare! (2012), Four Sisters and a Wedding (2013), Starting Over Again (2014) and You're My Boss (2015).^[1]