Diego: Why Loyzaga and not Montano?

MANILA, Philippines - Some followers of the ABS-CBN soap Mara Clara might be wondering if the new member of the cast playing Derrick (played by the late Rico Yan in the original series) is related to Cesar Montano because he looks like a young Cesar Montano. The boy goes by the name Diego Loyzaga (photo).

The answer is yes, Diego is related to Cesar. In fact, he’s Cesar’s love son.

How come he’s using Loyzaga as surname and not Montano?

Well, it’s because it was Diego’s mom, Teresa Loyzaga, who gave him the go-signal to enter showbiz, reportedly against the wishes of Cesar who would rather that Diego finished his studies first.

Perhaps to prove true to his father’s reputation, Diego, 15, underwent acting workshops under direk Laurice Guillen and Malu de Guzman before he ventured in front of the camera — so as not to disappoint his Daddy Cesar.

Diego signed a three-year exclusive contract with ABS-CBN and is co-managed by his mom and Star Magic, the network’s training and management program.