All the Star Power That Surrounded Sophia Laforteza Growing Up

Carla Guevara-Laforteza has long been a visible supporter of Sophia’s journey, even proudly referring to herself as one of the “KATSEYE Moms.” A respected name in Philippine theater, she has starred in local and international productions, including Camelot, Romeo & Juliet, Miss Saigon, Rak of Aegis, and Into the Woods. She most recently portrayed a mother figure to Andres Muhlach in Newport World Resorts’ production of Bagets the Musical.

Godfrey Laforteza is a Filipino chef and restaurateur known for his work in luxury and Filipino-Spanish cuisine. He has led culinary programs at venues such as Newport World Resorts’ Casa Buenas, where his menus spotlight Filipino and Spanish-inspired dishes while championing local ingredients. Before building his career in the kitchen, he was involved in the performing arts and later trained and worked abroad, including in New York, where he gained experience in high-end restaurants.

A proud father to Sophia and her siblings, Godfrey and his wife, Carla, raised their children in a household deeply connected to both the performing and creative arts.

Aside from being a Broadway legend and a symbol of Pinoy pride, Lea Salonga has long been a close family friend of Sophia and her mother, Carla. Their connection stems from overlapping circles in the theater community, where relationships often extend beyond formal titles.

Sophia has referred to Lea as “Tita Lea”—a term commonly used in Filipino culture as both a sign of respect for someone older and an affectionate way to address close family friends. Lea has also shown her support by attending Sophia’s shows over the years.

Also fondly referred to as “Tita” by Sophia, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle is part of the extended artistic circle that has surrounded her growing up. Best known for her roles in Camp Rock and Hannah Montana, the Disney alum has long been active in both Broadway and Filipino theater communities—overlapping worlds that connect closely with Sophia’s family.

The two recently reunited during Katseye’s California stop, a moment that delighted fans and highlighted just how interconnected the Filipino entertainment scene can be.

In Mandaluyong City, Domingo M. Guevara Street stands as a quiet nod to Sophia’s great-grandfather. An industrialist active in the 1960s and ’70s, he played a role in elevating Philippine export manufacturing during that period. He is also credited with inventing the Sakbayan, a Filipino-made vehicle modeled after the Volkswagen Beetle, which became one of the country’s early automotive innovations.