Did You Know? KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza Is Related to This Filipino Industrialist

You might recognize his name from a street in Mandaluyong City.

Published on May 13, 2025

At 22 years old, Sophia Laforteza has made a name for herself in the realm of music and entertainment. The frontwoman of global girl group KATSEYE, the vocalist has proven that she's one of her generation's most promising talents.

It's no secret to some that Sophia comes from an affluent family of performers and business magnates. Her mom is theater and TV actress Carla Guevara Laforteza, while her dad is Newport World Resorts executive chef Godfrey Laforteza. Though, what many don't know is that Sophia actually traces her lineage to a visionary from the 20th century, one that almost led the Philippines to a path of industrialization.

Did You Know?

Sophia Laforteza's Great Grandfather is Industrialist Domingo Guevara

On her mom's side, Sophia's great grandfather is Domingo M. Guevara, an industrialist who thrived in the 1960s and 1970s. If his name sounds familiar, then you probably recognize the street named after him in Mandaluyong City.

Domingo was a businessman who spearheaded several endeavors that aimed to shape Philippine industries. He founded Radiowealth, a homegrown brand of radios, TVs and appliances that made the country a key exporter during its time. This was before Japanese companies became the most prolific manufacturers across Asia. He led with a philosophy that Filipinos should not only import, but should create their own products.

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PHOTO: Wikicommons / Filipino industrialist Domingo Guevera.

On top of this, Domingo also assembled Volkswagen vehicles in his own factory located in Liberted. This experience led him to invent the Sakbayan in the 1960s, an original Filipino-designed and made vehicle. His enterprises made him a key player in improving the country's stamp on industrial and transportation-related development.

However, his ascent was paused in 1972 when he openly opposed the declaration of Martial Law by dictator Ferdinand Marcos. He was ordered to shut down his operations, which ultimately halted the development of his initiated industries.

Sophia's fans expressed admiration upon learning of this impressive legacy. On X, one fan wrote, "knowing her great-grandfather was involved in big business and history was crazier. No wonder why she also said that if she wasn't an idol she might be taking up business."

Em Enriquez is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're an editorial assistant at Preview who can't live without pop music and lemon-tinted sunnies.