Viva Artists Agency (VAA) has launched a new roster of young talents from prominent entertainment families, with the group saying they intend to move beyond the “nepo baby” label by proving their place in the industry through their own work.
The lineup — Ashley Diaz, Gabbi Ejercito, Icee Ejercito, Jac Abellana, Jaime Yllana, Rob Walcher, Ryan Walcher and Vito Quizon — marks what the agency describes as a “bold new chapter” that blends legacy with a new generation of performers.
Each artist brings a background shaped by family ties and early exposure to the industry.
Ashley Diaz, part of the Diaz showbiz clan, is set to appear in “Project Loki.” She is the granddaughter of the late actor Paquito Diaz and daughter of veteran actor Joko Diaz.
Sisters Gabbi and Icee Ejercito come from the Ejercito family, as daughters of actors Gary Estrada and Bernadette Allyson. Gabbi has appeared in the series “Hell University,” while Icee stars in “My Husband is a Mafia Boss,” both under Viva’s streaming platform.
Jac Abellana, son of veteran actor Jojo Abellana, has also gained attention for his role in “Hell University.”
Jaime Yllana, son of actor-comedian Anjo Yllana, appears in “My Husband is a Mafia Boss.”
Brothers Rob and Ryan Walcher are the sons of actress and former beauty queen Patricia Javier and chiropractor Dr. Robert Walcher, entering the industry as a tandem.
Vito Quizon comes from one of the country’s most recognized entertainment families. He is the grandson of comedy icon Dolphy and the son of actor Vandolph Quizon.
All eight artists come from families that helped shape Philippine entertainment. Several acknowledged that while their surnames may create opportunities, staying relevant will depend on how they navigate their careers.
“I don’t take the term ‘nepo baby’ negatively, since it's true. I came from the Quizon family and they are known, so it's easier for me to enter the life of an artist. The only thing I can do is to improve and show my talent,” said Vito Quizon.
Jaime Yllana said the label carries weight but ultimately comes down to personal choice and direction. “For me, nepo baby is a title given to us but we get to choose what kind of nepo baby we want to be. Do we want to be the type who relies on our family? Or do we want to be the type that uses our advantage to make ourselves better and make a name for ourselves in the industry?”
“I think, I can speak for all of us here, we want to be the positive type of nepo baby where we use our family's legacy [but] still create our own name and build a career which puts us in the history of the long line of show business,” Yllana added.
Icee Ejercito said the term often carries a negative perception but should not define an artist’s capability. “It's just really up to you to show that you deserve to be there, that you deserve a spot here in the industry.”
Ashley Diaz also acknowledged the privilege that comes with her background, saying consistent work and professionalism remain key. “I don't have a problem being called a nepo baby because I admit that I'm a nepo baby. But if you check my track record, I think it speaks for itself. And you can also ask the people that I've worked with. I think they would all say that I'm okay at work and I stay grounded,” Diaz shared.
“Like what Icee said, it's a matter of proving yourself, proving that you deserve this. And I think we can all do that as long as we're not hurting anybody, we're not stealing or anything. I think it's up to you to decide how you want to run your career.”
Gabbi Ejercito stressed the importance of sustaining opportunities over time. “For me, the term ‘nepo baby’ carries shame because it reduces us. But we choose how to use the opportunities we’re given and how to sustain ourselves in the industry. It’s about proving ourselves again and again and showing up when it matters.”
Jac Abellana said he takes pride in the legacy he represents while aiming to contribute to it. “I'm super proud of being called a nepo baby because my parents and family have done a lot in the industry. I want to add more to what they've done in the industry and make more people happy.”
Rob Walcher described the experience as something inherited rather than chosen, but also as an opportunity to create impact. “Being a nepo baby isn’t a choice, and it’s something we all live with. But it also gives us opportunities shaped by our parents’ legacy. We can use those to do good for others and keep helping people,” he said.
Ryan Walcher added that the label doesn’t bother him as long as he can show his own ability. “Being a nepo baby doesn’t really bother me because I know I can prove I’m a good one.”
According to VAA, the group is set to take on projects across film, television and digital platforms, as the agency continues to expand its roster with artists who carry both established names and emerging identities.
