The Men in Gretchen Barretto’s Life: A Look Into the Personal and Public Relationships of a Philippine Showbiz Icon

Manila, Philippines — July 2025
Few celebrities in the Philippines have captivated the public’s imagination quite like Gretchen Barretto. Known for her timeless beauty, iconic roles in film and television, and fearless presence in both showbiz and high society, Gretchen has lived much of her life under the public eye.

Equally talked about are the men who have been part of her journey — some in love, others in friendship, business, or conflict. In this feature, we explore the significant men who have been linked to Gretchen Barretto, shaping both her personal story and public persona.

1. Tonyboy Cojuangco — The Longtime Partner

Arguably the most significant man in Gretchen’s life is Antonio “Tonyboy” Cojuangco, a prominent businessman and former chairman of PLDT. Despite never formally marrying, Gretchen and Tonyboy have been together for decades and share a daughter, Dominique Cojuangco.

Their relationship has long drawn intrigue due to Tonyboy’s status and previous marriage. Still, Gretchen has been candid about their unconventional but enduring partnership, often describing it as built on respect, friendship, and emotional support.

Despite public scrutiny, Tonyboy has stood by Gretchen through personal and political storms — including controversies involving her own family and high-profile disputes.

2. Dominique Cojuangco — The Beloved Only Child

While not a romantic partner, Dominique Cojuangco, Gretchen’s daughter with Tonyboy, deserves a place here. Dominique, now married and a fashion entrepreneur, has been one of Gretchen’s greatest joys and proudest achievements.

Their close bond is evident across social media, where Gretchen often shares moments of affection and encouragement for her daughter’s endeavors. Dominique is also credited with helping her mother navigate the line between showbiz legacy and graceful semi-retirement.

3. John Estrada — Former On-Screen Partner and Rumored Romance

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Gretchen Barretto and John Estrada starred in several television dramas, sparking chemistry that extended beyond the screen. While both parties have neither confirmed nor fully denied any romantic involvement, the public has long speculated on their closeness during those years.

Estrada, a former matinee idol and TV host, has since moved on with his own life and career, but remains one of Gretchen’s most recognizable former co-stars.

4. Atong Ang — Controversial Business Ally

More recently, Charlie “Atong” Ang, a controversial businessman known for his involvement in e-sabong and gaming, has been publicly linked to Gretchen. The nature of their relationship has often drawn speculation — with some describing it as purely business, others hinting at deeper personal ties.

In 2019, Gretchen was seen accompanying Atong Ang during various high-profile events, and they have been photographed together multiple times. Both have denied any romantic involvement, insisting they are only close business associates and friends.

Their association has resurfaced in the public spotlight amid the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of multiple sabungeros, where both Ang and Barretto have been named as persons of interest.

Despite the controversy, Gretchen has maintained a calm public posture, neither confirming nor elaborating on her dealings with Ang beyond stating that they are “friends who support each other.”

5. The Barretto Men: Family Ties and Feuds

The Barretto family is one of the most talked-about clans in showbiz — not just because of their fame, but due to very public disputes and reconciliations. Men in the Barretto family, such as her late father Mike Barretto, and brothers, have played a major role in shaping her upbringing and early career.

Her relationship with some male family members has been turbulent, often intensified by long-running rifts among her sisters, Claudine and Marjorie. Still, Gretchen has expressed both pain and love over her family dynamics, acknowledging that her family has greatly influenced her strength and independence.

6. Male Politicians and Power Circles

As someone deeply involved in both business and high society, Gretchen Barretto has long moved in circles that include influential politicians and tycoons. While no major political romance has ever been confirmed, rumors linking her to powerful men in Philippine politics have circulated for years — often without substantiation.

These associations are part of the broader mystique surrounding her — a woman with beauty, confidence, and connections that cross the boundaries of showbiz, business, and politics.

7. Her Leading Men in Showbiz

Over a decades-long career, Gretchen has shared the screen with some of the country’s most admired leading men — including Richard Gomez, Rudy Fernandez, and Christopher de Leon.

Though their relationships were purely professional, the chemistry she displayed with these actors contributed to her rise as one of Philippine cinema’s most alluring and talented actresses.

Conclusion: A Woman Beyond the Men Around Her

While much of the public fascination around Gretchen Barretto centers on the men in her life — lovers, colleagues, and co-stars — her story is ultimately her own. Fiercely independent, deeply emotional, and often misunderstood, Gretchen has remained true to herself amid fame, family feuds, and controversy.

Her legacy is not defined by her associations with powerful men, but by the strength, resilience, and unapologetic elegance she has displayed throughout her life — both in and out of the spotlight.

Related Articles for Further Reading

Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto: From Business Allies to Persons of Interest – Philstar
Inside the Cojuangco-Barretto Household: A Private Partnership in a Public World – Inquirer Lifestyle
Barretto Family Feud Timeline: From Sisters to Strangers – ABS-CBN News
Gretchen Barretto Speaks on Fame, Family, and Finding Peace – Metro Magazine