Hearts Fuller Than Ever: Valeen Montenegro Becomes a First-Time Mom
Valeen Montenegro is now a mom as she and her husband, Riel Manuel, welcomed their son last November 11
The mom chapter for actress-comedian Valeen Montenegro has officially started. On November 11, she and her husband, Riel Manuel, welcomed their first child, a baby boy. Riel took to social media to share the experience his wife went through.
New Beginnings as First-Time Parents
On Instagram, Riel shared photos, confirming the date of their son’s arrival.
“This was so new to us,” the first slide read. “It’s been an exhausting week, but the most beautiful one yet. My heart has never been fuller.”
“Watching my wife go through 28 hours of labor showed me what real strength looks like. She’s my hero,” Riel said of his wife.
He also praised his wife’s courage and strength throughout the process. ” Thank you for enduring every challenge, every ache, and every worry just to bring our little one into this world.”
Riel also thanked the doctors who attended to Valeen for the safe delivery of their child.
Congratulatory messages poured in, including from Valeen’s showbiz friends such as Megan Young, Lovi Poe, and Chariz Solomon.
Excited to be a mom
Valeen, who rose to fame as part of Bubble Gang, announced her pregnancy early this year. Since the announcement, she and Riel have been preparing for the arrival, including the doctor’s appointments, attending classes, and seeking tips from friends who are parents.
She has also been consistent in updating her followers about her pregnancy through social media. During an interview alongside good friends Chariz Solomon and Lovely Abella, Chariz and Lovely reminded the new mom to enjoy her time with her newborn.
Chariz, a mother herself, told Valeen that there will be times she’ll blame herself if something happens to her kid.
“Ako talaga, ito, ha, laging may mangyayari na kahit hindi mo kasalanan, feeling mo kasalanan mo. It will always feel that way,” Chariz told her good friend last October on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.
She also reminded Valeen to lift things to God, and there are things she won’t be able to control.“You have to lift it all up to God, and ‘yung lahat ng mangyayari, kailangan mangyari kasi he will grow, and kailangan matutunan niya. Matutunan mauntog paminsan, madapa paminsan. Ang importante, nandiyan ka palagi para sa kanya. That’s all that matters. And enjoy it.”
Lovely echoed Chariz, adding that Valeen will learn a lot as a mom to her child.
“‘Yung feeling na parang hindi mo kaya, nakakaya mo dahil sa kanya, so siya ang magtuturo sa’yo maging isang ina,” Lovely said.
Congratulations Valeen!
With their baby boy finally in their arms, Valeen and Riel are stepping into the unpredictable, joy-filled world of first-time parenthood—one moment, one milestone, and one lesson at a time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Valeen Montenegro Manuel is an actress, model, and comedienne, known for appearing on Bubble Gang.
Valeen’s husband is Riel Manuel, who on Instagram described himself as a cinematographer. The two married in January 2024.
Aside from acting, Valeen is also an entrepreneur with the swimwear brand Anaya Swimwear.
