Isko Moreno facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isko Moreno
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Official portrait, 2025
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| 27th and 29th Mayor of Manila | |||||||||||||||
| Assumed office June 30, 2025 |
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| Vice Mayor | Chi Atienza | ||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Honey Lacuna | ||||||||||||||
| In office June 30, 2019 – June 30, 2022 |
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| Vice Mayor | Honey Lacuna | ||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Joseph Estrada | ||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Honey Lacuna | ||||||||||||||
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| 32nd Vice Mayor of Manila | |||||||||||||||
| In office June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2016 |
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| Mayor | Alfredo Lim (2007–2013) Joseph Estrada (2013–2016) |
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| Preceded by | Danny Lacuna | ||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Honey Lacuna | ||||||||||||||
| Member of the Manila City Council from the 1st district | |||||||||||||||
| In office June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2007 |
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| Personal details | |||||||||||||||
| Born |
Francisco Moreno Domagoso
October 24, 1974 Tondo, Manila, Philippines |
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| Political party | Aksyon Demokratiko (2021–present) | ||||||||||||||
| Other political affiliations |
NUP (2016–2021) PMP (2012–2016) UNA (2012–2014) Nacionalista (2007–2012) Independent (1998–2007) Asenso Manileño (local party; 2005–2024) |
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| Spouse |
Diana Lynn Ditan
(m. 2000) |
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| Children | 5, including Joaquin | ||||||||||||||
| Alma mater | Philippine Maritime Institute (dropped out) International Academy of Management and Economics (BS) Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (BPA) Arellano University (LLB; did not complete) |
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| Occupation |
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| Signature |  |
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| Nickname | "Yorme" | ||||||||||||||
| YouTube information | |||||||||||||||
| Years active | 2020–present | ||||||||||||||
| Genre | |||||||||||||||
| Subscribers | 538k | ||||||||||||||
| Total views | 89 million | ||||||||||||||
| Subscriber and view counts updated as of May 12, 2025. | |||||||||||||||
Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso (born October 24, 1974) is a Filipino politician, actor, and businessman. He has served as the 29th mayor of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, since June 30, 2025. He is also the president of Aksyon Demokratiko, a political party.
Before his current term, he was the 27th mayor of Manila from 2019 to 2022. He also ran for president in the 2022 Philippine presidential election. Isko Moreno grew up in a poor area of Tondo, Manila. He became famous as an actor before starting his career in politics in 1998.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Francisco Moreno Domagoso was born on October 24, 1974. He is the only child of Joaquin Copias Domagoso and Rosario Moreno. His parents were from different provinces in the Philippines. Isko grew up in the poor areas of Tondo, Manila.
As a child, he worked hard to help his family. He briefly studied maritime engineering in 1992. However, he stopped when he was discovered by a talent scout in 1993. This led him to join That's Entertainment, a popular TV show. He then started using the screen name "Isko Moreno."
Isko Moreno's Acting Career
Isko Moreno began his acting career in 1993. He was encouraged to join show business because of his good looks. His first acting role was a small part in a TV drama. He then became a regular on That's Entertainment.
He got his big break in the 1993 movie May Minamahal. A year later, he played a main role in Muntik na Kitang Minahal. He appeared in many different films and TV shows.
- TV and Film Appearances
Moreno made a special appearance in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya in 2004. This episode told his life story. In 2005, while he was a city councilor, he returned to acting. He played a kind priest in the TV series Mga Anghel na Walang Langit.
In 2014, he was featured on a Japanese TV show called Homecoming. He also had a cameo in the 2019 film 3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon!. A musical movie about his life, Yorme: The Isko Domagoso Story, was released in 2022. He also played former Senator Ninoy Aquino in the 2023 film Martyr or Murderer. In 2024, he joined the action series Black Rider.
Political Journey
Isko Moreno started his political career in 1998. He was elected as a councilor for Manila's first district. At 23, he was the youngest councilor elected in Manila at that time. He was re-elected in 2001 and 2004.
- Education and Programs
While serving as a councilor, he continued his education. He earned a business administration degree in 2003. He also studied public administration and took courses at Harvard University and University of Oxford. His mentor, then-vice mayor Danny Lacuna, encouraged him to study. Moreno started programs like "ISKOlar ng Bayan" for college scholarships. He also opened the Isko Moreno Computer Learning Center and "Botika ni Isko," a pharmacy.
Vice Mayor of Manila (2007–2016)
In 2007, Moreno ran for vice mayor and won. He was 32, making him one of Manila's youngest vice mayors. He was re-elected in 2010 and 2013. During his time as vice mayor, he worked with Mayors Alfredo Lim and Joseph Estrada.
Moreno also served as the National President of the Vice Mayors' League of the Philippines from 2008 to 2016. He was also the first Vice President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines.
2016 Senate Campaign
In 2015, Moreno decided to run for senator of the Philippines. He was part of Senator Grace Poe's political group. He did not win a Senate seat, placing 16th overall. His term as vice mayor ended in June 2016.
Role in the Duterte Administration (2016–2019)
After his Senate campaign, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Moreno to different government roles. He served as an external peace consultant for the urban poor in 2016 and 2017. In July 2017, he became chairman of the North Luzon Railways Corporation. He resigned from this role in October 2017.
In May 2018, Moreno was appointed as an undersecretary for Luzon affairs at the Department of Social Welfare and Development. He resigned in October 2018 to run for mayor of Manila.
Mayor of Manila (2019–2022)
Moreno won the 2019 Manila local elections, becoming the 27th Mayor of Manila. He defeated former mayors Alfredo Lim and Joseph Estrada. At 44, he was the youngest mayor of Manila since 1962. His first 100 days in office received positive feedback.
Moreno's term as mayor ended on June 30, 2022. He was succeeded by his vice mayor, Honey Lacuna.
- City Services and Infrastructure
Moreno signed laws to provide monthly allowances to students of the University of the City of Manila and Universidad de Manila. Grade 12 students in public schools also received a monthly allowance. Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and single parents in Manila also received monthly allowances.
His projects included redeveloping the historic Jones Bridge and building a new hospital. He also oversaw the reopening of Manila Zoo in December 2021. Another project was the Flora V. Valisno de Siojo Dialysis Center, a large free dialysis facility.
Moreno also started building public housing projects for homeless people and city employees. These included high-rise buildings like Tondominium 1 and 2, and Binondominium.
In 2020, the city government sold a piece of land where Divisoria Public Market was located. This decision was made to help the city financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The money from the sale was used for building a field hospital, quarantine facilities, housing projects, and providing food packs.
The City of Manila also acquired land for its "Land for the Landless" program. This program aims to provide housing for low-income families. The city also secured financial loans for infrastructure projects. These loans helped complete housing, school buildings, and hospital projects.
In 2022, Moreno met with representatives from Elon Musk's SpaceX to bring Starlink internet to Manila. This system provides internet services, especially in remote areas or during disasters. Manila became the first city in Southeast Asia to get this service.
- COVID-19 Pandemic Response
In March 2020, Moreno declared a state of calamity in Manila due to COVID-19. He stayed in his office for three months to manage the city's response. The city rescued homeless people and provided free accommodations for health workers. They also distributed food packs and financial aid to families.
Manila deployed electric tricycles to transport health workers. They also launched an online survey to check residents' health. Moreno and other officials donated their salaries to Philippine General Hospital. The city partnered with the Department of Agriculture for mobile farmers' markets.
In July 2020, Manila launched drive-through COVID-19 testing facilities. The city also built the Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital in 52 days. Manila was the first local government to buy anti-COVID-19 medicines. The city received awards from the Department of Health for its COVID-19 response.
- Cleanup Drives
Moreno led efforts to clean up Manila's streets. He ordered the removal of illegal vendors to reduce congestion and improve waste management. He also ordered the demolition of illegally built structures. His cleanup of Manila North Cemetery gained national attention.
He also ordered the cleaning of Manila's sewers and the removal of old barges from the Pasig River. The city launched a "May Pera Sa Basura" program. This program encouraged residents to collect plastic waste in exchange for homecare products.
2022 Presidential Campaign
In August 2021, Isko Moreno joined Aksyon Demokratiko and became its president. On September 22, 2021, he announced his candidacy for President of the Philippines in the 2022 Philippine presidential election. Physician and social media personality Willie Ong was his running mate for vice president.
Moreno finished fourth out of ten candidates in the election. Former senator Bongbong Marcos was elected president. Moreno accepted the election results.
Political Hiatus (2022–2024)
After the 2022 elections, Moreno took a break from politics. He started a weekly web talk show called Iskovery Night in January 2023. He also joined the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga! (later Tahanang Pinakamasaya) on GMA Network as a host in June 2023. In February 2024, he opened his restaurant, Ugbo.
Return as Mayor of Manila (2025–Present)
Isko Moreno announced his return to politics and ran for mayor of Manila again. He formed a team called "Yorme's Choice" with Chi Atienza as his running mate. He officially filed his candidacy on October 8, 2024.
Moreno won the mayoralty in the 2025 Manila local elections with a large number of votes. He took his oath of office on May 19, 2025, and began his term on June 30, 2025. He is the first mayor to serve non-consecutive terms since Alfredo Lim. On his first day back, he announced plans to address the city's garbage crisis.
Political Views
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During his 2022 presidential campaign, Isko Moreno was seen as a populist leader. He supported speeding up COVID-19 vaccine distribution and continuing the "Build! Build! Build!" infrastructure program. He also wanted to lower taxes on fuel and utilities.
He aimed to help small businesses, increase jobs, and provide more public housing. He also focused on developing agriculture, tourism, and creative industries. Moreno believes in strengthening healthcare and education policies. He supports digital transformation and maintaining good relations with other countries.
Domestic Policies
- Public Spaces and Rules
Moreno is known for his strong stance against vandalism and unauthorized posters. In 2019, he criticized a group for defacing the Lagusnilad Underpass. He also ordered the removal of posters that declared certain groups as "persona non grata" in Manila. Moreno believes in keeping public spaces clean and orderly. He also ordered the removal of political posters, even those of his own party members.
- LGBT+ Rights
In October 2020, Moreno signed a law protecting members of the LGBT community from discrimination. This law aims to prevent discrimination in employment and other opportunities. The city also required all establishments to have gender-neutral toilets by 2023. While Moreno does not support same-sex marriage, he supports same-sex civil unions.
- Women's Rights
In November 2020, Moreno signed the "Gender and Development Code of the City of Manila." This law increased maternity leave for breastfeeding women and paternity leave for new fathers. It also improved women's reproductive health benefits. The law protects women and other genders from abuse, violence, and discrimination. It also provides support for victims. Moreno has praised women in public service, including his vice mayor, Honey Lacuna.
Foreign Policy
Moreno believes in a "Filipino-first" foreign policy. This means the Philippines should only make agreements that benefit Filipinos. He stated that the Philippines is not ready for a military conflict with China. He believes the country should uphold laws like the Law of the Sea.
He emphasized that the Philippines should be "fearless" in asserting its claims in the South China Sea. He also wants to form partnerships with other countries for trade. Moreno supports the Philippines rejoining the International Criminal Court if it helps the country's image globally.
Personal Life
Isko Moreno has been married to Diana Lynn "Dynee" Ditan since 2000. Dynee is a businesswoman and a former taekwondo athlete. They have five children, including actor Joaquin Andre. In 2022, Moreno became a grandfather.
Moreno is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Rho. He can speak English well, in addition to his native Tagalog. Moreno is a practicing Catholic.
He looks up to leaders like Lee Kuan Yew, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Ferdinand Marcos for their work in governance. His life and work have been featured in books, including a children's book titled Yorme! The Life Story of Isko Moreno.
Awards and Recognition
During Mayoral Term
Under Isko Moreno's leadership, the City of Manila received its first Good Financial Housekeeping recognition in 2019. In surveys, Moreno was often ranked as a top-performing mayor in the National Capital Region.
The City of Manila was also a finalist in the Bloomberg Philanthropies 2021 Global Mayors Challenge. This competition recognizes innovative ideas from cities to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Manila also won several Digital Governance Awards in 2021 for its use of technology. These included awards for its COVID-19 Testing Center and the GO Manila App.
In June 2022, Manila received the Gawad Edukampyon for Learning Continuity Innovation Award. This award recognized Manila's educational programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public Service Awards
Moreno has received many awards for his public service. PeopleAsia Magazine listed him as one of the "Top 10 Men Who Matter in 2011." He also received the "2012 Most Outstanding Filipino in the Field of Public Service Award."
He was chosen as "Man of the Year in Public Service" by the Asia Leaders Awards in 2019 and 2020. In November 2019, he won the Gusi Peace Prize for creating positive changes. Esquire Philippines gave him the "Breakthrough Award" for his leadership.
In 2019, the Harvard Business School Owner/President Management Club honored Moreno as a "Gamechanger in Politics." He was also recognized as one of PeopleAsia Magazine's "Men Who Matter" in 2019 and "People of the Year" in 2020 and 2022.
In 2021, he received a "Hero of the Year" recognition for his efforts during the pandemic. The Philippine Movie Press Club also gave him an "Inspirational and Outstanding Leader Award." He received the "Golden Peacock Award of Excellence" in 2021 for the city government's service.
In 2022, he was named one of the "Philippines' Most Exceptional Men." He also received a "Gawad Sulo for Public Service Award" from the Philippine Normal University. Moreno has also received honorary degrees from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and San Beda University.
Acting Awards
- 2013 – Darling of the Press (Special Award) Winner at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies
- 1998 – Male Star of the Night (Special Award) Winner at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies
Electoral History
2004 Manila City Council Election (First District)
- Isko Moreno Domagoso (Independent) – 79,881 (2nd; 6 candidates with the highest number of votes win the 6 seats in the City Council for the First district)
2007 Manila Vice Mayoral Election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asenso Manileño | Isko Moreno Domagoso | 176,215 | ||
| PMP | Joey Hizon | 166,169 | ||
| Liberal | Don Ramon Bagatsing (Atienza wing) | 147,978 | ||
| Independent | Cita Astals | 13,062 | ||
| Aksyon | Roberto Ortega Jr. | 11,688 | ||
| Total votes | 515,112 | 100.00% | ||
| Asenso Manileño hold | ||||
2010 Manila Vice Mayoral Election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nacionalista | Isko Moreno Domagoso | 498,609 | 79.86 | |
| PMP | Bonjay Isip-Garcia | 119,380 | 19.12 | |
| LM | Francisco Pizarra | 3,614 | 0.58 | |
| Independent | Benjamin Riano | 2,765 | 0.44 | |
| Majority | 379,229 | 60.74% | ||
| Valid ballots | 624,368 | 90.20 | ||
| Invalid or blank votes | 67,815 | 9.80 | ||
| Total votes | 692,183 | 100.00 | ||
| Nacionalista hold | ||||
2013 Manila Vice Mayoral Election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNA | Isko Moreno Domagoso | 373,320 | 62.59% | |
| Liberal | Lou Veloso | 222,933 | 37.41% | |
| Total votes | 596,253 | 100.00% | ||
| UNA hold | ||||
2016 Philippine Senate Election
- Isko Moreno Domagoso (PMP) – 11,126,944 (16th, 12 candidates with the highest number of votes win the 12 seats in the Senate)
2019 Manila Mayoral Election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asenso Manileño | Isko Moreno Domagoso | 357,925 | 50.44% | |||
| PMP | Joseph Estrada (incumbent) | 210,605 | 29.67% | |||
| PDP–Laban | Alfredo Lim | 138,923 | 19.57% | |||
| Independent | Others | 2,262 | 0.32% | |||
| Total votes | 709,715 | 100.00% | ||||
| Asenso Manileño gain from PMP | ||||||
2022 Philippine Presidential Election
| Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bongbong Marcos | PFP | 31,629,783 | 58.77 | |
| Leni Robredo | Independent (Liberal Party member running as independent) |
15,035,773 | 27.94 | |
| Manny Pacquiao | PROMDI | 3,663,113 | 6.81 | |
| Isko Moreno Domagoso | Aksyon | 1,933,909 | 3.59 | |
| Ping Lacson | Reporma (later Independent) |
892,375 | 1.66 | |
| Faisal Mangondato | KTPNAN | 301,629 | 0.56 | |
| Ernie Abella | Independent | 114,627 | 0.21 | |
| Leody de Guzman | PLM | 93,027 | 0.17 | |
| Norberto Gonzales | PDSP | 90,656 | 0.17 | |
| Jose Montemayor Jr. | DPP | 60,592 | 0.11 | |
| Total | 53,815,484 | 100.00 | ||
| Valid votes | 53,815,484 | 95.94 | ||
| Invalid/blank votes | 2,279,750 | 4.06 | ||
| Total votes | 56,095,234 | 100.00 | ||
| Registered voters/turnout | 67,525,619 | 83.07 | ||
| Source: The Congress sitting as the National Board of Canvassers | ||||
2025 Manila Mayoral Election
| Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isko Moreno | Aksyon Demokratiko | 530,825 | 59.02 | |
| Honey Lacuna (incumbent) | Asenso Manileño/Lakas–CMD | 190,617 | 21.19 | |
| Sam Verzosa | Independent | 164,434 | 18.28 | |
| Raymond Bagatsing | Independent | 6,242 | 0.69 | |
| Michael Say | Ilocano Defenders | 2,325 | 0.26 | |
| Mahra Tamondong | Kilusang Bagong Lipunan | 1,853 | 0.21 | |
| Ervin Tan | Independent | 822 | 0.09 | |
| Enrico Reyes | Independent | 702 | 0.08 | |
| Jerry Garcia | Independent | 597 | 0.07 | |
| Alvin Karingal | Independent | 508 | 0.06 | |
| Jopoy Ocampo | Independent | 428 | 0.05 | |
| Total | 899,353 | 100.00 | ||
| Aksyon Demokratiko gain from Asenso Manileño/Lakas–CMD | ||||
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Director | Note(s) | Ref(s). |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Dalawang Larawan ng Pag-ibig | Cameo | |||
| May Minamahal | Carlitos Tagle (15 years old) | Jose Javier Reyes | Introducing (as Kiko Moreno) | ||
| 1994 | Muntik Na Kitang Minahal | Toby | Mel Chionglo | First lead role | |
| Eat All You Can | Jomar | Mike Relon Makiling | |||
| Brat Pack | Student | Deo Fajardo Jr. | |||
| 1995 | Bocaue Pagoda Tragedy | Jun Jun | Maria Saret | ||
| Dodong Scarface | Eddie | Pepe Marcos | |||
| Pulis Patola 2 | Robert | Felix E. Dalay | |||
| Pamilya Valderama | Elmer | Augusto Salvador | |||
| 1996 | Tukso Layuan Mo Ako 2 | Abbo Dela Cruz | |||
| 1997 | Exploitation | Edward Santillan | Mauro Gia Samonte | ||
| Siya'y Nagdadalaga | Luis | Neal "Buboy" Tan | |||
| Frats | Kaloy | Armando Reyes | |||
| 1998 | Mga Babae sa Isla Azul | ||||
| 1999 | Misteryosa | Neal "Buboy" Tan | |||
| 2014 | Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo | Padre José Burgos | Enzo Williams | Supporting Cast | |
| 2019 | 3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon! | Yorme | Rodel Nacianceno | Cameo | |
| 2022 | Yorme: The Isko Domagoso Story | Himself | Joven Tan | Narrator | |
| 2023 | Martyr or Murderer | Ninoy Aquino | Darryl Yap | ||
| TBA | Malvar: Tuloy ang Laban | Andrés Bonifacio | Jose "Kaka" Balagtas |
Television
| Year | Title | Network | Role | Note(s) | Ref(s). |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Young Love, Sweet Love | RPN | Doorbell Guy | 1 episode – Extra/Uncredited | |
| 1993–1996 | That's Entertainment | GMA Network | Himself / Host / Performer | Monday group | |
| 1994–1998 | GMA Telesine Specials | Various roles | Various episodes (drama anthology series) | ||
| 1994 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | ABS-CBN | Episode: "Manok" | ||
| 1995 | Episode: "Keychain" | ||||
| Episode: "Simbahan" | |||||
| 1996 | Kampus 101 | IBC | |||
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | ABS-CBN | Episode: "Sagwan" | |||
| 1997 | Episode: "Puting Panyo" | ||||
| 2000 | Wansapanataym | Teban | Episode: "Wonder Jeepney" | ||
| 2002 | Sana ay Ikaw na Nga | GMA Network | Guest | ||
| 2004 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | ABS-CBN | Himself (cameo) | Episode: "Aklat" | |
| 2005–2006 | Mga Anghel na Walang Langit | Father Vincent | |||
| 2007 | Bakekang | GMA Network | Victor | Guest star | |
| 2008 | Ligaw na Bulaklak | ABS-CBN | Mon D. Rodriguez | ||
| That's My Job | ABC (That is now on TV5) |
Himself | Host | ||
| 2012 | Gandang Gabi, Vice! | ABS-CBN | Guest | ||
| Wasak | AksyonTV | ||||
| 2013 | Dokumentado | TV5 | |||
| 2014 | The Ryzza Mae Show | GMA Network | |||
| 2019 | Eat Bulaga! | Judge – Miss Millennial Philippines 2019 Grand Coronation Day | |||
| Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho | Guest | ||||
| Bubble Gang | Yorme | Cameo appearance (2 episodes) | |||
| Gandang Gabi, Vice! | ABS-CBN | Himself | Guest | ||
| 2020 | Eat Bulaga! | GMA Network | Contestant – Bawal Judgmental Segment | ||
| Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho | |||||
| Magandang Buhay | ABS-CBN | Guest | |||
| 2021 | 7 Last Words | Kapamilya Channel | Testimony Sharer – First Word | ||
| 2022 | Family Feud | GMA Network | Contestant – Domagoso Family | ||
| 2023–present | Iskovery Night | Scott Media Production Corp. | Himself / Host | Web series | |
| 2023–2024 | Eat Bulaga! | GMA Network | |||
| 2024 | Tahanang Pinakamasaya | ||||
| Black Rider | Santiago "Tiagong Dulas" | ||||
| TiktoClock | Himself / Guest host |
NOTE: List includes short television guestings.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Domagoso para niños
