Comedian and actress Valeen Montenegro has announced that she is expecting her first child with husband Riel Manuel.
Taking to Instagram, Valeen shared a heartwarming video revealing her pregnancy to their family and friends.
“Been keeping a little secret,” Valeen simply wrote in a caption with a baby bottle of milk, and a teddy bear emojis.
The video began with Valeen showing off her baby bump in a one-piece swimsuit. It then transitioned to clips of their loved ones screaming with joy as she revealed her positive pregnancy test and sonogram.
Celebrity friends and colleagues were quick to express their excitement over the news.
“Waaah! How blessed! Happy Birthday indeed! CONGRATULATIONS, Val and Riel!!! 🥹🥹🥹,” Carla Abellana commented.
Former Miss World and actress Megan Young, who recently welcomed her own child, also congratulated the couple, saying, “Omg you guys?!?!?! Congratulations to the both of you @valeentawak @rielmanuel 😍😍😍 new playmate!! 🤍🤍🤍.”
Actress and comedian Chariz Solomon, one of Valeen's closest friends and one of the first to know the news, shared her excitement, writing, “Grabe cryfeeeestttttt 🥹🥹🥹🥹 nakakaexcite huhu may bago akong babyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!.”
Valeen and Riel tied the knot in January 2024, two years after their engagement in November 2022. Their proposal went viral after Valeen was seen jumping for joy as Riel popped the question. The couple began dating in 2018.
READ: Valeen Montenegro marries non-showbiz partner
The pregnancy announcement came just after Valeen celebrated her 35th birthday on Tuesday, June 10. Riel posted a heartfelt birthday message on Instagram, along with photos of Valeen lovingly cradling her baby bump during a trip to Los Angeles, California.
“Watching you carry our little one with so much grace, strength, and love fills me with more admiration than words could ever express. This year, we celebrate not just you, but everything you are becoming! Happy Birthday Val! Love you!” he penned.
Dancer and friend Dasuri Choi also joined the celebration by posting a video of Valeen dancing to Shakira’s "Waka Waka", proudly showing off her growing baby bump.
“Isang BALITANG INANG good news on her birthday!!🤰🏻🎂❤️,” she said.
Valeen began her showbiz career under ABS-CBN’s Star Magic before moving to GMA Network in 2015, where she gained widespread recognition through the long-running comedy show Bubble Gang.