Erich Gonzales keeping her relationship and wedding details with businessman Mateo Rafael Lorenzo under wraps has made people even more curious about the identity of the man the lovely actress chose to be her life partner.
The online world was introduced to Erich’s fiancé when a snapshot of the couple’s wedding banns posted at St. James the Great Parish in Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City was spotted by fans in February. Still, the actress remained tightlipped about her groom and the nuptials.
On Wednesday, however, March 23, the date indicated on the aforementioned wedding banns, Mateo’s brother Andres Lorenzo shared an Instagram story showing a couple, believed to be Erich and Mateo, facing a church altar. The post has since disappeared but fans were quick to save a snap of the image.
In a question-and-answer Erich published on her YouTube channel back in 2019, the “La Vida Lena” star explained the reason why she wanted to keep her relationship with her then beau out of the limelight. “I think it's for the best,” she told a fan. “I want to protect something so precious to me, something beautiful. I don't want to ruin it so sa akin na lang iyon.”
‘Persistent and consistent suitor’
The showbiz world first heard about Erich’s non-showbiz suitor in January 2018. It was when her friend Kris Aquino disclosed that Erich’s admirer, then still unnamed, flew via private plane to visit the actress on the set of her movie “Siargao.”
The following month, a photo of Erich with said suitor surfaced online. She told the showbiz news portal Pep.ph the photo was taken in Japan when she was there to attend the art exhibit of her sister who is a painter. Apparently, the Japan-based artist also invited Erich’s suitor to the event. He was later known to be Mateo. Erich identified him as the brother of Claudia Barretto’s boyfriend. Claudia and Erich are close friends.
Erich had known Mateo since 2017. She described him as a “persistent and consistent suitor,” kind, and a true gentleman. “Alam niyo yung sinasabing too good to be true? Di ba, parang hindi ka maniniwala na ganun, pero may mga tao palang nag-e-exist na ganun. Too good but it’s true talaga,” she told PEP.
Who is Mateo Lorenzo?
Mateo is one of the 12 children of business tycoon Martin Ignacio Paez Lorenzo and his wife Leah De Leon Lorenzo. A profile on Wall Street Journal identifies the older Lorenzo as Chairman and CEO of Central Azucarera de Tarlac, Inc. which “operates a sugar mill and refinery, distillery and carbon dioxide plants in Barrio San Miguel, Tarlac City,” and is described in its linkedin.com profile as “one of the economic prime movers of Central Luzon.” In the same profile, Mr. Lorenzo was also described as having helmed 18 different companies.
Mateo’s father was also behind a number of food brands which he either put up or acquired—Dencio’s in 2004, Terriyaki Boy in 2005, Sizzlin’ Pepper Steak in 2007, Kabisera ng Dencio’s in 2008, Le Coeur de France in 2008, Yellow Cab and Chicken Rice Shop in 2011. He also used to own and operate Pancake House and Del Monte Philippines.
The 30-year-old Mateo seems to be following in the footsteps of his father. Both graduated with a degree in Management Engineering at Ateneo De Manila University and later completed their MBA at Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
A document published on the official website of CAT shows that Mateo is a member of the board of directors and officers of First Lucky Holdings Corp, which is one of the majority shareholders of Central Azucarera de Tarlac, Inc.
Mateo grew up in a tight-knit family. His father told the Inquirer in a 2012 interview that he and his wife have been very much involved in their children’s school and after-school activities. Despite having 12 children, Mr. Lorenzo said they never had a stay-in house help. “My wife [and I] prepare breakfast for the kids and by 6:15 to 6:30, they are already out of the house and that is when I prepare all the schedules. However, our eldest is already helping us with our youngest,” he said. All Lorenzo siblings are into different kinds of sports.
Mateo’s IG account is now set on private. But a snapshot of his IG profile we found on the internet reveals he’s into golf, traveling, cars, show jumping, and agriculture.