Robbie Jaworski on what parents Mikee and Dodot taught him about fame and family
MANILA, Philippines — In 2025, Robbie Jaworski is set to be one of the faces to keep an eye on.
It wasn’t part of his plans to enter the world of showbiz though. The eldest son of Mikee Cojuangco and Dodot Jaworski, both public figures, eyed a different career path for himself.
“Wala po sa plano po,” he admitted in an exclusive chat with The STAR, recalling how the opportunity first came knocking way back in 2014. At that time, his parents had one condition — finish his studies first.
After completing his management degree at Ateneo last year, Robbie had his sights set on a corporate career, particularly in the hospitality industry, with the eventual goal of joining his father’s company. Things took a turn in 2020 when showbiz offers started rolling in.
“Then, in February of this year, during my mom’s birthday, the opportunity presented itself again. Tapos pinagdasalan ko lang po na it’s an opportunity a lot of people will be grateful to have,” he shared.
Robbie described how he felt a sense of purpose in the decision, seeing it as a potential avenue for growth and a way to reach something bigger than himself.
He recently signed up with ABS-CBN’s talent management arm, Star Magic, and is being co-managed by Girlie Rodis, the long-time manager of his mom, who besides being an Olympian, was the first in the family to pursue acting and star in hit films.
Robbie is still figuring out his own path in the entertainment business. But he wants to enjoy the journey rather than aim for a specific destination.
“I’m still practicing business. Nag-resign po ako from my previous front desk job to manage my father’s hotel company habang busy po siya as Vice Mayor ng Pasig. So, habang ginagawa ko ito, I’m also building that side,” he said.
“I don’t have a specific destination for where I want my acting or showbiz career to reach. I’m just focused on enjoying the journey. Gusto ko lang talaga pong magtrabaho, mag-sipag at matuto kung saan kaya. Hopefully, the main goal is to inspire others.”
He’s been getting advice from family, particularly his parents, who were “part of my decision-making process from the very beginning.”
Their only advice was: “Don’t forget who you are. Stay grounded. Remember na lahat ng magiging accomplishments mo in this industry ay hindi lang dahil sa’yo, kundi dahil din sa mga tao sa team mo, sa mga katrabaho mo, and most importantly, sa mga sumusuporta.”
Asked when he knew his family was famous, Robbie admitted, “Bata pa lang po ako, alam ko na po.”
He explained, “Growing up, I mean, it’s the only life I’ve known. So, ‘pag nakikita ko po yung mga tao na nagbibigay ng pagmamahal sa aking mga kamag-anak, syempre nakikita ko rin na parang isang napakalaking responsibilidad din pala maging isang tao na nasa ilalim ng public eye.”
“I also saw it as an honor and a privilege for them to be doing what they do. But I also saw it as a big responsibility,” he added.
But as a child, he didn’t fully understand the extent of their “celebrity status.” One time, they were at the mall, and it took almost an hour for them to leave because people were asking for pictures.
“Of course, as a kid, you just want to go home,” he said. “When I got into the car that one time, I asked my parents why they agreed to take so many pictures. They explained that they worked very hard to do what they love and, in return, received love and support from people. So, the least they could do was to give back by making time for their supporters.”
What was his upbringing like? “They (Dodot and Mikee) were very strict and disciplined. But as we got older and they saw na may sarili na kaming direction at sumisipag na kami sa sarili naming mga interes, unti-unti nilang binitawan yung tight lines,” he said.
“Up to now, I still live with my parents, but I have the freedom to make my own decisions because they trust me to have my priorities straight.”
Even before he opted to try showbiz, Robbie was already catching the attention of many, being called a “crush ng bayan” for his movie-star looks.
“I get to see those comments. That’s very flattering. I just hope that I can double down — not just being somebody that people consider good-looking — but to show that I am also a capable individual who loves to work and strives to spread goodness,” he said.
In his free time, Robbie said he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, camping and playing basketball like his father and grandfather, basketball legend Robert Jaworski.
A former varsity player, he still loves sports despite an injury that ended his college basketball career.
When it comes to relationships, Robbie has a clear idea of what he’s looking for in a girl. “She has to be someone with integrity, honesty and a strong sense of family,” he said.
“Most importantly, she should be considerate, loving and easy to get along with.”
As for physical attributes? “I don’t have a specific type,” he admitted, “but I do like someone with a nice smile — someone who is approachable.”
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