G U J I

BIO

1980 - 2005


Born Gregory M. Lorenzana, Jr., on May 11th, 1980, in Long Beach, California, Guji Lorenzana's journey was shaped by his upbringing in a warm Filipino household. He was nurtured by the love of his parents and the close bond he shared with his two younger sisters. It was in this loving environment that his passion for the performing arts took root.


During his high school years, Guji couldn't resist the allure of the stage. He enthusiastically participated in talent shows and school plays, earning recognition as a "triple threat" for his exceptional skills in acting, singing, and dancing.


As he embarked on his college journey, his love for performing only grew stronger. Joining various musical groups, he became a familiar face at Filipino festivals and private gatherings all across the United States.


After graduating from college, Guji briefly explored corporate roles before taking a leap of faith by auditioning for American Idol Season 3. Although he didn't progress far in the competition, his audition received positive feedback from none other than Simon Cowell himself. This pivotal moment inspired Guji to chase his dreams in the world of entertainment.


2006 - 2007


Guided by his aunt, the acclaimed singer Jo Anne Lorenzana, and with the assistance of Beth Lorenzana-Fonacier, Jo Anne's former manager and sister, Guji was introduced to key figures in the Philippine entertainment industry. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.


Working alongside managers such as Kuh Ledesma, Leo Dominguez, and Karin Araneta, Guji's musical journey led to the creation of his first independent album, "Without Your Love." One of the album's tracks, "Tagumpay," earned nominations for two Awit Awards in 2007.


2008 - 2012


Under the mentorship of Bobby Nazareno, Guji's path led him to auditions for ABS-CBN's Star Magic. After successful meetings with Johnny Manahan, Guji Lorenzana proudly became a member of Star Magic's Batch 16.


His debut on ASAP in August 2008 marked the beginning of his journey as a singer-actor. Guji embarked on various projects, including a small role in the local musical production of "West Side Story," regular appearances as a singer on "The Singing Bee," and a memorable walk-on role in the Filipino adaptation of "I Love Betty La Fea."


Simultaneously, Guji established himself as a beloved radio personality, hosting the popular weekend radio show "The Weekend Chill" on Mellow 947 FM.


In 2009, he secured his first lead role in the hit afternoon soap opera "Precious Hearts Romances Presents, The Bud Brothers," partnering with Kaye Abad. Their on-screen chemistry resonated with viewers, earning them recognition as the best love team in 2010. ABS-CBN continued to entrust Guji with leading roles, including the soap "Somewhere In My Heart," once again alongside Kaye Abad.


Guji's star continued to rise as he continued participating in local theater, while landing roles in TV soaps and movies, and became a semi-regular on the popular noontime show "ASAP," where he contributed his vocal talents as a member of the group Voizboys, culminating in the release of an album with Star Music.


2013 - 2018


In the following years, Guji remained true to his musical roots, captivating Manila's nightlife scene with his project band.


In 2013, Guji, along with his sister, Grace Lilette Lorenzana, seized the opportunity to audition for the inaugural season of "The Voice of The Philippines," earning a place on Team Apl De Ap. While they faced a loss in the battle rounds, their journey marked a significant experience in their careers.

In 2013, Guji also became one of the many regular guest hosts on the world renowned podcast, Good Times With Mo, which he continues to frequent to this day. 


Later that year, Guji landed a supporting role in the iconic film "She's The One," starring DingDong Dantes and Bea Alonzo. This film introduced one of today's most successful love teams, Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano.


In 2014, after a public breakup with his longtime love team partner, Kaye Abad, Guji found love again in renowned interior designer Cheska Nolasco.

Around the same time, Guji dedicated more of his attention to local theater, earning the lead role in the second run of a Manila production of "Grease The Musical," where he portrayed the charismatic Danny Zuko opposite Tippy Dos Santos as Sandy.


In 2015, Guji took a significant step in his personal life by proposing to Cheska Nolasco. Their wedding, held at The Green Sun in Makati in February of 2016, was a star-studded affair, attended by numerous celebrity friends.


In 2016, Guji secured a supporting role in the thriller "Silong," starring Piolo Pascual. His exceptional performance earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the annual FAMAS Awards.


In 2017, Guji Lorenzana's contract with Star Magic concluded, and he signed a 5-year management deal with Viva Artists Agency. Under Viva, he took on various projects for Viva Entertainment TV stations, released music with his project band TFTI, and found success with the single "Weak," which became a trending music video on Viva Records.


In 2018, Guji briefly paused his acting career to care for his mother, who was battling cancer. Tragically, in June 2018, his mother passed away. In her memory, Guji released the song "Be Alright," distributed by Warner Music Philippines. The song and its accompanying music video became catalysts for his efforts to raise cancer awareness. Guji collaborated with the "Asian American Donor Program" and "Be The Match" organizations in the USA, advocating for Filipinos to become stem cell donors.


Back in the Philippines, Guji shifted his focus within the music industry. While promoting his original music, he wanted to create a platform for emerging artists to showcase their original work. This endeavor led to the discovery of new talent and the birth of his own management company, "Open Door Artists."


2018 - Present


In recent years, Guji was a resident DJ at Cove Manila, one of the Philippines' largest pool clubs and nightlife venues. Though he paused his DJing activities when the pandemic struck, he still plays on special occasions, such as family gatherings. However, his primary focus has since shifted to his work in the music industry.


Open Door Artists wrapped up its operations in 2021, but it left a lasting legacy in nurturing Filipino music talents. The company also played a key role in representing international artists in the Philippine market, bridging the gap between global and local music scenes.


On the silver screen, Guji made his international acting debut in the Philippines' first Netflix original action film, Maria, where he played a supporting role alongside Cristine Reyes. Following this, he secured roles in the American TV series Almost Paradise and the Filipino-Japanese film Steal, which was entirely shot in Japan. His more recent work includes a variety of television and film projects under Viva Entertainment. On the global stage, he appeared in the hit Disney+/Hulu series Big Bet, acting alongside Son Suk-ku and the legendary Choi Min-sik. He also showcased his talent in the star-studded Viu series K-LOVE, which gained popularity across Southeast Asia, particularly among VIU’s audience.


In addition to film and television, Guji has continued his work in theater. In 2024, he took on the dream role of Benny in RENT during its Manila run. His passion for the stage seems to have inspired his daughter Cassidy, who was cast as Tam in the Miss Saigon Asia Tour the same year, performing in multiple cities across Taiwan, Australia, and Manila.


Between acting and music projects, Guji primarily devotes his time to his career as a music executive. As the Asia Territory Manager A&R Business Development for Symphonic Distribution, he leads the company’s expansion into the region, forging strategic partnerships and ensuring that independent artists and labels have access to world-class distribution and monetization solutions.


With over a decade of experience in the music industry, Guji has held key positions at YouTube Music, Ingrooves Music Group, and Virgin Music Group. 


At Symphonic, he continues to expand the company’s presence across Asia, focusing on positioning Symphonic as a leading force in independent music distribution across the region.


Now in his 40s, Guji has also been passionate about raising awareness on effective solutions for hair loss. As an advocate for Svenson, he openly shares his personal journey and promotes the benefits of hair restoration treatments, hoping to help others regain their confidence.


Most importantly, Guji finds immense joy in being a devoted husband and father. Together with his wife Cheska, they raise their two daughters, Cassidy and Brielle. Cassidy has already made her mark in theater, while Brielle is a bright and intelligent young girl with a promising future ahead. Guji remains actively engaged in his church and is committed to providing his children with a loving and supportive Christian upbringing.


Updated March 2025