Emilio Daez: from suits to spotlight

In a world overflowing with digital stars and overnight fame, Emilio Daez is someone who did not just land in the limelight, but arrived with clarity, quiet ambition and a résumé that includes investment banking and a million-peso game show win.

Now hailed as one of Gen Z’s fastest-rising faces in entertainment, Emilio is blazing his own trail — armed with business smarts, a disciplined lifestyle, a growing list of acting and hosting credits and most recently, a coveted endorsement deal as the newest face of KFC Philippines.

Not bad for someone who just a year ago was hosting a fan meet attended by 10 people.

“There were 10 fans there and I was genuinely thankful,” Emilio shared during our interview. “Now, there are so many. I’m still overwhelmed — and extremely grateful.”

More than a Daez

While Emilio proudly acknowledged his older brother, actor Mikael, as the reason he ever considered a career in showbiz (“If Mikael didn’t exist, I wouldn’t be in entertainment — I’m very thankful to him”), he was quick to point out that he is forging his own path.

From acting and hosting to digital content creation and brand partnerships, Emilio’s momentum is fueled by authenticity. He is not loud — but he commands attention.

Brains first, stardom later

Before lights, cameras and red carpets, Emilio lived the corporate dream. A graduate of Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Management Engineering, he worked for two years as an investment banker.

“Being a CEO (chief executive officer) was really the goal,” he admitted. “But life has a lot of surprises. I got a call from ABS-CBN and everything changed. I’m very thankful.”

That one phone call led to an acting debut opposite Piolo Pascual and John Arcilla, a P1 million jackpot on a Kapamilya game show and an unexpected but thrilling career pivot into the entertainment world.

Discipline as DNA

Whether it is juggling hosting gigs or training for his next role, Emilio does not leave anything to chance. His schedule is a steady mix of work, workouts and wellness.

“I treat discipline like a lifestyle,” he said. “I play basketball, I run, I eat clean. It’s not just about looking good — it’s about being present, being sharp.”

And the results speak for themselves — he is a lean machine of quiet confidence and magnetic screen presence.

Social star with substance

With over 1.1 million followers on TikTok, 760K on Instagram, and nearly 300K on Facebook, Emilio’s digital footprint grows by the day. But he keeps it grounded.

“I want my feed to feel like you’re FaceTiming a friend,” he said. And it does — his mix of OOTDs (outfits of the day), candid reels and behind-the-scenes moments make him relatable and engaging. Not curated to perfection — just real.

Leading man energy

Emilio now headlines a new ABS-CBN Studios original series on iWantTFC, proving he is not just a flash in the pan. He also recently joined the hosting roster of a major singing competition franchise that debuted in June 2025.

His acting style? “I love action and romantic drama,” he shared. “But I’m open to anything. Every opportunity is a chance to grow.”

‘Finger-lickin’ fresh

Emilio’s latest milestone: being named the new ambassador of KFC Philippines. It is a brand he’s loved for years and now, he is fronting it.

“KFC has always been part of my life. It’s fun, it’s flavorful, it’s Filipino in a way — and I’m excited to represent that,” he said.

The campaign, launching later this year, is expected to highlight his approachable charisma and real-life relatability. For Emilio, it is the perfect pairing.

Career on the rise

Now co-managed by Star Magic and VCM The Celebrity Source, with Kali Vidanes leading his endorsements, Emilio is building a career with staying power. He is not just surfing a viral moment — he is designing a legacy, one project at a time.

“There’s so much to look forward to,” he told the press, including DAILY TRIBUNE. “I’m learning so much every day. And I know I’m just getting started.”

From boardrooms to blockbusters, Emilio is proof that reinvention is not only possible — it can be powerful.