The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Boy Villasanta
The beginning of the year marks the birthday celebration of Ihman Basas Esturco, Coco Martin’s ex-talent manager who has been a perennial balikbayan during this season to mark time and again his nth summers.
2025 is as significant and memorable for Ihman as any of his birthdays in the past.
It is because Coco was again around, this time, with partner Julia Montes in tow.
In his Facebook wall, Esturco—an artist as well based in the US—described his recent birthday bash held at his friend Alvin Fortuna’s Azadore Restaurant as meaningful. “I am deeply thankful to my family and friends for a simple yet meaningful birthday celebration…It was a night of love, gratitude, and reflection on life’s journey,” Ihman noted.
“Special thanks to Coco Martin and his partner Julia Montes for making the evening even more special, sharing it with my family and closest friends to celebrate this milestone,” he added.
What made Ihman heartbroken, though, was thinking of his other friend Jaclyn Jose who was present in his birthday shindig prepared and hosted by Coco himself last year.
In his past digital posts, Esturco recalled his last moments with Jaclyn during his natal day last January 1, 2024 which was also a reunion of sorts for the cast and creatives of the landmark film “Masahista” directed by Brillante Ma. Mendoza that catapulted Coco to stardom.