Teen idol Bao Thy (L) and her mom pose at a charity event

Vietnam’s young celebrities say having a parent for a manager helps ease the stress of a life in the spotlight.

More and more parents of young Hollywood celebrities are stepping in to fill the role of manager rather than leaving the child’s career in the hands of an outsider.

Besides the financial advantage of managing one’s own child, many parents say that life in the spotlight can be made easier by having a caring parent who looks out for the best interests of the child.

American teen pop sensation Miley Cyrus is one example. Her mother Tish Cyrus manages the superstar’s singing and acting career, and Miley has been quoted as saying she enjoys the security of her mother’s constant companionship.

Moreover, the teen star says she doesn’t have to worry that her mother will make any ill-considered decisions regarding her career. Had she hired a stranger as her manager, Miley has said she would worry about them having ulterior, financially motivated intentions. But with her mother, she can relax knowing she’s being looked out for, according to her blog posted on www.mileycyrus.com.

And the same is true of many young Vietnamese celebrities whose parents play a big role in their careers and personal lives.

According to singer Thu Ngoc, member of popular girl band May Trang (White Cloud), mothers make the best managers. Through the good times and the bad, they are always there to offer advice, encouragement and support.

“Since we were little girls, our mothers came to all our singing shows,” says Ngoc. “They are not only there to support us, but they are also our most trustworthy confidants.

“I think being their children’s companion in life is what makes parents happiest,” Ngoc adds. “And even though she is married, Ngoc Chau, a member of my band, is always together with her mom.”

Other parent-child duos include “Vietnam’s diva” Hong Nhung and her stepmother Mai; and singer Kasim Hoang Vu and his mother, singer Bich Phuong. Miss Universe Vietnam 2008 Thuy Lam and her mom, as well as teen idol singer Bao Thy and her mom are also always seen together at public events and shows.

According to singer Minh Thu’s mom, also her manager, Thu relies on her mom to help her put on the best shows possible.

“Each time I go on a tour, I usually follow my daughter to set her mind at rest and help her to get ready before the performance. Sometimes, her paycheck is just enough to cover my traveling expenses, however, it is really fun,” says Thu’s mom.

Last year, at a music show in Nha Trang, Thu’s mom came early to help set up and prepare refreshments for everyone.

Vu’s mom, singer Bich Phuong who also enjoyed a long and celebrated career, is another multitalented parent-manager. Not only does Phuong arrange Vu’s performance schedules and help choose his stage outfits, she also operates a video camera to record her son’s performances. She believes this will help her son improve his stage performance, acting and singing skills.

Having a parent around to look out for the young stars can take a lot of the pressure and stress out of being a celebrity.

Some young superstars go even further and invite their entire family to come along while they perform. This became somewhat of a trend in the 1990s when Vietnamese filmmaking began to take off. Artists like Diem Huong, Ly Huong, and Tran Gia Linh, all managed by their mothers, were among the stars known for bringing their relatives to work with them.

Up-and-coming actress Truong Quynh Anh says she loves bringing her family to set with her as it affords them the opportunity to travel to many interesting and beautiful places.

“My family is eager to follow my film crew and they do not bother them at all,” says Quynh Anh. “One of my fondest memories is a time when I was filming at a studio in [Ho Chi Minh City’s] District 9, next to a lake. My father went out fishing on the lake and by the time the crew had finished shooting at noon, my father returned with a feast of fish for everyone.”

Reported by Nguyen Van