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Top 10 Celebrities Embracing Filipino Roots

7 min read January 19, 2024

The Philippines has produced numerous celebrities and notable people of Filipino ethnicity who have gained recognition and made significant contributions in various fields. Here are ten popular celebrities and notable people from Filipino ethnicity:

  • Lea Salonga: A renowned singer and actress, Salonga is known for her powerful vocals and her roles in musicals such as “Miss Saigon” and “Les Misérables.” She is the first Asian to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and has also won a Laurence Olivier Award and a Grammy Award.


  • Bruno Mars: Born Peter Gene Hernandez, Bruno Mars is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and choreographer. He has won 11 Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, and three Brit Awards. Mars is known for his energetic live performances and his ability to blend different genres of music, including pop, funk, soul, and R&B.


  • Manny Pacquiao: A professional boxer and politician, Pacquiao is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. He is the only boxer to have won world titles in eight different weight classes. Pacquiao has also served as a senator in the Philippines and is known for his humanitarian work.


  • Liza Soberano: A Filipino-American actress, Soberano is known for her roles in television dramas such as “Forevermore” and “Dolce Amore.” She has also appeared in several films and has won numerous awards for her acting. Soberano is considered one of the most popular celebrities in the Philippines.


  • Enrique Gil: A Filipino actor, Gil is known for his roles in television dramas such as “Mulawin vs. Ravena” and “Forevermore.” He has also appeared in several films and has won numerous awards for his acting. Gil is considered one of the most popular celebrities in the Philippines.


  • Kathryn Bernardo: A Filipina actress, Bernardo is known for her roles in television dramas such as “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” and “La Luna Sangre.” She has also appeared in several films and has won numerous awards for her acting. Bernardo is considered one of the most popular celebrities in the Philippines.


  • Nadine Lustre: A Filipina actress, Lustre is known for her roles in television dramas such as “On the Wings of Love” and “Til I Met You.” She has also appeared in several films and has won numerous awards for her acting. Lustre is considered one of the most popular celebrities in the Philippines.


  • Sarah Geronimo: A Filipina singer, actress, and dancer, Geronimo is known for her powerful vocals and her energetic live performances. She has released numerous albums and has appeared in several films. Geronimo is considered one of the most popular celebrities in the Philippines.


  • Piolo Pascual: A Filipino actor, singer, and model, Pascual is known for his versatility and his ability to play a wide range of roles. He has appeared in numerous television dramas and films and has won numerous awards for his acting. Pascual is considered one of the most popular celebrities in the Philippines.


  • Angel Locsin: A Filipina actress, model, and television host, Locsin is known for her beauty and her powerful acting skills. She has appeared in numerous television dramas and films and has won numerous awards for her acting. Locsin is considered one of the most popular celebrities in the Philippines.
Chinese Filipinos (sometimes referred as Filipino Chinese in the Philippines) are Filipinos of Chinese descent with ancestry mainly from Fujian province, but are typically born and raised in the Philippines. Chinese Filipinos are one of the largest overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia.Chinese immigration to the Philippines occurred mostly during the Spanish colonization of the islands between the 16th and 19th centuries, attracted by the lucrative trade of the Manila galleons. In the 19th century, migration was triggered by the corrupt and bad governance of the late Qing Dynasty, combined with economic problems in China due to the Western and Japanese colonial wars and Opium Wars. It subsequently continued during the 20th century, from American colonial times, through the post-independence era to Cold War, to the present. In 2013, according to older records held by the Senate of the Philippines, there were approximately 7.9 thousand ethnic (or pure) Chinese within the Philippine population, while Filipinos with any Chinese descent comprised 22.8 thousand of the population. However, the actual current figures are not known since the Philippine census does not usually take into account questions about ethnicity. Accordingly, the oldest Chinatown in the world is located in Binondo, Manila founded on December 8, 1594. Chinese Filipinos are a well established middle class ethnic group and are well represented in all levels of Filipino society. Chinese Filipinos also play a leading role in the Philippine business sector and dominate the Philippine economy today. Most in the current list of the Philippines' richest each year comprise Taipan billionaires of Chinese Filipino background. Some in the list of the political families in the Philippines are also of Chinese Filipino background, meanwhile the bulk are also of Spanish-colonial-era Chinese mestizo (mestizo de Sangley) descent, of which, many families of such background also compose a considerable part of the Philippine population especially its bourgeois, who during the late Spanish Colonial Era in the late 19th century, produced a major part of the ilustrado intelligentsia of the late Spanish Colonial Philippines, that were very influential with the creation of Filipino nationalism and the sparking of the Philippine Revolution as part of the foundation of the First Philippine Republic and subsequent sovereign independent Philippines.

Most Famous Filipino People

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Filipino Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Filipino community is a vibrant and diverse group of individuals who trace their roots to the Philippines, a country located in Southeast Asia. Throughout history, Filipinos have experienced various influences that have shaped their culture and traditions. Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Filipino heritage:

1. Spanish Influence:

  • The Philippines was colonized by Spain for over three centuries, from 1521 to 1898. This period of Spanish rule had a significant impact on Filipino culture, language, religion, and architecture.
  • The Spanish introduced Catholicism to the Philippines, which remains the dominant religion in the country to this day. Religious festivals, such as the Sinulog in Cebu and the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, showcase the rich blend of Spanish and Filipino traditions.
  • The Spanish language also left a lasting imprint on the Filipino lexicon, with Spanish loanwords and phrases embedded in everyday conversations. Despite being predominantly English speakers, many Filipinos still use Spanish words and expressions in their daily lives.
  • Architecturally, Spanish colonizers introduced the Bahay na Bato, a traditional Filipino house made of stone and wood. The Bahay na Bato features intricate details, such as capiz windows and ornate wooden carvings, reflecting the fusion of Spanish and Filipino craftsmanship.
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2. American Influence:

  • The Philippines was an American colony from 1898 to 1946. During this period, the United States had a profound impact on Filipino society, politics, education, and entertainment.
  • The American influence is most evident in the education system, which was revamped by the Americans, introducing English as the primary medium of instruction. This has led to a high level of English proficiency among Filipinos, making them the third largest English-speaking population in the world.
  • Hollywood movies and American television shows have also made a significant impact on Filipino popular culture. Western fashion trends, fast food chains, and American sports such as basketball and baseball enjoy immense popularity in the country.
  • American colonial architecture can be seen in various government buildings, universities, and military bases in the Philippines. The neoclassical style, characterized by grand columns and symmetry, is a striking reminder of the American influence on Filipino architecture.

3. Indigenous Heritage:

  • Prior to colonization, the Philippines was inhabited by various indigenous groups, each with their own unique traditions, languages, and belief systems.
  • Despite the influences of Spanish and American colonization, indigenous cultures have managed to persevere and play a significant role in shaping the Filipino identity.
  • Indigenous practices and rituals, such as the Kalinga tattoo art, the Ifugao rice terraces, and the T’boli traditional weaving, are celebrated as national treasures and continue to be appreciated and preserved by the Filipino people.
  • The indigenous influence can also be seen in Filipino cuisine, with dishes like adobo, sinigang, and kakanin (rice cakes) showcasing indigenous cooking techniques and flavors.

The Filipino community is a testament to the rich tapestry of cultures and histories that have shaped the country. The blending of Spanish, American, and indigenous heritage has created a unique Filipino identity that is cherished by millions around the world.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Asian, Tongan and Samoan roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

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Factsheet About Filipino People

Country Population Percentage of Global Population
Philippines 108,110,000 1.32%
United States 4,000,000 1.21%
Saudi Arabia 2,800,000 1.06%
United Arab Emirates 1,000,000 0.38%
Malaysia 800,000 0.31%
Australia 300,000 0.12%
Canada 300,000 0.12%
Japan 200,000 0.08%
United Kingdom 200,000 0.08%
The Philippines is inhabited by more than 182 ethnolinguistic groups,: 5  many of which are classified as "Indigenous Peoples" under the country's Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997. Traditionally-Muslim peoples from the southernmost island group of Mindanao are usually categorized together as Moro peoples, whether they are classified as Indigenous peoples or not. About 142 are classified as non-Muslim Indigenous People groups, and about 19 ethnolinguistic groups are classified as neither indigenous nor moro.: 6  Various migrant groups have also had a significant presence throughout the country's history. The Muslim-majority ethnic groups ethnolinguistic groups of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan are collectively referred to as the Moro people, a broad category which includes some indigenous people groups and some non-indigenous people groups.: 6  With a population of over 5 million people, they comprise about 5% of the country's total population. The Spanish called them Moros after the Moors, despite no resemblance or cultural ties to them apart from their religion. About 142 of the Philippines' Indigenous People groups are not classified as Moro peoples.: 6  Some of these people groups are commonly grouped together due to their strong association with a shared geographic area, although these broad categorizations are not always welcomed by the ethnic groups themselves. For example, the indigenous peoples of the Cordillera Mountain Range in northern Luzon are often referred to using the exonym "Igorot people," or more recently, as the Cordilleran peoples. Meanwhile, the non-Moro peoples of Mindanao are collectively referred to as the Lumad, a collective autonym conceived in 1986 as a way to distinguish them from their neighboring indigenous Moro and Visayan neighbors. Small indigenous ethnic communities remain marginalized, and often poorer than the rest of society.About 86 to 87 percent of the Philippine population belong to the 19 ethnolinguistic groups are classified as neither indigenous nor Moro.: 6  These groups are sometimes collectively referred to as "Lowland Christianized groups," to distinguish them from the other ethnolinguistic groups. The most populous of these groups, with populations exceeding a million individuals, are the Ilocano, the Pangasinense, the Kapampangan, the Tagalog, the Bicolano, and the Visayans (including the Cebuano, the Boholano, the Hiligaynon/Ilonggo, and the Waray).: 16  Many of these groups converted to Christianity, particularly both the native and migrant lowland-coastal groups, and adopted foreign elements of culture throughout the country's history.Due to the past history of the Philippines since the Spanish colonial era, there are also some historical migrant heritage groups such as the Chinese Filipinos and Spanish Filipinos, both of whom intermixed with the above lowland Austronesian-speaking ethnic groups, which produced Filipino Mestizos. These groups also comprise and contribute a considerable proportion of the country's population, especially its bourgeois, and economy and were integral to the establishment of the country, from the rise of Filipino nationalism by the Ilustrado intelligentsia to the Philippine Revolution. Other peoples of migrant and/or mixed descent include those such as, American Filipinos, Indian Filipinos, Japanese Filipinos, and many more. Aside from migrant groups which speak their own languages, most Filipinos speak languages classified under the Austronesian language family, including the various Negrito peoples of the archipelago, which are genetically and phenotypically distinct from the other ethnic groups of the Philippines. While these groups have maintained a culture and identity distinct from neighboring ethnic groups, they have long adapted their neighbors' Austronesian languages. Traditionally subcategorized geographically as the Ati people of Visayas and Mindanao, and the Aeta of Luzon, the Negrito population was estimated at 31,000 as of 2004.

The Ancient Heritage of Filipino Ethnic Groups

References to the Filipino Ethnic Group

The Filipino ethnic group, also known as Filipinos, are the people native to the Philippines. They have a rich and diverse cultural heritage influenced by various factors such as history, geography, and colonization. To dig deeper into the Filipino ethnic group, here are some references and resources that you can explore:

  • National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA): Glimpses of the Peoples of the Philippines – The NCCA provides an overview of the different ethnic groups in the Philippines, including the Filipinos. The resource delves into their distinct characteristics, traditions, and practices.
  • Cultural Atlas: Filipino Culture – The Cultural Atlas offers an in-depth exploration of various aspects of Filipino culture, including their history, religion, family dynamics, and social etiquette. It provides valuable insights into the Filipino way of life.
  • Encyclopedia Britannica: Filipino – The Britannica entry on Filipinos delves into their history, language, ethnicity, and demographics. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the Filipino people and their contributions to society.
  • iTimbre Connect – iTimbre Connect is an online platform that aims to preserve and promote the Filipino culture. It features various articles, videos, and resources that delve into the different aspects of Filipino heritage, including language, music, crafts, and more.
  • Philippine Trails – Philippine Trails is a travel and tourism website that provides insights into the Filipino culture, history, and landmarks. It offers a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage through its informative articles and travel guides.

Exploring these references and resources will give you a deeper understanding of the Filipino ethnic group, their diverse culture, and their contributions to the world.

As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.

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Syarif Muhamad

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5 Replies to Top 10 Celebrities Embracing Filipino Roots

  1. Came here for the popular claypot rice ($16 medium size), wu xiang and pork trotter. Very value for money hawker centre. Heard the chicken rice and slice fish soup here is good too. Will visit again in the future

    Reply

  2. Super good journey to the market!
    My very first trip to Singapore to visit my husband’s relatives. Omg I lm totally in love with the food in the market. I have tried Lei cha, Mee hoon kuey, kaya bread, chee cheong fan…and others but foget to take photo all?
    Hope my review did help you guys first time travelling to Singapore please your sweet tooth with the right places to eat amongst choices.

    Definitely big shout out for the food here and I’m sure to come back here every now and then!

    Reply

  3. One of the busiest wet markets & food centre in Spore. Many competing stalls selling meat, seafood, vegetables & fruits, so the prices are very reasonable compared to other markets.

    Reply

  4. Lunch today at Jurong West Hawker Centre, that just reopened last week.

    It’s two-storeyed, so do take your time to walk around.

    Only 60% of the stalls have opened, so I tried their Mixed Rice 杂菜饭 on ground floor, Pork Leg with Preserved Vegetables, and Teh Chin Chow.

    Not mind-blowing but not bad, I’ll rate 3.5/5 for all.

    #choowai2023 #wongchoowaieats #wongchoowai #lunch #lunchtime #jurongwest #jurongwesthawkercentre #jurongdaynightclinic #yummy #tea #teatime #hawker #hawkerfood #hawkercentre

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  5. There are many nice stalls could find here but today we tried this fish noodle stall, we can only gives 2 stars.
    The price is higher than others where their fried fish was cooked earlier, when served it only the soup is hot but the rest is very cold. Fried fish was soft and no taste. Fish meat is also soft as not fresh. So never order from this stall.
    Curry rice seem good as long queue. Believed it must be very good..

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