Philippines Famous People

For centuries the Philippines has been home to some of the world's most famous people. From actors to entrepreneurs, here are some of the most notable Filipinos in the world.

1. Lea Salonga

Filipina actress, singer, and record producer Lea Salonga is best known for her Tony award-winning role as Kim in Miss Saigon and for her roles in the Disney Musicals Mulan and Aladdin. She also starred as Eponine in the 2012 West End revival of Les Misérables. She has been an ambassador for UNICEF since 2006 and for OPI since 2020.

2. Manny Pacquiao

Two-time welterweight champion professional boxer Manny Pacquiao is one of the most renowned athletes in the world. He has held multiple world titles in eight different weight classes and has also won the WBC International Boxing Federation super-featherweight title in March 2020. He is also a Philippine senator and a popular international sports icon.

3. Apl.de.Ap

Native son of Angeles City in Pampanga Allen Pineda, better known as Apl.de.Ap, is a member of hit American hip hop group The Black Eyed Peas. His career has spanned over two decades, and he has been an advocate for the Filipino community, with the Apl.de.Ap Foundation providing financial assistance to the less privileged. He made musical history by becoming the first Filipino artist to be featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

4. Charo Santos–Concio

Charo Santos-Concio is one of the most recognizable faces in the Philippine entertainment industry. Formerly ABS-CBN's president and COO, she is now the CEO of ABS-CBN Entertainment, ABS-CBN's content group. Aside from her successful career in the entertainment industry, she has also been involved in several socio-civic projects and is a two-time recipient of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines Award.

5. Ian Veneracion

Filipino actor Ian Veneracion is best known for his roles in the Filipino drama series Pangako Sa'yo, and Mahal mo Mahal Kita/Sa Aking Pag-iisa. He has also been part of numerous films and his recent projects include The Naked Director, DoReMi, and Ang Huling El Bimbo. He is well-loved by his fans for his charming good looks and versatile acting skills.

6. Manny Villar

Real estate mogul Manuel ‘Manny’ Bamba Villar is the chairman of the Villar Group of Companies. His net worth is estimated to be US$5.7 billion, making him the wealthiest person in the Philippines. He was a senator of the Philippines from 2001 to 2013 and launched his presidential candidacy in the 2010 Philippine Presidential Election.

7. Dingdong Dantes

Dingdong Dantes has been in acting and hosting on Philippine television since the late 1990s. Some of his noteworthy works include MariMar, Dyesebel, Mulawin, Genesis, and Ang Babaeng Humayo. He has also ventured into film, and is currently an ambassador for various international and local organizations such as UNICEF, Kris Aquino and Philippine Red Cross.

These are just some of the most famous figures in the Philippines. From actors to entrepreneurs, Filipinos have made an impact all around the world. They serve as inspiring role models and sources of pride for the nation.