Famous People From Philippines

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Birthdate: December 17, 1978

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Kibawe

Before assuming office as a senator of the Phillippines, Manny Pacquiao was already known as a globally renowned boxer. Known to his fans as PacMan, he is the only boxer to have won world championships from the 1990s to the 2020s. BoxRec named him the world’s seventh-active boxer in 2020.

Birthdate: March 28, 1945

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Maasin

The current president of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte took office at age 71, making him the oldest president of the country. His war on drugs has had a major impact in the Philippines. Known for his straightforward attitude in public, Duterte has admitted to killing three men in 1988 in an attempt to save a girl from being raped.

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Bella Poarch

(Filipino-American Singer and Social Media Influencer)

Birthdate: February 8, 1997

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Philippines

Bella Poarch is a Filipino-American singer and social media influencer. She is best known for posting videos on TikTok. She came into prominence in 2021, when one of her TikTok videos hit 49 million likes, making it the most liked video on the platform. The same year, Bella Poarch released her debut single titled Build a Bitch. 

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Jose Rizal

(Filipino Nationalist and Writer Who is Considered One of the Greatest Heroes of the Philippines)

Birthdate: June 19, 1861

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Calamba

Died: December 30, 1896

Jose Rizal was a Filipino polymath and nationalist. An ophthalmologist by profession, Rizal turned towards writing and inspired the Philippine Revolution through his writings. The revolution eventually led to Philippine independence and Rizal became a national hero. His life has inspired several biographical films and TV series.

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Lou Diamond Phillips

(Actor and Director Known for His Role as ‘Ritchie Valens’ in the Biopic ‘La Bamba’)

Birthdate: February 17, 1962

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay

Golden Globe-nominated actor Lou Diamond Phillips is best known as Ritchie Valens from the film La Bamba. His performance in the Broadway revival of The King and I earned him a Tony nomination. He has also appeared in a string of TV and radio projects and participated in poker championships.

Birthdate: September 11, 1917

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Sarrat

Died: September 28, 1989

Ferdinand Marcos served as the tenth president of the Philippines. Marcos' rule was marked by brutality, extravagance, and corruption, making him the most controversial leader of his generation. Deemed a kleptocrat, Marcos' dictatorship caused an economic collapse during which the country suffered greatly. He was removed from power in 1986 after a series of protests called the People Power Revolution.

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Pia Wurtzbach

(Filipino Actress, Model and Beauty Queen Who Was Crowned Miss Universe 2015)

Birthdate: September 24, 1989

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Stuttgart

Pia Wurtzbach is a Filipino-German beauty queen who participated in the 64th Miss Universe pageant where she was crowned Miss Universe 2015. Wurtzbach is also a model, actress, and TV personality; she had to quit her showbusiness career temporarily to participate in the beauty pageant. She is also an advocate for gender equality and works towards raising awareness of HIV.

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Lea Salonga

(The First Asian Actress to Receive a Tony Award)

Birthdate: February 22, 1971

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Ermita

Lea Salonga is a Filipina actress, singer, and columnist. She achieved international fame at the age of 18, when she originated the role of Kim in Miss Saigon, winning the Laurence Olivier Award under the Best Actress in a Musical category. Lea Salonga became the first Asian actress to receive a Tony Awardwhen she reprised the role on Broadway.

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Birthdate: January 6, 1994

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Cairns

Filipino-Australian model Catriona Gray soared to fame after winning the 2018 Miss Universe pageant, thus becoming the fourth from her country to win the title. Apart from winning Miss Universe Philippines 2018, she had also been named Miss World Philippines 2016. She has worked for the OTOP initiative, too.

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Liza Soberano

(Actress Best Known as the Lead of the Romantic Comedy Television Series ‘Forevermore’)

Birthdate: January 4, 1998

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Santa Clara

Filipina-American actor Liza Soberano rose to fame with the role of Maria in the series Forevermore, which had her starring with Enrique Gil. She paired up with Gil in many more projects later, such as the series Dolce Amore and the films Alone/Together and My Ex and Whys.

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Vanessa Lachey

(Filipina-Born American Actor, Model, and TV Host)

Birthdate: November 9, 1980

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Clark Air Force Base

Height: 5'7" (170 cm)

Birthdate: November 12, 1984

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Busan

Famous for her baby-face and youthful skin, the South Korean singer and actress is a celebrity not just in her country, but also in the Philippines. Despite her humble beginning, Sandara Park rose to prominence as a singing sensation with a number of chart-topping songs. She also featured in television shows and movies and is considered as a trendsetter.

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Birthdate: March 26, 1996

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Cabanatuan

Kathryn Bernardo is the only Filipina actress to breac the ₱800-million mark for two movies - The Hows of Us (2018) and Hello, Love, Goodbye (2019). The latter broke all box-office records to become the highest-grossing Filipino Film of all times till date. She bagged in the Box Office Queen Award and also earned the PMPC Star Awards for Movies. 

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Manny Jacinto

(Filipino-Born Canadian Actor)

Birthdate: August 19, 1987

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Manila

Height: 5'11" (180 cm)

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Birthdate: January 25, 1933

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Paniqui

Died: August 1, 2009

Corazon Aquino, or Cory Aquino, was the first female president of the Philippines. She led the People Power Revolution after her husband Senator Benigno Aquino Jr.’s assassination and ended the 21-year dictatorial reign of President Ferdinand Marcos. In 1986, Corazon was named Time Magazine’s Woman of the Year.

Birthdate: November 30, 1863

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Tondo

Died: May 10, 1897

Andrés Bonifacio, or the “Father of the Philippine Revolution,” established the Katipunan, the Philippine independence movement against the Spanish colonial reign. He also worked with La Liga Filipina. He is considered the first president of the Philippines though he was never officially the president. He was eventually executed for treason. 

Birthdate: August 19, 1878

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Baler

Died: August 1, 1944

Filipino statesman Manuel L. Quezon, or MLQ, was the president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944, thus becoming the first Filipino to lead a government of the whole of the Philippines. He formed a government-in-exile in the U.S. after the Japanese invasion during World War II.

Birthdate: February 8, 1960

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Sampaloc

Died: June 24, 2021

Benigno Aquino III, also known as PNoy, or Noynoy, was the president of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016. He has also chaired the Liberal Party. Son of Filipino politician Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., he was named to Time 100 in 2013. He has also faced legal charges for corruption.

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Daniel Padilla

(Filipino Actor and Recording Artist Known for His Films: ‘She's Dating the Gangster’ and ‘Crazy Beautiful You’)

Birthdate: April 26, 1995

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Manila

Daniel Padilla is a Filipino recording artist and actor. In 2015, Padilla became the first Pinoy artist to receive the Kids' Choice Award under the Global Slime Star category. He has also won several other awards, such as Myx Music Awards and Awit Awards. Also known for his philanthropic efforts, Padilla often participates in charity events.

Birthdate: May 10, 1992

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Cabuyao City

Born Charice Pempengco, Filipino singer Jake Zyrus came out as lesbian in 2013 and then as transgender later, changing his name in 2017 and going through a chest reconstruction and hormone treatment. Jake had grown up supporting his family by performing and later struck gold with the single Pyramid.

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Nadine Lustre

(Filipino Actress and Singer Known for Her Role as ‘Eya Rodriguez’ in the Film ‘Diary ng Panget’)

Birthdate: October 31, 1993

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Quezon City

Nadine Lustre is a Filipina actress, music video director, and singer best known for her portrayal of Eya Rodriguez in the 2014 romantic comedy film, Diary ng Panget. One of the most decorated Filipina celebrities, Lustre has won several prestigious awards, such as the Young Critics Circle award, Asian Academy Creative Award, Myx Music Awards, and Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award.

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Marian Rivera

(Filipina Recording Artist, Actress, and Commercial Model)

Birthdate: August 12, 1984

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Madrid

Marian Rivera is a Spanish-Filipino model and actress. She is known for playing important roles in TV series like Marimar, Amaya, and Temptation of Wife. Apart from winning awards for her acting skills, Rivera has also been named FHM Magazine's Sexiest Woman on a couple of occasions. Also known for her philanthropic efforts, Marian Rivera often participates in fundraising campaigns.

Birthdate: October 17, 1987

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Cainta

Bea Alonzo is a Filipina model, actress, and former singer. Widely regarded as one of Asia's biggest stars,Bea Alonzo has won many prestigious awards for her skills as an actress. In 2016, she was adjudged Movie Actress of the Year at the 32nd PMPC Star Awards for Movies for playing Basha Belinda Eugenio-Gonzales in the 2015 film, A Second Chance.

Birthdate: March 3, 1995

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Santa Maria

Maine Mendoza is a Filipino television personality and actress. She is best known for playing Yaya Dub in the popular TV variety show, Eat Bulaga! Over the years, Maine Mendoza has won several awards, such as the Metro Manila Film Festival Award for Best Supporting Actress, which she won for her performance in the 2015 movie My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore.

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Efren Reyes

(Filipino Professional Pool Player Who is Widely Considered the Greatest Pool Player of All Time)

Birthdate: August 26, 1954

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Angeles

Efren Reyes is a Filipino professional pool player who is regarded as the greatest player of all time. Nicknamed The Magician, Reyes is best known for his ability to display numerous trick shots. Efren Reyes has also won more than 100 international titles over the course of his illustrious career. Reyes is a WPA World Eight-ball and Nine-ball champion.

Birthdate: July 25, 1988

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Santa Cruz

The defining moment of Filipino popstar Sarah Geronimo’s life came when she won the singing contest Star for a Night at 14. Known for her chartbusting tracks such as Tala and Kilometro, Sarah later secretly married actor Matteo Guidicelli. She is the most-streamed Filipina on Spotify Philippines.

Birthdate: September 5, 1967

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Sampaloc

Filipino singer Arnel Pineda’s rags-to-riches story is sure to inspire all. He went from losing his mother at 13 and staying on the streets of Manila, to gaining international fame as the lead vocalist of the rock band Journey. He was discovered through his YouTube covers and rock contest appearances. 

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Alden Richards

(One of the Celebrated and Most Awarded Artists in the Philippines)

Birthdate: January 2, 1992

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Quezon City

While he considers Hello, Love, Goodbye, the highest-grossing Filipino film ever, as his best project so far, actor Alden Richards has had a long career, peppered with films, music, and more. He will now be seen with Bea Alonzo in a film based on the Japanese series Pure Soul.

Birthdate: November 1, 1981

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Novaliches

Coco Martin is a Filipino actor, director, and producer. He is best known for his lead role in the film Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin. He began acting in the early 2000s with small roles in TV shows. In the ensuing years, he moved on to more serious roles in TV series and films. He made his directorial debut in 2017.

Birthdate: March 31, 1976

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Tondo

Filipino comedian, talk show host, actor, and TV presenter Vice Ganda has appeared in some of the highest-grossing movies in Philippine cinema. As a comedian, he uses observational comedy, situational irony, and sarcasm in his routines. Also active on TV, he regularly hosts the noontime variety show It's Showtime. He is openly gay and is considered an LGBTQAI+ icon.

Birthdate: April 23, 1985

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Santa Maria

Scouted by an agent at a mall, Angel Locsin began her career with the Philippine series Click and then gained recognition with Mulawin and Darna. Named to Forbes’s list of Asian Heroes of Philanthropy, she was prompt in raising funds to help COVID-19 front-liners in her country. 

Birthdate: February 14, 1985

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Manila

Heart Evangelista is a Filipina actress, TV host, singer, philanthropist, and socialite. She began working as a model and actress while still in her teens. As a young woman, she continued acting while also establishing herself as a painter. She launched the foundation 'Heart Can' to help children with special needs. She is married to politician Francis Escudero.

Birthdate: August 31, 1907

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Iba

Died: March 17, 1957

Born to an artisan father, Ramon Magsaysay was initially a schoolteacher. He served as the president of the Philippines and successfully subdued the Huk movement of the local communist guerrillas. The Ramon Magsaysay Award, named after him, celebrates excellence of Asians in various fields such as journalism and government service.

Birthdate: October 5, 1988

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Aparri

Filipina actor Maja Salvador became a household name with her award-winning role in the film Thelma. The series Wildflower and The Killer Bride catapulted her to international fame. In 2018, she rekindled her romance with her long-lost boyfriend of her 20s, Rambo Nunez. She now owns a talent company.

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Isabel Preysler

(Filipina Socialite, Television Host and Mother of Enrique Iglesias)

Birthdate: February 18, 1951

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Manila

Isabel Preysler is a  Filipina socialite and TV host. As a teenager, she participated in beauty pageants and worked as a model. She later started working as a journalist. An elegant woman, she is considered a fashion icon. Her first husband was Julio Iglesias, a Spanish singer.  Enrique Iglesias and Julio Iglesias Jr. are her sons.

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Anne Curtis

(Filipina-Australian Actor, Model, TV Host, and Social Media Star)

Birthdate: February 17, 1985

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Yarrawonga

Height: 5'6" (168 cm)

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Miriam Defensor Santiago

(The First Filipina to be an International Criminal Court Judge)

Birthdate: June 15, 1945

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Iloilo City

Died: September 29, 2016

Known for her legal expertise and her resolve to fight corruption, Miriam Defensor Santiago also became the first Filipina and the first from an Asian developing country to serve as a judge of the International Criminal Court. The senator was also a Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient and died of lung cancer.

Birthdate: March 30, 1992

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Cebu

The star of Filipino films Everyday I Love You and Seven Sundays, Enrique Gil also boasts of a business management degree. He had plunged into modeling out of boredom and later impressed fans as Xander in the series Forevermore. He is said to be dating his frequent co-actor Liza Soberano.

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Kris Aquino

(Actress)

Birthdate: February 14, 1971

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Quezon City

Height: 5'3" (160 cm)

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Andrea Brillantes

(Filipino Actress Best Known for Her Title Role in the TV Series ‘Annaliza’)

Birthdate: March 12, 2003

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Taytay

Andrea Brillantes is a Filipina actress and recording artist best known for her leading role in the TV series Annaliza. She started acting as a child and first appeared in the children's comedy show Goin' Bulilit. As a young woman, she has acted in dramas and fantasies, portraying versatile roles. She has received one Urduja Heritage Film Award. 

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Jo Koy

(American Stand-Up Comedian )

Birthdate: June 2, 1971

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Tacoma

Height: 5'11" (180 cm)

Birthdate: 1491 AD

Birthplace: Mactan

Died: 1542 AD

Lapu-Lapu, also known as Çilapulapu or Cilapulapu, was a datu of Mactan. He is remembered for his revolt against the Spanish colonizers of the Philippines and is regarded as the first Filipino hero. He defeated Ferdinand Magellan and his allies at the Battle of Mactan in 1521.

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Bretman Rock

(Filipino Beauty Influencer and Social Media Personality YouTuber)

Birthdate: July 31, 1998

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Sanchez Mira

Bretman Rock is a Filipino-American social media personality and beauty influencer. An internet sensation, Rock posted a contouring video in 2016, which took several social media platforms by storm. An openly gay influencer, Bretman Rock graced Gay Times' Pride Month cover in June 2019. In 2021, he started appearing in his own reality TV show, MTV's Following: Bretman Rock.

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Apolinario Mabini

(Filipino Revolutionary and the 1st Prime Minister of the Philippines)

Birthdate: July 23, 1864

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Talaga

Died: May 13, 1903

The 1st prime minister of the Philippines, Apolinario Mabini led the Philippine Revolution and helped in drafting the Malolos Constitution. Born into a family of illiterate peasants, he became a lawyer, before joining the forces of revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo. He spent most of his later years in exile, targeted by the US.

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Vic Sotto

(Actor, comedian, film producer, TV host, singer , composer)

Birthdate: April 28, 1954

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Manila

Birthdate: October 2, 1963

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Manila

Filipino-American journalist and author Maria Ressa is the co-founder and CEO of Rappler, an online news website. She was a lead investigative reporter in Southeast Asia for CNN for almost two decades.  A court in Manila found her guilty of cyber libel in 2020. This move was condemned by human rights activists as an attack on press freedom. 

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Benigno Aquino, Jr.

(Filipino Senator Who Was the Husband of President Corazon Aquino)

Birthdate: November 27, 1932

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Concepcion

Died: August 21, 1983

Benigno Aquino, Jr., also known as Ninoy Aquino, was the son of Filipino politician Benigno Aquino Sr. and grew up to be a senator and the chief opposition leader during President Ferdinand E. Marcos’s rule. A supporter of democracy, he was assassinated at the Manila airport after returning from exile.

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Kim Chiu

(Filipino Model, Actress, Singer, Dancer, Host, and Vlogger)

Birthdate: April 19, 1990

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Tacloban

Kim Chiu is a Filipino model, actress, singer, dancer, host, and vlogger. Nicknamed the Multimedia Idol, Chiu has achieved immense popularity in the Philippines. Regarded as one of the most popular actresses for her generation, Chiu is also counted among the highest grossing stars of the 2010s decade. She is also one of the most decorated performers of her generation.

Birthdate: January 1, 1892

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Roxas City

Died: April 15, 1948

Manuel Roxas was a Filipino politician who served as the president of the Philippines from 1946 to 1948. He also served as the first president of the Third Philippine Republic after the USA relinquished its supremacy over the Philippines. Regarded as an important politician in the history of the Philippines, Roxas is depicted on the 100 Peso banknote. 

Birthdate: April 5, 1947

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: San Juan

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is a Filipino politician and academic. From 2001 to 2010, Arroyo served as the president of the Philippines. Before serving as the president, Arroyo served as a senator and as the vice president of the Philippines. She later served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2018 to 2019.

Well, there is more to these happy faces than just their smile and grin – Philippines have been home of some of the world’s most distinguished people who have through their works and achievements contributed much to the society and its people. President Ramon Magsaysay, boxer Manny Pacquiao, singer Arnel Pineda, presidents Corazon Aquino and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, journalists Jose Rizal are some of the most noteworthy Filipinos who have done commendable work in their respective fields. Some such as dictator Ferdinand Marcos have been famous for their infamy as well. Check this section to find out more about famous Filipinos, their life and their works.