Handog Ng Pilipino Para sa mga Pilipino saan panig ka man ng Mundo: "Filipino Icons in Hollywood, Music, and Sports."

Monday, 3 February 2025

"Filipino Icons in Hollywood, Music, and Sports."

Hollywood

Vanessa Hudgens (b. 1988) – An actress and singer of Filipino, Irish, and Native American descent, Vanessa Hudgens rose to fame as Gabriella Montez in Disney's High School Musical series. She has since built a diverse career, starring in films like Spring Breakers, The Princess Switch, and Tick, Tick... Boom!

Dave Bautista (b. 1969) – A former WWE champion turned Hollywood actor, Bautista is of Filipino and Greek descent. He gained worldwide recognition for his role as Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy and has appeared in major films like Dune, Blade Runner 2049, and Army of the Dead.

Shay Mitchell (b. 1987) – Born to a Filipino mother and Irish-Scottish father, Shay Mitchell is best known for playing Emily Fields in Pretty Little Liars. She has also starred in You, Dollface, and various film projects while making a name for herself as an entrepreneur.

Hailee Steinfeld (b. 1996) – An actress and singer with Filipino heritage from her mother’s side, Hailee gained fame with True Grit, earning an Oscar nomination at age 14. She has since starred in Pitch Perfect 2 & 3, Bumblebee, and as Kate Bishop in Marvel's Hawkeye.

Rob Schneider (b. 1963) – A comedian and actor of Filipino-Jewish descent, Schneider rose to fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. He is known for comedic roles in films like Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, The Hot Chick, and Grown Ups.

Apl.de.ap (b. 1974) – Born Allan Pineda Lindo, Apl.de.ap is a Filipino American rapper and a founding member of The Black-Eyed Peas. While mainly known for his music, he has also ventured into acting and philanthropy, advocating for Filipino education and youth programs.

Liza Soberano (b. 1998) – A Filipino American actress and model, Liza Soberano has gained international recognition for her beauty and acting talent. She is set to make her Hollywood debut in Lisa Frankenstein and has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.

Darren Criss (b. 1987) – A singer, actor, and songwriter of Filipino descent on his mother’s side, Darren Criss is best known for his role in Glee and his Emmy-winning performance in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.

Jacob Batalon (b. 1996) – A Filipino American actor best known for portraying Ned Leeds in the Spider-Man films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has also starred in other projects like Reginald the Vampire.

Music

Bruno Mars (b. 1985) – Born Peter Gene Hernandez, Bruno Mars is a globally successful singer-songwriter and performer of Filipino and Puerto Rican descent. Known for his retro-inspired sound and electrifying stage presence, he has won multiple Grammy Awards with hits like Just the Way You Are, Uptown Funk, and 24K Magic.

Olivia Rodrigo (b. 2003) – A rising star in pop music, Olivia Rodrigo has Filipino roots from her father's side. She gained prominence as a Disney actress before breaking into music with the record-breaking album SOUR, featuring hits like drivers license and good 4 u.

Enrique Iglesias (b. 1975) – Although mainly identified with his Spanish heritage, Enrique Iglesias has Filipino roots through his father, Julio Iglesias. He is a pop icon with a career spanning decades, producing hits like Hero, Bailamos, and Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You).

Nicole Scherzinger (b. 1978) – Best known as the lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger has a mix of Filipino, Hawaiian, and Russian ancestry. She has also enjoyed a successful solo career and appeared on TV as a judge on The X Factor.

Sports

Jordan Clarkson (b. 1992) – A Filipino American professional basketball player, Clarkson plays in the NBA and won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021 with the Utah Jazz. He has represented the Philippines in international basketball competitions.

Erik Spoelstra (b. 1970) – The first Asian American head coach in the NBA, Spoelstra has led the Miami Heat to multiple championships. He has been instrumental in the team’s success, particularly during the era of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.

Alex Eala (b. 2005) – A rising Filipino tennis star, Eala has won multiple junior Grand Slam titles and is making strides in professional tennis. She is considered one of the Philippines’ brightest sports prospects.

Tim Lincecum (b. 1984) – A retired MLB pitcher with Filipino heritage, Lincecum was a two-time Cy Young Award winner and three-time World Series champion with the San Francisco Giants. Known for his unorthodox pitching style, he was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era.