Filipino Canadian from Winnipeg rises to celebrity status in the Philippines
Wayne Avellano has hosted numerous high-profile events | Photo from wayne.avellano/Instagram
Winnipegger Wayne Avellano has come a long way since his early days as a Folklorama ambassador in Canada and a former boy band member of 1:43 in the Philippines.
His transition from Winnipeg to the vibrant entertainment scene of Manila showcases the power of determination and passion for Filipino culture.
One of the highlights of his career so far was hosting the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 pageant in May.
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Avellano has also recently hosted an event for Jack Daniels and Coca-Cola Philippines in September alongside Pia Wurtzbach, further solidifying his status as a sought-after host in the Philippines.
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Still, Avellano isn’t one to forget about his roots—whether in the Philippines or Canada. In his interview with CityNews Winnipeg, Avellano cherishes his time as an ambassador for Folklorama, a festival that “promotes the ethno-cultural diversity of Manitoba through entertainment and public celebrations of culture and education,” according to its website.
“We’re doing something amazing by preserving the Filipino culture by having Folklorama, and that is a celebration in itself.”
He is also equally grateful for all the opportunities he has received since moving to Manila. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to receive recognition on the news for the dedication and efforts I’ve put in over the seven years since I’ve moved from my hometown in Winnipeg Canada to Manila! I didn’t have a network of people or connections , all I had was just a dream and a vision, and I only believe I only had $600 dollars at the time when I decided to move to Manila… And here I am today.”
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Avellano is now embarking on a new adventure in movies to mark the next chapter in his career. His transition from a boy band member to an influential host, and now an aspiring actor, underscores his versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges.
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