Top 10 world-famous Filipino Americans
For Filipino Americans, October is a time to celebrate our heritage and culture. This month marks an important event on every Filipino-American’s calendar, and October is Filipino American History Month (FAHM).
How so? This is in commemoration of the arrival of the first Filipinos to set foot on the land of the United States. The first Filipinos arrived at Morro Bay, California, on October 18, 1957.
Since it’s very timely to honor the Filipino-Americans who have helped shape history, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the many accomplishments of Filipino American immigrants in this country. In addition, they have made tremendous contributions in the world of art, music, entertainment, and even Hollywood.
Who are they? You might be surprised. These people have drastically changed how we think about Filipino-Americans in movies, TV shows, Broadway, and more. Moreover, in honor of this month, here is the list of very talented Filipino Americans who have made significant contributions to American society and the rest of the globe.
1. Nicole Scherzinger
Pussycat Doll and X-Factor judge
Photo Credit: IMDB
Born with a Filipino dad, Nicole has always been the famous Filipino American doll to enter the music industry. While her parents separated when she was a baby, her stepfather adopted her, changing her surname to Scherzinger.
2. Monique Lhuillier
Wedding gown connoisseur and fashion designer
Whether it’s a Hollywood wedding or the Met Gala, Monique is the go-to of some of the famous Hollywood celebrities for their gowns or evening formal wear. Although this Filipino American was born in Cebu City, Philippines, she’s been on the fashion streets of Los Angeles since 1996.
3. Vanessa Hudgens
High school musical series star and actress
Photo Credit: IMDB
Whether it’s her love for halo-halo, adobo, and pancit (as told in a 2007 interview) that shows she’s a real Filipino, her love for rice justifies it. She grew up with a Filipino mom and an American dad.
4. Jo Koy
Stand-up comedian and Chelsea Lately panelist
As a famous Netflix comedian, he was born to a Filipino mom. “Jo Koy” is his stage name, and it’s a nickname his mom gave him.
5. Lea Salonga
Singer and Musicals performer
While she was known for her title Miss Saigon, she’s also a Tony Award-winner for one of her performances. Moreover, Lea also appeared in Broadway musicals in the US.
6. Bruno Mars
Pop singer and songwriter
Photo Credit: IMDB
While growing up in Hawaii, he can’t deny his love for Spam. Very Pinoy! Born as Peter Gene Hernandez, his mom is a Filipino, and at while same time, his dad is a Puerto-Rican-Jewish dad.
7. Caterina Fake
Flicker founder
Yes, you’ve read it right! The brilliant mind behind Flicker is a Filipino American. In addition, Caterina finished college at Vassar College in 1991. In 1994, Flicker came to life. She was born to a Filipino mom in Pennsylvania.
8. Enrique Iglesias
Singer
Photo Credit: IMDB
For instance, this Filipino American’s father is Spanish singer Julio Iglesias. He was born in Madrid to a Filipino mom, and his mom is Isabel Preysler, a socialite and Filipino Journalist.
9. Manny Jacinto
Actor
You probably know him as “Jason” from his role in the TV series “The Good Place.” Although his acting career is striving with his other roles in shows such as Once Upon a Time, Supernatural, and Bates Motel, he’s a college degree holder from the University of British Columbia. Oh, and he’s a pure Filipino.
10. APL.de.ap
Black Eyed Peas member
Born as Allan Pineda, his group Black Eyed Peas has bagged several Grammy awards. He was born to a Filipina mom and an American dad in Pampanga, Philippines.
Key Takeaway
While these Filipino Americans have their fair share of various skills and talents that made them known all around the world, there’s still more of them that wasn’t in the list. From politicians and award-winning actors to athletes and artists, these people have become household names in their communities.
