Â鶹APP

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia

Originally published by Lilian on December 2021. Edited by Charity K on May 2023 and updated by Benji M on February 25, 2024

Top 15 Famous Filipino People

The Philippines is an archipelago located to the west of the South China Sea, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the southwest.

Its immediate maritime neighbors are Taiwan to the north, Japan to the northeast, and Palau to the east.

This archipelago covers about 120,000 square miles of land and it is the 12^th most populous country in Asia. It is made up of 7,641 islands making it the largest archipelago in the world.  

The islands are made up of different ethnicities and cultures. There are beautiful beaches and delicious exotic fruits on the islands.

The Philippines was the first country in Asia to gain independence as well as a democratic country.

Filipinos are known to be some of the happiest people who believe in living life to the fullest. They have a never-say-die spirit are very resilient.

The film industry in the Philippines is very successful. They have not only thrived in the film but in other fields too.

Check out the top 15 famous Filipino people.

Click here to read more about famous people.

1. Jose Rizal – Liberator

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia

Together with Andrés Bonifacio and Apolinario Mabini, Jose Rizal is widely regarded as one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines.

Jose was the main member of the Filipino Propaganda Movement. They advocated for political reforms when the Spanish ruled the country.

Rizal used his writing to inspire the Philippine Revolution through his writings. He was an ophthalmologist by profession.

In 1896, Rizal was executed by the Spanish government, paying the ultimate price for his freedom fighting.

Filipinos celebrate Jose Rizal Day every December 30^th marking the anniversary of his death. His life has inspired several biographical films and TV series.

2. Manny Pacquiáo – Professional Boxer & Politician

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia

Emmanuel “Manny” Dapidran Pacquiao is a professional boxer and politician. Manny is the first and only eight-division world champion.

He has won ten world titles, as well as being the first to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes. This makes him the second-highest-paid athlete in the world.

In the early 2000s, Manny was named Fighter of the Decade by the Boxing Writers Association of America, World Boxing Council, and World Boxing Organization.

Pacquiao has also been featured in acting, music recording, and politics.

In May 2010, he was elected to the House of Representatives in the 15th Congress of the Philippines, representing the province of Sarangani.

Click here to read more about famous people.

3. Ferdinand Marcos – Politician

Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos was President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986.

Before venturing into politics, Ferdinand practiced law.  He was a member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate.

In 1983, his government was accused of being involved in the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr, his primary political opponent.

There was public outrage over the assassination and it catalyzed the People Power Revolution in February 1986.

Marcos was removed from power and was exiled to Hawaii. It was later discovered that together with his wife, they had embezzled billions of public funds.

4. Charice – Singer

Photo by George Pimentel – Wikimedia

Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco is a singer popularly known as Charice. He rose to popularity through a YouTube video.

Oprah Winfrey referred to him as the most talented singer in the world. The first international studio album released was in 2010.

This album entered the Billboard 200 and was ranked at number 8. Charice was the first Asian solo singer in history to be featured in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 album chart.

The most popular single was Pyramid which featured the Caribbean singer Iyaz.  

5. Pia Wurtzbach – Model

Pia is undoubtedly the most beautiful woman in the Philippines. She has crowned Miss Universe in 2015.

She represented her country in the prestigious pageant where she was the 3^rd Filipina to win this prestigious title; after Gloria Diaz who won in 1969 and Margie Moran who won in 1973. After winning the title, Pia carried out her duties abroad as Miss Universe.     

The beauty queen had contested three different times to be Miss Philippines. It was on her third attempt that she won the title that earned her a place in Miss Universe 2015 pageant.

In 2017, she signed a contract with WME/IMG’s IMG Universe division where she continues to work with the Miss Universe Organization as an HIV/AIDS awareness advocate after her reign.

6. Corazon Aquino – Politician

María Corazón Sumulong fondly known as Cory was a politician who served as the 11th President of the Philippines.

She was also the first woman to hold that office in the Philippines as well as the first female president in Asia.

Corazon is considered The Mother of Philippine Democracy. During the 1986 People Power Revolution, Aquino was one of the most prominent figures.

This movement toppled the 21-year authoritarian rule of President Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy in the Philippines.

That same year, she was named Time magazine’s Woman of the Year.

7. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo – Politician

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia

Gloria Arroyo was the President of the Philippines from 2004 to 2010. Arroyo is the daughter of former Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal.

She earned a Master’s degree in economics from Ateneo de Manila University and a Doctorate from the University of the Philippines.

Gloria was first elected as Senator in 1992 and served until 1998. In 1998, Arroyo won the Vice Presidency seat under President Estrada.

Estrada was removed from office in 2001 due to corruption allegations and Miss Arroyo was sworn in as president.

She was elected to a full six-year presidential term in 2004.

8. Imelda Marcos – Politician

Photo courtesy of Malaca̱ang Palace РWikimedia

Another famous politician in the Philippines is Imelda R. Marcos. She was the widow of the 10^th Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos.

During her husband’s 20-year rule as President, Imelda held various government positions until 1986 when he was removed from office.

She was the first politician elected as a member of the Philippine legislature in three geographical locations.

In 2010, she was elected as a member of the House of Representatives to represent Ilocos Norte’s second district.

Marcos is sometimes called the Steel Butterfly or the Iron Butterfly. This was because of her extravagant lifestyle as the wife of the president.

Imelda had a collection of 2,700 pairs of shoes and a net worth of 932.8 million pesos.  She is the 2^nd richest politician in the Philippines after the boxer, Manny Pacquiao.

Click here to read more about famous people from different parts of the world.

9.  Regine Velasquez – Artist

Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez-Alcasid is a recording artist and actress.

She won the Grand Prize at the 1989 Asia Pacific Singing Contest in Hong Kong and is famous for her extensive vocal range.

Regine was the first Asian artist to stage a solo concert at the Carnegie Hall in New York. This was part of Carnegie Hall’s centennial-year concert series.

In 1994, her first Asia-released album was released by Polygram Records. The album is titled Listen Without Prejudice.

It is Velasquez’s most successful album to date. She sold more than 700,000 copies in Asia.

Velasquez has performed and collaborated with other international artists such as Paul Anka, David Hasselhoff, 98 Degrees, Brian McKnight, Mandy Moore, Ronan Keating, and Stephen Bishop, among many others.

10. Joseph Estrada – Politician

Photo by Helene C. Stikkel – Wikimedia

Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada served as the 13th President of the Philippines from 1998 until 2001.

Estrada was the first Filipino in the Post-EDSA era to be elected both in the presidency and vice presidency.

He was the Mayor of Manila, the country’s capital, after winning in the 2013 mid-term elections.

Before venturing into politics, Estrada was a film actor who played leading roles in more than 100 films. His acting career spanned over 33 years.

11. Liza Soberano- Actress

Hope Elizabeth Hanley Soberano is a Filipino-American actress, model, and singer.

She is known for playing the protagonist in the romantic comedy series Forevermore from 2014 to 2015.

She starred in multiple television series alongside Enrique Gil including My Ex and Whys, Alone/Together, Dolce Amore, and Just The Way You Are.

12. Kathryn Bernardo- Actress

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Kathryn Chandria Manuel Bernardo is a Filipino actress and singer known as the Box Office Queen of her generation.

She was born on March 26, 1996, in Cabantuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. She is the only Filipino actress with two films that have earned more than P800 million each.

Forbes Asia has named her one of Asia-Pacific’s most influential celebrities on social media.

She is known for her roles in Mara Clara, Pangako Sa ‘Yo, She’s Dating the Gangster, and her most recent television series 2 Good 2 Be True.

13. James Reid- Actor

Robert James Marquinez Reid is a Filipino-Australian singer, actor, dancer, songwriter, model, and record label executive. He is known for his leading role in the film Diary ng Panget, Talk Back and You’re Dead, Never Not Love You, One the Wings of Love, and Till I Met You. He is known as the country’s Multimedia Prince by multiple media outlets.

He has numerous accolades including an MTV Europe Music Award, FAMAS Award, and 2 SBS Pop Asia Awards. In 2017, he released an album that marked the foundation of his own independent record label Careless.

14. Daniel Padilla- Actor

Daniel John Elago Ford was born on April 26 1995 he is known by his scree name Daniel Padilla.

He is a Filipino actor and recording artist who made his television debut in the soap opera Gimik 2010.

He has starred in the television series Got to Believe, Crazy Beautiful You, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Barcelona: A Love Untold.

Daniel has received awards in music, film, and television including the PMPC Star Award for Music Actor of the Year, the Luna Awards for Best Actor, the FAMAS Award for Best Actor, the GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards for Box Office King, and Awit Awards.

15. Enrique Gil- Actor

Enrique Mari Bacay Gil V was born on March 30, 1992. He is a Filipino actor, entrepreneur, commercial model, and dancer.

He is known for his role as Alexander Grande III in the television series Forevermore. 

He went on to star in the films Just The Way You Are, She’s the One, and Seven Sundays.

He has won numerous awards including the GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment, and the Gawad PASADO Awards for Best Actor.

Read more about Famous actors here.

Top 15 Richest Filipino Business Tycoons

Ever wondered who the big shots are in the Filipino business world? Well, let me tell you about the top 15 richest business tycoons in the Philippines! These are the people who have built massive fortunes through their hard work, smarts, and sometimes a bit of luck.

From real estate moguls to telecom giants, they’ve made their mark on the economy and shaped industries. It’s fascinating to see how these individuals started from humble beginnings and grew their empires into billion-dollar enterprises. So, sit back, relax, and join me on this journey as we explore the lives and achievements of the wealthiest business tycoons in the Philippines!

1. Manuel Villar

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Let me tell you about Manny Villar, a Filipino business tycoon who made his fortune in real estate. Manny grew up in a poor family, but that didn’t stop him from dreaming big. He started his career as a salesman and later founded Vista Land & Lifescapes, one of the biggest real estate developers in the Philippines.

Manny’s success story is all about seizing opportunities and working hard to achieve his goals. Today, he’s not only one of the richest men in the Philippines but also a prominent figure in politics, serving as a senator. Manny Villar’s journey from rags to riches is a true inspiration, showing us that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

2. Enrique Razon Jr.

He’s the chairman and CEO of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), a company that operates ports all over the world. Enrique took over his family’s business and transformed it into a global powerhouse. His vision and leadership have made ICTSI a leader in the industry, handling millions of containers every year.

Enrique Razon Jr.’s success story is all about innovation and thinking big. He’s not just about business though; he’s also known for his philanthropy and contributions to society. Enrique’s journey from a small shipping business to running a multinational corporation is truly inspiring, showing us that with determination and a forward-thinking mindset, you can achieve great things.

3. Lucio Tan

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Starting from humble beginnings, Lucio worked hard and built his empire. He’s the founder and chairman of the LT Group, which has interests in banking, tobacco, liquor, and airline industries. Lucio made a name for himself by turning around struggling businesses and making them profitable. His business acumen and strategic investments have made him one of the wealthiest people in the Philippines.

Lucio Tan’s story teaches us about resilience and seizing opportunities. Despite facing challenges along the way, he persevered and achieved remarkable success. Beyond his business ventures, Lucio is also known for his philanthropy, supporting various causes and initiatives to give back to society. His journey from rags to riches is a testament to the power of hard work and determination.

 4. John Gokongwei Jr

He started from scratch, selling goods in a bicycle and eventually built a diversified empire. John founded JG Summit Holdings, a conglomerate with interests in food, airlines, real estate, and telecommunications. He’s known for his innovative spirit and ability to spot opportunities. Despite facing setbacks, like the fire that destroyed his business early on, John never gave up.

His perseverance and hard work paid off, making him one of the richest men in the Philippines. John Gokongwei Jr.’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and entrepreneurship. He’s not just a successful businessman but also a philanthropist, giving back to the community through various charitable initiatives. John’s legacy continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.

5. Jaime Zobel de Ayala

, , via Wikimedia Commons

He comes from the prestigious Ayala family, known for their involvement in various industries. Jaime is the chairman emeritus of Ayala Corporation, one of the oldest and largest conglomerates in the Philippines. Under his leadership, Ayala Corporation has expanded into real estate, banking, telecommunications, and utilities, shaping the landscape of Philippine business.

Jaime’s business philosophy emphasizes sustainability and corporate social responsibility, making Ayala Corporation a leader in these areas. Beyond his business endeavors, Jaime is also involved in philanthropy, supporting education, healthcare, and environmental conservation efforts. His legacy as a visionary businessman and a socially responsible leader continues to inspire generations of Filipinos to make a positive impact on society while achieving success in their own endeavors.

 6. George Ty

He’s the founder of Metrobank, one of the largest banks in the Philippines. George started his career in banking at a young age, and through hard work and determination, he built Metrobank into a powerhouse in the industry. His vision and leadership transformed Metrobank into a leading financial institution, offering a wide range of banking services to millions of customers.

George Ty’s success story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and perseverance. Despite facing challenges along the way, he remained focused on his goals and achieved remarkable success. Beyond his business ventures, George was also known for his philanthropy, supporting various causes to uplift communities and promote education. His legacy as a visionary businessman and a generous philanthropist continues to inspire many in the Philippines.

7. Tony Tan Caktiong

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Let me tell you about Tony Tan Caktiong, a Filipino business tycoon best known for founding and leading Jollibee Foods Corporation, one of the largest and most successful fast-food chains in the Philippines. Tony started his business journey by selling ice cream as a teenager and later opened a small restaurant with his family.

Through hard work and dedication, he transformed Jollibee into a beloved brand not only in the Philippines but also internationally, with branches in many countries worldwide. Tony’s innovative ideas and focus on quality and customer satisfaction have made Jollibee a household name.

Beyond his business success, Tony is also known for his generosity and philanthropy, supporting various charitable initiatives. His inspiring story teaches us that with determination and a passion for what you do, you can achieve great success and make a positive impact on society.

8. Andrew Tan

He’s the founder and chairman of Alliance Global Group, which has interests in real estate, hospitality, liquor, and gaming. Andrew’s journey to success started with humble beginnings, but through hard work and determination, he built his empire. His company, Megaworld Corporation, is one of the largest real estate developers in the Philippines, responsible for creating vibrant communities and commercial centers.

Andrew’s vision and leadership have propelled Alliance Global Group to become a major player in the Philippine economy. Beyond his business ventures, Andrew is also known for his philanthropy, supporting education and healthcare initiatives. His inspiring story serves as a reminder that with perseverance and a strong work ethic, anyone can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact on society.

9. Ramon Ang

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

He’s the president and CEO of San Miguel Corporation, one of the largest and most diversified conglomerates in the country. Ramon’s leadership has transformed San Miguel into a powerhouse, with interests in food and beverages, packaging, power, fuel and oil, infrastructure, and telecommunications. Under his guidance, San Miguel has expanded its operations both locally and internationally, becoming a key player in the global market.

Ramon’s business acumen and strategic vision have earned him recognition as one of the most influential business leaders in the Philippines. Beyond his business endeavors, Ramon is also involved in philanthropy, supporting various charitable initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and community development. His inspiring story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, innovation, and determination in achieving success.

10. David Consunji

He’s the founder of DMCI Holdings, a leading construction and engineering company in the Philippines. David’s journey to success started with humble beginnings, working as a carpenter before eventually starting his own construction firm. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to quality, David grew DMCI Holdings into a powerhouse in the construction sector. His company is known for its expertise in building infrastructure, residential, and commercial projects across the country.

David’s leadership and innovative approach to construction have earned him recognition as one of the pioneers in the industry. Beyond his business ventures, David was also involved in philanthropy, supporting various charitable initiatives focused on education and community development. His inspiring story serves as a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anyone can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact on society.

11. Roberto Ongpin

He’s the chairman and CEO of Alphaland Corporation, a real estate development company. Roberto’s career spans decades and includes stints in banking, gaming, and agriculture, among other sectors. He’s known for his strategic investments and bold business moves, which have contributed to his success.

Roberto’s vision and leadership have made Alphaland Corporation a prominent player in the real estate market, with projects ranging from residential developments to commercial complexes. Beyond his business ventures, Roberto is also involved in philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes.

His inspiring story serves as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and innovation in achieving success. Despite facing challenges along the way, Roberto’s determination and resilience have allowed him to thrive in the competitive business world.

12. Lucio and Susan Co

They are the founders of Puregold Price Club, one of the largest supermarket chains in the Philippines. Lucio and Susan started their journey with a small grocery store in 1998 and grew it into a thriving business that serves millions of customers nationwide.

Their dedication to providing quality products at affordable prices has made Puregold Price Club a household name in the Philippines. Lucio and Susan’s story is one of partnership, hard work, and perseverance.

Despite facing challenges along the way, they remained focused on their goals and turned their vision into reality. Today, Puregold Price Club continues to expand under their leadership, catering to the needs of Filipino families across the country.

13. Manuel Zamora

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

He’s the founder and chairman of Nickel Asia Corporation, the Philippines’ largest nickel mining company. Manuel’s journey to success started with humble beginnings, but through hard work and determination, he built his empire. His company, Nickel Asia Corporation, is a major player in the global nickel market, supplying nickel to industries worldwide.

Manuel’s vision and leadership have propelled Nickel Asia Corporation to become a key player in the Philippine economy. Beyond his business ventures, Manuel is also known for his philanthropy, supporting various causes to uplift communities and promote education. His inspiring story serves as a reminder that with perseverance and a strong work ethic, anyone can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact on society.

 14. Alfredo Yao

He’s the founder and chairman of the Zest-O Corporation, a leading producer of fruit juices and other beverages in the Philippines. Alfredo’s journey to success began with the establishment of Zest-O Corporation in 1981, starting with a small factory and a single product. Through his dedication and hard work, Alfredo grew the company into a household name, offering a wide range of beverage products that are enjoyed by millions of Filipinos.

His business acumen and commitment to quality have earned Zest-O Corporation a strong reputation in the market. Beyond his business ventures, Alfredo is also known for his philanthropy, supporting various charitable initiatives focused on education and community development. His inspiring story serves as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and determination in achieving success.

15. Inigo and Mercedes Zobel

They come from the prestigious Zobel de Ayala family, which has been influential in various industries in the Philippines. Inigo and Mercedes are involved in managing their family’s businesses, including Ayala Corporation, one of the largest conglomerates in the country. They play important roles in the company’s operations and decision-making processes, contributing to its success and growth.

In addition to their business endeavors, Inigo and Mercedes are also known for their philanthropic activities. They support various charitable initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and community development, making a positive impact on the lives of many Filipinos. Their dedication to both business and philanthropy reflects their commitment to improving society and creating lasting change.