Filipino talents are making a big boom here in the United States of America. Each has their own expertise. I love watching TV and amongst my favorites are reality shows and talent shows. It makes my heart filled with happiness and pride whenever I hear a celebrity mentions "Philippines". Yes, I am a Filipina and I am always proud to be a Filipina. It is so uplifting to know that Americans, celebrity or not are acknowledging my beloved country. Also, my husband, who is an american, loves the Filipino people so much ( that’s why he married me).
In one cooking show, I don’t know how many times did the chefs mentioned that they were inspired by filipino cuisine. In a reality show I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, Lou Diamond Phillips mentioned the Philippines. Lou Diamond Phillips was born in the Philippines and his mother was a filipino-born, so Philippines is so dear to his heart.
How many of you loves to watch Family Guy? I love that cartoon, too. Stewie, the football-head baby (he always make me LMAO) once mentioned the Philippines. He said in one of his crazy punchlines, "send the spoiled foods in the Philippines". It is nice to hear that the Philippines starts to "dominate" even the cartoon world. What is sad was, "Stewie" thought of the Philippines as a "garbage bin". It’s because of what had happened in the past, when some countries are shipping expired goods in the Philippines.
But, the filipinos are strong and tough. We can stand up no matter how hard the storm may hit us. Manny Pacquiao proves the world that filipino people are a great fighter. Manny "PACMAN" Pacquiao is a boxing superstar. He is well-known here in the US. His name has always been mentioned in a reality show.
There are so many filipino talents who started to make their own names in the US and in other countries, as well.
FILIPINO TALENTS WHO’VE MADE IT:
- JOSEPHINE "BANIG" ROBERTO - I used to watch her in "Bagong Kampeon" in RPN 9. It was in the 80’s, a singing talent show in the Philippines. She represented the Philippines on the international singing talent show Star Search. She defeated Christina Aguilera.
- CHARICE PEMPENGCO - She started at a very young age of 6. she joined singing contests on TV. She surprised the entire country when she guested at Ellen Degeneres and Oprah, LIVE on TV. She has very powerful voice and at the age of 16, you would not believe that it was her who is singing. Charice was the first filipina singer who ever made a duet with Celine Dion, who got so impressed with her exceptional singing talent. Also, she was the very first filipino who ever touched Madison Square Garden.
- LEA SALONGA - She made her career in Broadway. She was the original "Kim" of the play "Miss Saigon" and she holds it for over 10 years. She is still making a theatre musical plays. She was the first filipina to win Tony Awards. Such a great talent.
- ERNIE REYES, JR. - I first saw him in Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bridgette Nielsen’s movie Red Sonja. He played a nosy and stubborn prince who later on made a journey together. He’s a Taekwondo Black Belt. He was offered the role of Donatelo in the movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 (one of my favorite kiddie movies), but I heard that he only played a few stints in the movie?
- JOCELYN ENRIQUEZ - She was a beauty contestant before she started her singing career. The Philippines were surprised when we learned that she is a filipina and she even visited the country and her families in their province. Her song Do You Miss Me? were a big hit in the 90’s and If You could Read My Mind with Amber and Ultra Nate. She is now married with a filipino guy and has 3 kids.
- JAZMINE TRIAS - She grew up in Hawaii and joined the popular American Idol. She was in third place and it was a milestone for a shy and timid young lady like Jazmine Trias. She is making her name to the music industry here in the US and in the Philippines, as well.
- ARNEL PINEDA - Former AMO vocalist. He is the newest vocalist of the band Journey. Isn’t that a big fulfillment and a Philippine pride?
Here are some artist who has a Filipino blood and proud that they are a filipino.
- LOU DIAMOND PHILLIPS - Known for his character portrayal of Los Lobos’ Richie Valens from the movie La Bamba. Born in the Philippines, his mother is Filipino-born.
- JO KOY - Joseph Glenn Herbert is his real name. Half Filipino, half-American. He established his career in stand-up comedy. Jo Koy is one of Chelsea Handler panelist in Chelsea Lately Show.
- ALLAN PINEDA LINDO - Half-Filipino, Half-Black American. He moved to the US when he was 14. He is one of the founder of the group Blackeyed Peas. He also made a song of how was his life in the Philippines.
- BILLY CRAWFORD - He was this cute little boy in That’s Entertainment who always do the Michael Jackson moves as he sings and dance. He was 9 years old when his family moved to Dallas, TX. When he was 15, he joined a talent contest and bag the title, there a talent personnel spotted him and opened the door for him to a bigger and more challenging career as an artist.
I am always proud to be a Filipino, successful or not. And, like these talents, I reached my own milestone. I am here in America and living my own dream. To be a loving and truthful wife to my beloved husband.
