Famous People Born In Manila

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 1 
Lea Salonga
(The First Asian Actress to Receive a Tony Award)
Lea Salonga
30
Birthdate: February 22, 1971
Sun Sign: Pisces

Lea Salonga is a Filipina actress, singer, and columnist. She achieved international fame at the age of 18, when she originated the role of Kim in Miss Saigon, winning the Laurence Olivier Award under the Best Actress in a Musical category. Lea Salonga became the first Asian actress to receive a Tony Award when she reprised the role on Broadway.

 2 
Manny Jacinto
(Filipino-Born Canadian Actor)
Manny Jacinto
23
Birthdate: August 19, 1987
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 3 
Benigno Aquino III
(15th President of the Philippines)
Benigno Aquino III
35
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: February 8, 1960
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: June 24, 2021
Benigno Aquino III, also known as PNoy, or Noynoy, was the president of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016. He has also chaired the Liberal Party. Son of Filipino politician Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., he was named to Time 100 in 2013. He has also faced legal charges for corruption.
 4 
Daniel Padilla
(Filipino Actor and Recording Artist Known for His Films: ‘She's Dating the Gangster’ and ‘Crazy Beautiful You’)
Daniel Padilla
53
Birthdate: April 26, 1995
Sun Sign: Taurus

Daniel Padilla is a Filipino recording artist and actor. In 2015, Padilla became the first Pinoy artist to receive the Kids' Choice Award under the Global Slime Star category. He has also won several other awards, such as Myx Music Awards and Awit Awards. Also known for his philanthropic efforts, Padilla often participates in charity events.

 5 
Sarah Geronimo
18
Birthdate: July 25, 1988
Sun Sign: Leo
The defining moment of Filipino popstar Sarah Geronimo’s life came when she won the singing contest Star for a Night at 14. Known for her chartbusting tracks such as Tala and Kilometro, Sarah later secretly married actor Matteo Guidicelli. She is the most-streamed Filipina on Spotify Philippines.
 6 
Heart Evangelista
21
Birthdate: February 14, 1985
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Heart Evangelista is a Filipina actress, TV host, singer, philanthropist, and socialite. She began working as a model and actress while still in her teens. As a young woman, she continued acting while also establishing herself as a painter. She launched the foundation 'Heart Can' to help children with special needs. She is married to politician Francis Escudero.

 7 
Vic Sotto
(Actor, comedian, film producer, TV host, singer , composer)
Vic Sotto
7
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: April 28, 1954
Sun Sign: Taurus
 8 
Maria Ressa
(Journalist)
Maria Ressa
22
Birthdate: October 2, 1963
Sun Sign: Libra

Filipino-American journalist and author Maria Ressa is the co-founder and CEO of Rappler, an online news website. She was a lead investigative reporter in Southeast Asia for CNN for almost two decades.  A court in Manila found her guilty of cyber libel in 2020. This move was condemned by human rights activists as an attack on press freedom. 

 9 
Nico Santos
(Known for portraying Oliver T'sien in Crazy Rich Asians)
Nico Santos
1
Birthdate: April 7, 1979
Sun Sign: Aries
 10 
Ivana Alawi
(Actress And Model)
Ivana Alawi
3
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: December 25, 1996
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 11 
Isabel Preysler
(Filipina Socialite, Television Host and Mother of Enrique Iglesias)
Isabel Preysler
25
Birthdate: February 18, 1951
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Isabel Preysler is a  Filipina socialite and TV host. As a teenager, she participated in beauty pageants and worked as a model. She later started working as a journalist. An elegant woman, she is considered a fashion icon. Her first husband was Julio Iglesias, a Spanish singer.  Enrique Iglesias and Julio Iglesias Jr. are her sons.

 12 
Fernando Poe Jr.
(Popular Philippine Actor Who Later Stepped into Politics)
Fernando Poe Jr.
3
Birthdate: August 20, 1939
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: December 14, 2004

Also known as FPJ and Da King, Fernando Poe Jr. was a popular actor in the Philippines and won 5 FAMAS Best Actor awards. He later stepped into politics as a member of KNP, or the United Opposition. He is also known for testifying against the criminal gangs known as the Big Four.

 13 
John Lloyd Cruz
(Actor)
John Lloyd Cruz
1
Birthdate: June 24, 1983
Sun Sign: Cancer
 14 
Angelica Panganiban
(Actress)
Angelica Panganiban
5
Birthdate: November 4, 1986
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 15 
Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
(President of Philippines)
Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
37
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: September 13, 1957
Sun Sign: Virgo

Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is a Filipino politician and the current president of the Philippines. A prominent political figure, Marcos also served as a senator of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is also currently serving as the Secretary of Agriculture. 

 16 
Sharon Cuneta
(singer)
Sharon Cuneta
8
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: January 6, 1966
Sun Sign: Capricorn
 17 
Imelda Marcos
(Filipino Politician)
Imelda Marcos
52
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: July 2, 1929
Sun Sign: Cancer

Imelda Marcos is a retired Filipino politician with a controversial history. She became the First Lady of the Philippines in 1965 when her husband, Ferdinand Marcos, became President of the nation. Her family stole billions of dollars from the country’s citizens and lived lavishly. The Marcoses were unseated during the People Power Revolution in February 1986.

 18 
Bryan Callen
(Filipino-Born American Comedian, Actor, and Podcaster)
Bryan Callen
11
Birthdate: January 26, 1967
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 19 
Gina Lopez
(Philippine Environmental Activist Who Fought against Destructive Mining)
Gina Lopez
4
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: December 27, 1953
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Died: August 19, 2019

Philippine environmental activist and philanthropist Gina Lopez is remembered for her relentless fight against hazardous and destructive mining practices. She had led the ABS-CBN Foundation and had chaired the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission. She had also served as the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines.

 20 
Piolo Pascual
(Actor, film producer, musician, model, record producer)
Piolo Pascual
5
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: January 12, 1977
Sun Sign: Capricorn
 21 
Risa Hontiveros
(Filipino Politician Who is Currently Serving as a Senator of the Philiippines)
Risa Hontiveros
8
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: February 24, 1966
Sun Sign: Pisces

Risa Hontiveros is a Filipino politician, journalist, and community leader. After starting her career as a journalist, Hontiveros went on to establish herself as a prominent political leader and is currently serving as a Senator of the Philippines. Over the course of her career, Risa Hontiveros has received several honors, including a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.

 22 
Neile Adams
(Filipina-American Actress, Singer and Dancer)
Neile Adams
12
Birthdate: July 10, 1932
Sun Sign: Cancer

Neile Adams is a Filipino-American dancer, actress, and singer. Before establishing herself in the American entertainment industry, Adams lived in Manila where she worked as a spy as part of the Philippine resistance movement during the Second World War. She then moved to the USA, where she became a dancer and actress.

 23 
Nick Joaquin
(Filipino Journalist and Writer)
Nick Joaquin
6
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: May 4, 1917
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: April 29, 2004

Nick Joaquin was a Filipino journalist and writer. He is best remembered for his novels and short stories written in the English language. Counted among the most prominent Filipino writers of all time, Nick Joaquin was the recipient of many prestigious awards such as the National Artist Award and Ramon Magsaysay Award for Literature.

 24 
Francis Pangilinan
(Filipino Politician Who us Currently Serving as the Chairperson of the 'Liberal Party')
Francis Pangilinan
5
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: August 24, 1963
Sun Sign: Virgo

Francis Pangilinan is a Filipino politician, lawyer, and farm owner. He is best known for his service as a Senator of the Philippines on two occasions between 2001 and 2022. Francis Pangilinan is currently serving as the Chairperson of the Liberal Party.

 25 
Carlos P. Romulo
(Filipino Statesman, Diplomat, Journalist, Soldier, and Author)
Carlos P. Romulo
4
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: January 14, 1898
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Died: December 15, 1985

Carlos P. Romulo was a Filipino statesman, diplomat, journalist, soldier, and author. He is best remembered for his service as the Minister of Foreign Affairs on three occasions between 1950 and 1984. Among several other important posts, he also held the office of the Secretary of Education from 1965 to 1967. Romulo was the recipient of numerous honors and awards.

 26 
Rachelle Ann Go
(Actor, Singer, Model)
Rachelle Ann Go
5
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: August 31, 1986
Sun Sign: Virgo
 27 
Francis Escudero
(Filipino Politician and Former Governor of Sorsogon)
Francis Escudero
10
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: October 10, 1969
Sun Sign: Libra

Francis Escudero is a Filipino politician and lawyer. He is best known for his service as the Governor of Sorsogon from 2019 to 2022. He is currently serving as a Senator of the Philippines. Francis Escudero has also worked as a lecturer at the University of the Philippines.

 28 
Joey Mead King
(Television personality)
Joey Mead King
3
Birthdate: September 12, 1976
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 29 
Joey de Leon
(Comedian, actor, television presenter)
Joey de Leon
6
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 14, 1946
Sun Sign: Libra
 30 
Jake Ejercito
(Filipino Actor)
Jake Ejercito
0
Birthdate: March 27, 1990
Sun Sign: Aries
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 31 
Karylle
(Actor, Singer, Model)
Karylle
4
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 22, 1981
Sun Sign: Aries
 32 
Ruffa Gutierrez
(Former pageant queen known for her 1993 Binibining Pilipinas World and Second Runner-up to Miss World 1993)
Ruffa Gutierrez
4
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: June 24, 1974
Sun Sign: Cancer
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 33 
Kathleen de Leon Jones
(Actress, singer, and dancer known for her role in the Hi-5 musical children's television series)
Kathleen de Leon Jones
2
Birthdate: September 1, 1977
Sun Sign: Virgo
 34 
Tito Sotto
(Former Philippine Senate President)
Tito Sotto
13
Birthdate: August 24, 1948
Sun Sign: Virgo

Former Filipino senate president Vicente Castelo Sotto III, also known as Tito Sotto or Tito Sen, was also a well-known musician and songwriter who had co-founded the band VST & Co. He had also co-hosted Eat Bulaga! And had represented the Philippine national bowling team in international tournaments.

 35 
Bong Coo
(Filipino Retired Professional Bowler)
Bong Coo
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 3, 1948
Sun Sign: Gemini
 36 
Jejomar Binay
(Vice President of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016)
Jejomar Binay
10
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: November 11, 1942
Sun Sign: Scorpio

Jejomar Binay is a Filipino politician and lawyer. He is known for his service as the Vice President of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016. He also served as the Mayor of Makati on three occasions between 1986 and 2010. A human rights lawyer, Binay helped establish the Movement for Brotherhood, Integrity and Nationalism, Inc. alongside other human rights lawyers.

 37 
Paolo Contis
(Actor)
Paolo Contis
1
Birthdate: March 14, 1984
Sun Sign: Pisces
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 38 
Bong Revilla
(Actor, Film producer, Comedian, Film actor)
Bong Revilla
10
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: September 25, 1966
Sun Sign: Libra
 39 
Slater Young
(Actor and Reality Star)
Slater Young
0
Birthdate: December 19, 1987
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 40 
Macario Sakay
(Revolutionary)
Macario Sakay
2
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: March 1, 1878
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: September 13, 1907
 41 
Mark Gil
(Actor)
Mark Gil
1
Birthdate: September 25, 1961
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: September 1, 2014
 42 
Richard Gomez
(Filipino Actor, Director, Television Presenter, Épée Fencer, and Politician)
Richard Gomez
6
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 7, 1966
Sun Sign: Aries

Richard Gomez is a Filipino actor, director, television presenter, épée fencer, and politician. He is best known for his service as the Mayor of Ormoc from 2016 to 2022. He achieved popularity as a fencer in 2005, when he won a gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games. Gomez has also won many acting honors, including several Gawad Urian Awards.

 43 
Nico Santos
(Singer)
Nico Santos
1
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: January 7, 1993
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 44 
Salvador Laurel
(The 8th Vice-President and the 5th Prime Minister of the Philippines)
Salvador Laurel
1
Listed In: Lawyers & Judges
Birthdate: November 18, 1928
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Died: January 27, 2004

The 8th vice-president of the Philippines, Salvador Laurel had also served as the country’s 5th prime minister. Initially part of the New Society Movement, he later joined the multi-party UNIDO alliance. A Yale alumnus, he also had a successful career as a lawyer, before he stepped into politics.

 45 
Cesar Montano
(Actor)
Cesar Montano
5
Birthdate: August 1, 1962
Sun Sign: Leo
 46 
Bam Aquino
(Philippine Senator and Former Actor and Host)
Bam Aquino
5
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: May 7, 1977
Sun Sign: Taurus

Filipino politician Bam Aquino was born into the famous Aquino family that has dominated the political, entertainment, and business sectors of the Philippines. Starting his career as a host and actor, he later became a senator and introduced laws for the development of education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

 47 
Pedro Paterno
(2nd Prime Minister of the Philippines)
Pedro Paterno
0
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: February 27, 1857
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: April 26, 1911

Philippine politician Pedro Paterno was educated in Spain, where he graduated in philosophy and theology. He later became the prime minister of his country. A poet and novelist, too, he eventually became infamous as a traitor after supporting the U.S. and favoring American dominion during the Philippine–American War.

 48 
Jose Garcia Villa
(Filipino Poet, Short Story Writer, Literary Critic, and Painter)
Jose Garcia Villa
1
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: August 5, 1908
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: February 7, 1997

Jose Garcia Villa was a Filipino poet, short story writer, literary critic, and painter. Nicknamed the Comma Poet, Villa is credited with introducing and popularizing the extensive usage of punctuation marks, especially commas, in poems. Over the course of his career, José García Villa received several honors and awards, including the Order of National Artists of the Philippines.

 49 
JM de Guzman
(Filipino Actor, Model and Singer)
JM de Guzman
3
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: September 9, 1988
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 50 
Rico J. Puno
(Pioneering Philippine Singer and Entertainer Who Later Stepped into Politics)
Rico J. Puno
3
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: February 13, 1953
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: October 30, 2018

Iconic Philippine singer Rico J. Puno, who was a pioneer of soul music in the Philippines, also popularized the Manila sound genre. He was also one of the first to use Tagalog lyrics. A comedian, host, and actor, too, he later stepped into politics and served as a councilor of Makati’s 1st district.