10 Filipinos Who Are Succeeding Internationally

When in Manila, we Filipinos have a special innate pride for our fellow countrymen. Everyone is aware of the great accomplishments of local boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and international musical superstar Lea Salonga. Other Pinoys that have become established names in their respective industries: Black Eyed Peas band member Apl de Ap, Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez, Glee actor and Cebuano mestizo Darren Criss, comedian Rob Schneider, as well as singer and David Foster darling Charice. All familiar names, there are countless others that have equally impressive resumes. While not all of the following were born or raised in the Philippines, all of them are of Filipino descent. Enjoy our list of 10 Filipinos who are succeeding internationally:

10. Sharon Leal (Hollywood Actress)

Most notably recognized for her roles in the movies Dreamgirls (alongside Beyonce!), Why Did I Get Married? and Why Did I Get Married Too? as well as her roles on the TV shows Hellcats, Guiding Light, Private Practice, Suits, CSI: Miami, Boston Public, Legacy and Grimm, Sharon was born to a Filipina mother and an African-American military policeman.

Sharon Leal, Photo by Wikimedia Commons

9. Jo Koy (Comedian)

43-year old Joseph Glenn Herbert, known under his stage name Jo Koy, is a well-known American stand-up comedian of Filipino descent. His career started in 1994 when he would perform at a comedy club in Las Vegas. Since then his career has grown steadily and he counts appearences on US TV channel BET’s Comic View, Showtime at the Apollo, Jamie Foxx Presents: Laffapalooza!, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and E!’s Chelsea Lately as some of his credits.

Jo Koy, Photo by Sgt. Jacob Harrer

 8. Caterina Fake (Co-Founder of Flickr)

Businesswoman/Entrepreneur Caterina is a Pennsylvania native and daughter to an American father and a Filipina mother. She graduated from Vassar College with a degree in English and in 2004 went on to co-found one of the world’s most popular photosharing websites Flickr, which was acquired by Yahoo in 2005.

Photo by Wikipedia User GRuban

7. Kirk Hammett (Guitarrist of Metallica)

Born to a Filipina mother and an Irish-American father, Kirk Hammett has been the lead guitarrist of world-renowned heavy metal band Metallica since 1983. He is also a songwriter who contributed to one of the band’s most popular songs, “Enter Sandman”.

6. Monique Lhuillier (Fashion Designer)

Designer Monique Lhuillier, who specializes in bridal wear, has become an established name in the fashion world and her haute couture creations are a staple at all major red carpet events in Hollywood and around the world. Her father is well-known French-Cebuano Michel J. Lhuillier and her mother former model Amparitos Llamas who is of Spanish descent. Monique grew up in Cebu and Switzerland and studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise in Los Angeles. Her famous clientele include Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspon, Hilary Swank, Kristen Stewart to name a few.

Photo Source: Mike Coppola/Getty Images North America