This year, our favorite Filipino content creators are giving us many new reasons to root for them—on internationally lauded platforms, no less. These game-changers are raising the flag for aspiring storytellers nationwide, and we couldn’t be happier for their well-deserved rises to stardom.
Take it from Niana Guerrero, Bretman Rock, and Rachel Hofsetter, better known as Valkyrae, who are now part of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Creators of 2026. They’re bringing Pinoy excellence and culture to the critically acclaimed global news outlet, being the first Filipina and Filipino-Americans to join the category since it launched last year.
Photo: Niana Guerrero, Bretman Rock, Valkyrae/Instagram
Every year, TIME selects 100 notable change-makers across numerous fields for its TIME100 series. The iconic project, which includes its annual Person of the Year, features a wide variety of voices and identities—from politicians, to athletes and entertainers, and now, social media stars with a purpose like Niana, Bretman, and Valkyrae. It empowers and brings together passionate storytellers from all walks of life who strive to make a difference for the people, places, and social issues they stand for.
Who wouldn’t beam with pride over a feat this monumental? We’re certain that many Filipinos share the same joy as Niana’s, Bretman’s, and Valkyrae’s fans, especially those who’ve followed them since their first posts online. Their participation in TIME100 greatly inspires their fellow content creators, who aren’t afraid to connect with their roots and take pride in what they do, regardless of their reach.
Want to learn more about this Filipino trio’s TIME100 profiles? Here’s what you should know about this one-of-a-kind achievement:
A Little Authenticity Goes a Long Way
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Earning a spot in the TIME100 series is no mere coincidence or walk in the park. It takes years of sacrifices, setbacks, showing up, and pouring your heart into every pursuit, even if you can’t tell exactly how they’ll pan out. For Niana, Bretman, and Valkyrae, this meant making a name for themselves in an industry that already thrived in competitive atmospheres.
In the world of content creation, where your online presence must evolve as quickly as today’s trends do, Niana and Bretman had their hearts set on earning their stripes in pursuit of what they do best.
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Many of us first discovered Bretman through his hilarious skits, makeup vlogs, and glimpses of his life in Hawai’i, which have gradually earned him over ten million followers across all platforms. And thanks to Niana’s impeccable dance covers with her brother Ranz Kyle, she’s now the most-followed TikTok star in the Philippines (who landed a collaboration with BTS’s J-Hope, no less), with over 46 million and counting. Countless fans have also taken a liking to Valkyrae’s streams, vlogs, and visits to the Philippines over the years.
These simple yet meaningful risks have helped them hold their own, even as social media rookies. That same authenticity to their Filipino roots has earned them a spot on TIME100 as three of 20 Titans in its list of influential creators.
Standout Profiles Worth Sharing
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Netizens can enjoy a diverse range of profiles curated distinctly for each public figure in TIME100. Bretman’s feature, written by Kara Nesvig, emphasizes his knack for balancing wit and humor with emotionally raw and down-to-earth content. It also spotlights his endless love for nature and “living in harmony” with the world around him.
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Leslie Horn Peterson’s profile of Niana provides a rundown of her prominence in the local and international entertainment scene. As a natural performer since childhood, it’s no surprise that Niana’s sheer talent has taken her places—including must-watch team-ups with Sabrina Carpenter, KATSEYE, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa, to name a few.
Kara also profiled Valkyrae, highlighting her thriving career and milestones in digital media. From gaming to music and business, Valkyrae’s craft knows no bounds, and she has always connected with her Filipino-American heritage through every high and low.
With years of social media experience under their belts, these three outstanding creators have rightfully cemented their statuses as pop culture icons who also serve as role models to the next generation of creators and storytellers. Who knows, we might even see their followers next on TIME100 in the years to come.
Content Creation’s Cream of the Crop
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As we embrace today’s “age of creation” and the limitless possibilities of digital storytelling platforms, TIME100 has put together an extensive list of social media mainstays whose long-term impact has made them a cut above the rest. Joining Niana, Bretman, and Valkyrae in the Creators List’s Titans are:
- Lifestyle vlogger, “Get Ready With Me” queen, and this year’s TIME100 Creator’s List cover star, Alix Earle, as well as
- Gaming YouTuber and Iron Lung director Mark Fischbach, famously known as Markiplier, to name a few.
The Creators List has also handpicked Entertainers, Leaders, Phenoms, and Catalysts across diverse online communities who’ve sparked hope and purpose among their followers.
Bretman, Niana, and Valkyrae now join Manny Pacquiao, the late Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Former President Rodrigo Duterte, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Leila de Lima, Maria Ressa, and Vico Sotto as Filipinos featured on TIME100’s Most Influential lists throughout history.
ALSO READ: LOOK: Bretman Rock Shares Highlights of His Trip to the Philippines
Congratulations, Bretman, Niana, and Valkyrae! Have you already read their profiles on TIME? Sound off and let us know in the comments below!
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