Filipino Singers Around the World

Filipinos take pride of their culture and people very much. We are closely tied to one another and the success of one is the joy of all. In the music industry, a lot of Filipinos are recognized worldwide because of their outstanding talent and performances. Even though these musicians may have the minutest trace of Filipino blood, Pinoys still take pride at saying… “Pinoy yan!” Below are some of the artists in the music industry who’s recognized worldwide!

His facial features are undeniably Filipino. One glance at his music video is enough to confirm it. This is Peter Gene Hernandez, or better known as Bruno Mars. Born in 1985 in Honolulu, Hawaii, of a Puerto Rican father and a Filipino mother (Bernadette), he is a producer, singer-songwriter who made hits with the songs Nothing on You, Billionaire, Grenade and Just the Way You Are. 

 

 Surprisingly, Enrique Iglesias is half Filipino. His father is the Spanish singing legend Julio Iglesias and his mother the Manila-born Filipina journalist/socialite Isabel Preysler.

Ever heard of Disney’s High School Musical? Well you know very well who Vanessa Ann Hudgens is. Born on December 14, 1988 in Salinas California, comes from a multi- racial family, her father Greg of Irish and Native American descent, her mother Gina of Chinese and Filipino origin. She started acting in local theaters at the age of eight.

 Jasmine Trias nearly made it to American Idol,  but placed third in the finals. But nonetheless, all the Filipinos rejoiced as she became a star. When she returned to the Philippines, she got to meet the president and was signed to endorse McDonalds and Hapee toothpaste.

APL.DE.AP:Unmistakably Filipino, Allan Pineda Lindo or Apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas. He made Filipinos cry with his life story in Maalala mo Kaya. We simply love him because he actually recognize himself as one of us. Born in Angeles, Pampanga, this famous rapper has a long way to go.

NICOLE SCHERZINGER: The Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger couldn't be more Filipino when she said that her upbringing was conservative Catholic. Born in Hawaii to a Filipino father and Hawaiian/Russian mother her full and real name is Nicole Elikolani Prescovia Valiente.

PAOLO MONTALBAN is a Filipino-American actor and singer best known for his performance in ABC/Disney's telepic of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella as Prince Christopher, opposite Brandy as Cinderella.He was born in the Philippines and their family migrated to the States when he was just one year old.

Lastly, our home grown talent, Miss Lea Salonga, was born Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga on February 22, 1971. She is a multi-awarded Filipina singer and actress who is best known for originating the role of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon.