Filipino stars shine on global stage (Part 3)

2024’s winning moments Part 3: Filipino stars shine on global stage

Toff C.
ABS-CBN News
Jan 04, 2025

From fashion to music, pageantry and cinema, 2024 has been a landmark year for Filipinos making waves across the globe.

As we continue to highlight the winning moments of 2024, these milestones reflect the exceptional talent and influence of Filipinos.

1. Heart Evangelista as a global fashion force

Heart Evangelista graced numerous fashion shows hosted by the world’s biggest brands during the Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week in 2024.  

Back in October 2024, Heart became the highest-ranking celebrity from APAC (Asia Pacific) in media impact value for the Spring/Summer 2025 season of Paris Fashion Week.

According to marketing and analytics platform Launchmetrics, Heart generated $10.6 million in MIV (media impact value), making her the top-performing APAC celebrity for the fashion week.

The Filipina fashion icon also graced various international magazine covers in 2024 including the digital cover of Vogue Singapore and the cover of Prestige Hong Kong.

2. Pia Wurtzbach's rise as a global fashion influencer 

Another Filipina who shone in the global fashion scene in 2024 is Pia Wurtzbach who attended fashion shows in Milan, Paris, and New York.

During the Paris Fashion Week in September 2024, the former Miss Universe graced the runway of L’Oreal’s "Le Défilé ‘Walk Your Worth" show. She also graced the runway of Michael Cinco's fashion show in Paris.

Launchmetrics reported that Pia Wurtzbach claimed the top spot as the leading celebrity influencer at New York Fashion Week held in September, generating an impressive MIV of $6.8 million.

Back in April, Pia was awarded as the Global Fashion Influencer of the Year Award at the 2024 Emigala Fashion & Beauty Awards in Dubai. She was also named as the top celebrity influencer at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in May 2024 after generating a Media Impact Value (MIV) of $8.1 million as per Launchmetrics.

3. Lea Salonga and Anne Curtis immortalized in Madame Tussauds wax figures

Lea Salonga and Anne Curtis unveiled their Madame Tussauds wax figures in 2024.

Lea's wax figure for Madame Tussauds Singapore was unveiled in September 2024. The Filipina Broadway star shared that it was a meaningful full-circle moment for both her and her mother, Ligaya. She recalled that when she was 12, she and her mom visited Madame Tussauds and were captivated by the lifelike wax figures.

"There was a wax likeness of Liza Minnelli who I later on I got to meet in my own life. So she’s there posing in her tux and pixie hair cut. My mother and I were both looking at it and she said, 'Anak, you’ll never know. One day, that could be you,'" she recounted. "So this moment today, is a manifestation of what happened 40 or so years ago."

Meanwhile, Anne unveiled her wax figure for Madame Tussauds Hong Kong in November.

"I'm truly honored to be celebrating this moment, being immortalized by Madame Tussauds Hong Kong," she remarked. "Sobrang hindi ako makapaniwala na I was given this opportunity."

4. Sofronio Vasquez becomes first Filipino and Asian to win 'The Voice US' 

Sofronio Vasquez made history as the first Filipino and Asian to win The Voice in the US. He was part of Michael Bublé's team in the reality singing competition.

In an interview with Yong Chavez of ABS-CBN News, the singer remarked that winning the competition felt like a full circle moment.

"I really think that the way to move on and to move further for a possible and a beautiful journey in life is just to keep going. We just have to try and dream," he remarked.

He went on: "I was just dreaming. It was really impossible to think back then. And that moment when Carson Daly called my name, parang nag-break down ako because it's like a flashback of every rejection, every redirection na oh ito pala 'yun... Now it was like a culmination of ito pala 'yun, thank you Lord."

Sofronio was a former finalist of Tawag Ng Tanghalan of It's Showtime.

5. Sophia Laforteza debuts in global girl group KATSEYE

Filipina singer Sophia Laforteza debuted in June 2024 as a member of the global girl group KATSEYE with the release of their first single, "Debut." This was followed in July 2024 by their breakout hit, "Touch."

In August 2024, the group released their first extended play (EP), SIS (Soft Is Strong), marking another milestone in their rising career.

Following the release of their EP, KATSEYE went on an Asia tour including stops in Korea, the Philippines, and Japan back in September 2024. 

In an interview with the Philippine media back in September, Sophia expressed her gratitude to the Filipino fans for supporting their song "Touch" which made it to the Billboard Philippines Hot 100.

"I feel like 'Touch' resonating with people, a lot of it comes from its sound and the choreography, and I feel like just how much we put into it and the intention. We’re so, so grateful," she said on the success of the track in the country.

6. Chelsea Manalo is first Miss Universe Asia

Filipina beauty queen Chelsea Manalo made history as the first Miss Universe Asia. Chelsea received the title at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico.

"To represent my country and the whole Asia with such a title and platform, this is an honor I'll forever treasure," Chelsea said after receiving the title.

Chelsea will be working with the different continental queens and with Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Theilvig for the charities and causes that the Miss Universe Organization supports.

7. Maris Racal's film 'Sunshine' premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival 

Maris Racal's movie Sunshine became part of the official selection of the 49th Toronto International Film Festival and was the lone Filipino film under the Centrepiece Programme in September 2024.

The Centrepiece section "honors and celebrates global cinematic achievements, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a dynamic array of contemporary films."

"Saludo sa mga bumubuo ng pelikulang ito, lalo na kay Direk Tonet (Jadaone) na ilang taon itong trinabaho. Hanga ako sa dedikasyon at puso ng mga kasama ko rito," Maris said on being part of the film.

Miss Universe 2022 wants global spotlight on Filipino fashion

R’Bonney Gabriel wants to shine global spotlight on Filipino fashion

Story by Armin P. Adina 

Inquirer.net

17 July 2024

Filipino-American sustainable fashion designer and 71st Miss Universe winner R’Bonney Gabriel has been in the Philippines for months now, taking on hosting jobs and exploring the country’s fashion and culture. And she has gained new skills along the way, one of which is weaving indigenous fabrics.

The beauty queen tried using two different hand looms at the Pinas Sadya pop-up store in Rockwell Center in Makati City when it opened on July 15 — one machine was a conventional type with pedals, while the other one was designed for individuals with disabilities and had hand-operated levers instead.

“You know it was easy to learn. I know I only did it a little bit, but I can definitely see it being very therapeutic. Because when I’m at home, sometimes I’m just sewing, and I just listen to music. I could do that for hours and hours. And I think the same with a hand loom,” Gabriel told INQUIRER.net.

She will bring her finished fabric back to the United States to incorporate it into her design, but there is another thing that she wants to take home, the hand loom itself. “I would love to have one one day. I think it’s really cool. I’ve tried it before, but I learned a new technique today,” Gabriel shared.

The Texas-based beauty said there were several ideas coming to her mind already, and she could use the woven piece in a handbag or combine it with another fabric. “I love denim. So I would love to do something like that. But yeah, I could go on and on about different ideas,” she said.

“As a fashion designer, I think the design aspect and the craftsmanship should really be highlighted on the global stage. And I think it’s definitely possible. I hope I can help in doing that,” Gabriel said when asked about her thoughts on Filipino fashion pieces.

“Sustainable fashion design is more than just recycling materials. It’s also being purposeful and intentional with clothing. It’s not just making clothing because they’re beautiful. And all the designers here are really supporting communities, in communities where you came from as well. And these are slow techniques that can’t be made extremely fast and in big production, so they’re very special. And for me, I love seeing it,” she added.

The store showcases the contemporary weave of Soari, binakol by the Tinguian tribe of Abra, Manobo weave of Agusan del Sur, abaca weave of Sibagat, hand embroidery in Lake Sebu, inaul of Maguindanao, balud langkat of Marawi, t’nalak weave of South Cotabato, tangkulo of the Bagobo tribe, yakan of Zamboanga, pis syabit of Sulu’s Tausug tribe, leather tannery of Bulacan, metal works of Cebu, contemporary weave of Kabangkalan, kantarines of Isabela, barong embroidery of Lumban, silk cocoon and piña of Aklan, beadworks of Bulacan and bag artistry of Marikina.

“I’m going crazy. I love stores like this, they’re just so unique. I mean, all of the pieces really tell a story without even saying anything. You can look at the mixture of the patterns. And for me as a Filipino-American, I grew up in America, and one of my goals coming here was to learn more about Filipino culture, and a store like this is doing just that,” said Gabriel of the Pinas Sadya store, which also carries curated pieces from Vesti and Wear Your Culture.

She said she has discovered a lot about Filipino fashion and cites abaca as her “newest obsession.” She has also observed that each region of the Philippines has different embroidery patterns and techniques, “so it’s so diverse as well.”

Gabriel said she believes the world needs to see more of Filipino fashion. “I’m always speaking about it. I’m always trying to wear pieces that are locally made. And I love to tell the story behind them because these pieces are so special,” she said.

“It’s visiting stores like this, meeting with the actual designers, and hearing where they came from, what the purpose of their designs are, and sharing that story through my platforms, their store visits, their videos through content, just really spreading the word as much as I can,” Gabriel added.

Filipino Celebrities with Wax Figures at Madame Tussauds

Filipino Celebrities with Wax Figures at Madame Tussauds

Story by Nikko Tuazon
Pep.ph
14 June 2024

Recognized for its collection of lifelike wax figures, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum celebrates individuals who have achieved notable popularity and cultural significance.

Some of these individuals are Filipinos who have made their mark and gained worldwide acclaim for their talents and achievements.

PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) lists the Filipino celebrities who have been given the rare honor of having their own wax figure.

PIA WURTZBACH

In addition to being the third Filipina to win the Miss Universe title, Pia Wurtzbach also holds the distinction of being the first Filipino and the first beauty queen to have her own wax figure.

Pia made the announcement in September 2018.

Months later, in March 2019, her wax figure was officially unveiled at a mall in the Philippines before it took its place at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.

The wax figure is an exact replica of Pia during her final walk as Miss Universe 2015, adorned in a stunning royal blue ball gown designed by Michael Cinco, who also crafted the gown for her wax "twin."

However, the wax figure is holding a replica of the iconic Phoenix Mikimoto Crown, which is not the design of the crown she wore when she won. Pia Wurtzbach crowned her successor, Iris Mittenaere, with a different crown during the Miss Universe 2016 coronation night in the Philippines in January 2017.

The actual crown, featuring blue diamonds, light blue topazes, and blue sapphires, was created by the Czech company Diamonds International Corporation (DIC).

In March 2024, Pia's wax figure was temporarily relocated to the museum's Singapore branch for a special exhibit, and will be displayed there until September 1, 2024.

MANNY PACQUIAO

Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao became the first Filipino male to have his likeness created by the wax artists at Madame Tussauds.

Manny's wax figure was officially unveiled in November 2021 at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.

His wax figure is wearing the actual boxing gear that Manny considers among his lucky garments throughout his boxing career.

The figure is set in a boxing ring, giving fans around the world the chance to take fun snapshots with him in action.

CATRIONA GRAY

Catriona Gray is the third Filipino celebrity to have a wax figure.

The creation of Catriona's wax figure took over two years, largely due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially announced in January 2020 by Madame Tussauds Singapore, the life-sized figure was eagerly awaited.

Finally, on March 30, 2022, Catriona's stunning wax figure was unveiled at the Singapore branch.

The wax figure captures the magic of her crowning moment during the Miss Universe 2018 pageant in Thailand. It is adorned with everything Catriona wore at that iconic moment, from her signature ear cuff to her Jojo Bragais heels.

To add a special touch, Filipino fashion designer Mak Tumang recreated his renowned "Lava Gown" specifically for Catriona's wax counterpart.

Catriona's wax figure was relocated to the Hong Kong branch on September 1, 2023, and is now featured in the Fashion Zone of the museum.

ANNE CURTIS

Anne Curtis is the fourth Filipino celebrity to be honored with a wax figure.

The Hong Kong branch of the renowned Madame Tussauds announced this exciting news on Friday, December 1, 2023.

According to a report by Preview.ph, Anne's wax figure will capture one of her iconic fashion moments.

Though the official launch date has not been announced yet, hers will be displayed in the Glamour Zone of the museum, alongside a host of famous Hollywood stars. 

LEA SALONGA

Lea Salonga is set to join the ranks of Filipino celebrities immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds.

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Madame Tussauds Singapore made the exciting announcement via Instagram.

Its post read: "Shining, Shimmering, Splendid! The legendary Lea Salonga will have her very own wax figure in #MadameTussuadsSG! Are you as excited as we are?"

Scheduled for unveiling in the third quarter of this year, Lea’s wax figure will be a highlight at the Singapore museum in time for its 10th anniversary celebration.

THE PROCESS OF MAKING A MADAME TUSSAUDS WAX FIGURE

According to an article by CNET.com, the creation of a typical Madame Tussauds figure spans about four months, involves around 20 skilled artists, and costs roughly GBP150,000, or approximately PHP11,220,185.73.

The process begins with the museum obtaining permission from the celebrity, as not all celebrities agree to having their own wax figures.

This is followed by a detailed consultation to decide on the pose and expression of the wax figure. An extensive data and measurement collection session then ensures every detail is precise.

Next is the sculpting process, which includes creating a clay model, forming a plaster cast, and ultimately crafting the wax figure. This phase can take up to six weeks.

Interestingly, not all parts of the wax figure are made of wax; some components are actually crafted from fiberglass.

After sculpting, the painting process begins. Artists meticulously hand-paint the entire figure, including the eyes, to perfectly match the celebrity.

Following the painting, the clothing phase takes place, where celebrities either donate their clothing or have outfits custom-made for the wax figure.

Miss Universe 2023 warm welcome in the Philippines

Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios basks in Filipino hospitality

By Iza Iglesias
Manila Times
May 10, 2024

Since her arrival in the Philippines on May 1 as part of her Asia tour, reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua has been deeply touched by the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people. Throughout her nearly week-long stay, she found herself feeling truly at home.

On Sunday, May 5, Filipinos poured out their love for Palacios in a heartfelt motorcade at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, complete with a marching band. She was moved to tears by the cheers, fans, and the chants of her home country, Nicaragua.

A touching moment during the parade went viral on social media — a Nicaraguan who is based in the Philippines handed her their flag, moving her to tears once again.

The following day, Palacios graced the Miss Universe Philippines Sponsors Night at the Manila Hotel, where she met her fellow Miss Universe 2023 batchmate, Michelle Marquez Dee, for the first time since the competition in November last year.

In her speech, she expressed her gratitude, saying, "Ako si (I am) Sheynnis Palacios, your Miss Universe. It's a pleasure to be here and I want to say thank you, maraming salamat po, and muchas gracias. This visit is very special to me as part of my Asia tour because of you, the Filipino people. Thank you for the warm welcome, it felt like a homecoming, and it's very meaningful to me. I cried a lot because you made me feel like I was at home."

"Thank you in the name of the Miss Universe Organization, Miss Universe Philippines, and thank you in the name of more than six million Nicaraguans in my country. I always say that I'm your Miss Universe, and it's a pleasure for me to wear the sash and crown because it means more than that. It's about being responsible, it's about love, and patience. So thank you for making this journey the most amazing job for me and the most incredible experience I have had in my life. Gracias, I love you," she added.

Palacios also took the time to pose for pictures with guests and Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidates. Besides the Philippines, she also visited Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and continued her journey in India.

Meanwhile, the Miss Universe Philippines Sponsors Night, hosted by BingoPlus, was further elevated by a stunning fashion show. The first part showcased delegates in the feminine designs of MAGS, while the second half featured the ladies in their Filipiñana best.

Cebuana queens in the international pageants

5 Cebuana queens of this generation making a mark in the international pageant stage

Story by Immae Lachica
Cebu Daily News
08 April 2024

CEBU CITY, Philippines— One of the most prized possessions of the Queen City of the South is the beautiful and engaging people that make this city one of a kind.

People, who ooze with talent, skill, and confidence to make them known and bring pride and joy to Cebu.

Today, as we celebrate ‘Pageant Day,’ let’s take a look at this generation’s Cebuana beauty queens, who did not just represent Cebu, but the Philippines on the international pageant stage.

Starting with Talisay-beauty, Gazini Ganados, 28, paved the way for Cebuana beauty queens to gain confidence back when she represented the Philippines during Miss Universe 2019.

Ganados may have fallen short of being crowned the most beautiful woman in the universe, but she still made an indelible mark in the pageant scene as she ended her Miss Universe journey as part of the top 20 finalists.

Leaving the competition with another mark and that is winning the Best in National Costume award which was made by a renowned Cebuano fashion designer Cary Santiago.

Another Miss Universe representative from Cebu is the one who broke a lot of barriers and made it known that anyone can be Miss Universe.

Beatrice Luigi Gomez finished her Miss Universe 2021 stint in the top five and left something that would go on for ages.

She was the first beauty queen in the Philippines, who did not hold back in showing her armband tattoo and who gladly introduced herself as part of the LGBTQ community.

She ended her MU journey in a Francis Liberan creation called “Pintados.”

From two powerhouses on the Miss Universe stage, let us head down to another pageant stage with another Cebuana beauty queen with several titles under her belt.

Nicole Borromeo started her pageant journey by winning Miss Silka 2017 which led her to win more pageant titles like Miss Mandaue 2018 first runner-up, Sinulog Festival Queen 2019, Reyna ng Aliwan 2019, placed second in Miss Teen Philippines 2019, crowned Eat Bulaga’s Miss Millenial Philippines 2019 then headed on to get the crown for Binibining Pilipinas International that lead her to win third place in Miss International 2023 in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.

And just recently, another pageant veteran from Cebu has made her spot on the international pageant stage.

Maria Gigante, a host, a fashion model, and now crowned as Miss Universal Woman 2024.

Gigante is not a new face to the pageant industry for she has also joined local and national pageants herself that represented Cebu.

This time, she was able to bring home an international crown that makes up her pageant journey.

Gigante is set to work with charitable projects that are partners with Miss Universal Woman.

As we are on the topic of talking about queens, let us tag along one honorable mention who also brought pride and joy to Cebu as an LGBTQA queen.

Miss International Queen 2022 Fuschia Ravena.

This beauty queen took the house down in 2022 as she made her pageant journey one for the books, not just for her but for the Cebuano LGBTQA community who showed nothing but love and support to the queen.

In an interview with Ravena, she said to CDN Digital that in her pageant journey, she would use her voice to spread the message of love.”

And now, Ravena continues to inspire others to go out there, chase their dreams, and make a mark in ways they know they can.

These are just some of the pageant queens that put Cebu on the map of pageantry in recent years.

Queens made sure that they too can make a difference by showcasing the beautiful resources of Cebu, showing wit and intelligence, class and beauty, and most especially the will to make a difference through their chosen advocacies.

Mabuhi ang mga Cebuana beauty queens!

Miss Universe 2015 attends Dior and Bulgari Fashion

Meet former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach: the German-Filipino actress is a UNAids ambassador and polyglot, attends Dior and Bulgari fashion shows, and wed last year after vowing she never would

Story by Gloria Fung 
South China Morning Post

Being blessed with both beauty and brains will always get you noticed. Happily, actress and model Pia Wurtzbach has leveraged her image and the power of social media for good since finding fame as Miss Universe, using her talents to advocate for sexual and reproductive health, LGBTQ rights and gender equality.

With a whopping 14.7 million followers on Instagram, Wurtzbach began her journey in front of the camera at the tender age of four. Having started out appearing in television shows and adverts, she began actively taking part in pageants in the early to mid-2010s. Eventually, she made it to the big time, and was selected to represent the Philippines at Miss Universe 2015.

She would go on to bring home the crown, making her only the third Filipino, and the first in over four decades, to do so.

The title made her famous overnight and she now uses her platform to speak out in her home country about sexual and reproductive health, women's rights and her support for the LGBTQ community. She has also been named Asia-Pacific goodwill ambassador for UNAids, and had an HIV test in front of cameras in 2016 to encourage people to know their HIV status.

Her talents also extend to writing. Last year, Wurtzbach penned Queen of the Universe: A Novel: Love, Truth, Beauty. Fans noted that the protagonist shares similarities with the beauty queen in her pursuit of success, love and happiness.

In her late 20s, Wurtzbach told her fans that she wasn't planning on marrying or having children. However she had a change of heart after starting a relationship with Scottish entrepreneur Jeremy Jauncey in 2020. The pair dated for two years before getting engaged in 2022 and tying the knot in 2023.

The polyglot - who's half German and was born in Stuttgart - speaks the language along with English, Tagalog and Cebuano. It certainly helps, given the beauty queen's jet-setting lifestyle, travelling the world with Jauncey, appearing on red carpets, at film festivals and at fashion shows.

The 34-year-old has been spotted in the front row at Alexander McQueen and Bally and her fame has led her to several long-term relationships with luxury brands. 

Her Instagram page reveals that she's a frequent guest at Italian jeweller Bulgari's events and regularly walks red carpets in stunning creations from the brand. In March she received a People Of the Year award from PeopleAsia. At the event in Manila, Wurtzbach wore a gold asymmetric gown with a matching Serpenti bag from Bulgari.

True to her beauty queen title, Wurtzbach's style is elegant and feminine, and she often opts for flowing gowns at events.

At a recent Dior show, she showed up in an ensemble that paid homage to the house's iconic 1920s style better known as The New Look. In a blazer belted over a black pleated skirt, Wurtzbach looked every bit the star in a modern and feminine take on the power suit.