In the vast and diverse landscape of Hollywood and the entertainment industry, many celebrities come from varied cultural backgrounds that might not always be immediately apparent. The Philippines, a country known for its rich culture and warm hospitality, has contributed several talents to the global stage. Here, we unveil the Filipino heritage of 10 celebrities you might not have known shared this connection.

Dave Bautista: The Guardian of the Galaxy

Best known as Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Dave Bautista has not only made a name for himself as a professional wrestler and actor but has also proudly embraced his Filipino roots.

Apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda Lindo): The Pea with Filipino Flavor

As one of the founding members of the Black Eyed Peas, Apl.de.ap is a Filipino-American rapper and singer who has seamlessly blended his Filipino heritage with his international music career.

Lea Salonga: The Broadway Sensation

Renowned for her powerful voice and captivating performances in musicals like “Miss Saigon” and “Les Misérables,” Lea Salonga is a Broadway icon with deep Filipino roots.

Vanessa Hudgens: The Disney Star with a Filipino Twist

While Vanessa Hudgens was born in the United States, her Filipino and Chinese-Filipino ancestry adds a unique dimension to her identity, showcasing the diverse tapestry of her heritage.

Hailee Steinfeld: The Multitalented Star

An actress and singer, Hailee Steinfeld has Filipino roots through her maternal grandfather, adding an extra layer to her already impressive list of accomplishments.

Nicole Scherzinger: The Pussycat Doll with Island Ties

Lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger, boasts a multicultural background with Filipino and Hawaiian roots, contributing to her exotic and diverse appeal.

Darren Criss: From “Glee” to Filipino Pride

Known for his roles in “Glee” and “American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” Darren Criss has Filipino heritage that might not be as widely recognized as his on-screen talent.

Enrique Iglesias: The Spanish-Filipino Heartthrob

While Enrique Iglesias is celebrated as a Spanish singer, his Filipino ancestry through his mother adds an intriguing layer to his international identity.

Tia Carrere: Hollywood’s Multicultural Star

With Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish roots, Tia Carrere has left an indelible mark on Hollywood through her roles in films like “Wayne’s World” and “True Lies.”

Bruno Mars (Peter Gene Hernandez): The Filipino-Puerto Rican Hitmaker

The Grammy-winning sensation Bruno Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez, proudly embraces his Filipino and Puerto Rican heritage, enriching the global music scene with his unique cultural influences.

These celebrities not only showcase their incredible talents on the world stage but also highlight the rich and diverse cultural tapestry that is the Philippines.

As we celebrate their achievements, let’s also appreciate the cultural heritage that has played a role in shaping their identities and contributing to the global entertainment landscape.

(JR AMIGO/AI/MNM)