The year 2023 brings to light the top 10 wealthiest celebrities in the Philippines. In recent years, the emergence of a new generation of stars in the Philippine entertainment industry has been nothing short of spectacular. These young talents not only excel in their acting and singing careers but have also ventured into entrepreneurial endeavors, significantly augmenting their income.
Navigating the entertainment industry is no easy feat, characterized by demanding schedules and high-pressure environments, where success or failure can hinge on a delicate balance. Fortunately, there are individuals who have weathered the challenges and emerged as shining stars, establishing themselves as some of the most affluent celebrities in the Philippines today
AT A GLANCE:
Rank Celebrity Net Worth
1 Manny Pacquiao P9 Billion
2 Sharon Cuneta P1 Billion
3 Willie Revillame P600 Million
4 Vilma Santos P500 Million
5 Ricky Reyes P200 Million
6 Vic Sotto P150 Million
7 Kris Aquino P120 Million
8 Lucy Torres P100 Million
9 Bong Revilla P100 Million
10 Vice Ganda P75 Million
1) Manny Pacquiao
The wealthiest celebrity in the Philippines is none other than Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Despite a challenging childhood and limited resources, Pacquiao’s determination to support his family led him into amateur boxing and, eventually, a professional boxing career in 1995. His legacy includes numerous world championships in eight different weight classes and the distinction of being the first and only fighter to achieve this feat. He also won major world titles and was named “Fighter of the Decade” by multiple boxing organizations. Manny Pacquiao, a renowned athlete, was once ranked as the world’s second-highest-paid athlete in 2012, amassing impressive earnings from pay-per-view bouts and endorsements. He has also ventured into Philippine politics.
2) Sharon Cuneta
Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan, known as the Mega Star, secures the second spot as the richest artist in the Philippines. Her career began in 1978, earning her the title of “Jukebox Princess.” With chart-topping singles like “Mr. D.J.” and “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” she quickly rose to fame. Over the years, she hosted her self-titled variety show, switched to TV5, and enjoyed numerous award wins, earning the Box Office Queen title several times. Her successful career also includes 53 movies, 15 television series, and numerous endorsements.
3) Willie Revillame
Willie Revillame, the richest actor in the Philippines, initially played a supporting role in the television series “Kung Kaya Mo Kaya Ko Rin.” However, his path to success started as a drummer in a local band and a host on the noontime variety show “Lunch Date.” He hosted various shows and even co-hosted with the APO Hiking Society. Later, he produced his debut album while hosting “Wowowee.” His partnership with Manny Villar led to the construction of the Wil Tower Mall. Known for his compassion, Revillame is a successful host of variety and game shows.
4) Vilma Santos
Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto, affectionately known as Ate Vi, secures the fourth spot as the highest-paid actor in the Philippines. Her acting career began at the age of 9, earning her the FAMAS Award for Best Child Performer. She’s celebrated as the “Star for All Seasons” and the Philippine film industry’s box office queen. She excels not only in acting but also as a recording artist, dancer, and host. Vilma Santos is one of the most awarded actresses in Philippine cinema and has appeared in numerous films and television series.
5) Ricky Reyes
Ricardo “Ricky” Enriquez Reyes, Jr., known as “Mother Ricky,” started as a hairstylist in the entertainment industry. He became famous as the “hairstylist to the stars” and launched the television show “Gandang Ricky Reyes.” His hair salon chain, Gandang Ricky Reyes, has 44 branches across the country. Ricky Reyes is known for his philanthropic efforts, including the “Isang Guntng Isang Suklay” program, teaching people to cut and style hair for free.
6) Vic Sotto
Marvic Valentin Castelo Sotto, popularly known as Bossing Vic, is a multi-talented comedian, actor, singer, and producer. He’s acclaimed for his contributions to the longest-running noontime show “Eat Bulaga.” Vic Sotto owns M-Zet Productions, co-producing most of his films since 1990. He was crowned Box Office King four times consecutively between 2004 and 2007.
7) Kris Aquino
Kristina Bernadette “Kris” Cojuangco Aquino, the Queen of All Media, has made a name for herself in both politics and entertainment. She earned the title “Box-office Horror Queen” for her role in the film sequel “Feng Shui.” Kris Aquino is a top product endorser, having been part of numerous endorsements throughout her career.
8) Lucy Torres
Lucy Marie Martinez Torres-Gomez transitioned from modeling and acting to a political career. She currently serves as the representative for the 4th District of Leyte. Lucy Torres initially gained recognition as the new face of Lux Shampoo and went on to host various television programs.
9) Bong Revilla
Jose Marie Mortel Bautista, also known as former Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., began his career in politics in 1995 after successful stints in acting. He starred in over 60 movies, often playing local superheroes, and won elections as the Vice Governor and Governor of Cavite, as well as Senator.
10) Vice Ganda
Jose Marie Viceral, who goes by the stage name Vice Ganda, is a versatile entertainer known for stand-up comedy, hosting a noontime show, and acting in blockbuster films. He holds numerous accolades and record-breaking box office grosses, making him one of the richest celebrities in the Philippines.
(Filed by JR AMIGO/ai//mnm)
AFTER featuring the world’s richest and the world’s poorest, we now bring you the Top 10 YouTubers in the World, the cream of the crop on YouTube in 2023.
The most elite 0.1 percent of YouTubers engage in an ongoing battle for supremacy at the pinnacle.
Content creators hailing from various corners of the globe have cultivated dedicated followings, eagerly awaiting their regular content drops.
But who currently reigns supreme in 2023?
Here is the list:
- Você Sabia? – 44.2 million subscribers
The Portuguese-titled channel translates to “Did You Know?”. Brazilian YouTubers Lukas Marques and Daniel Mologni host trivia and top 10 videos of anything and everything.
- Felipe Neto – 44.8 million subscribers
Brazilian YouTuber Felipe Neto earned the recognition of having the first Portuguese-speaking YouTube channel to reach one million subscribers. He uploads reaction videos with his friends and won the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards for favorite YouTuber in Brazil.
- Fernanfloo – 45.6 million subscribers
Hailing from El Salvador, Fernanfloo specializes in horror games. He terrifies himself to entertain his viewers and posts vlogs, skits, and funny stories about his experiences.
- JuegaGerman – 47.2 million subscribers
Chilean gaming YouTuber JuegaGerman plays games from various genres. He’s trying to branch out into the world of music with his second channel, German Garmendia.
- Dude Perfect – 58.7 million subscribers
It started with five lifelong American friends who went viral off of a video of them performing a variety of trick shots at a friend’s house. Now they make content based on sports, challenge battles, and even more trick shooting.
- Vlad and Niki – 93.2 million subscribers
The first children’s themed YouTube channel on this list, Vlad and Niki frequently do silly challenges to make their audience laugh. These kid-fluencers started out in 2018 and have been consistently uploading multiple times each week.
- Like Nastya – 104 million subscribers
Russian YouTuber Nastya and her father enjoy making videos together as they create educational content on the importance of eating healthy food, washing hands, and being a good friend. They tell their stories through creative skits and songs.
- Kids Diana Show – 108 million subscribers
Another child YouTuber, this time, hailing from Ukraine. Diana and her brother Roma have the most successful kids-rated YouTube channel, where they do educational skits and adventures that cater to preschoolers. They currently have millions of worldwide viewers, and their videos are translated into 20 different languages.
- Pewdiepie- 111 million subscribers
For the longest time, Pewdiepie has dominated YouTube. Starting out as a Let’s Play channel for horror games, Felix Kjellberg has terrified himself for the entertainment of his viewers. Even though he’s not number one in terms of subscriptions anymore, he was the first solo content creator to reach 100 million subscribers. Many of his audience have been watching him through the years and have formed a bond with Felix, feeling as though they grew up with him.
- Mr Beast – 132 million subscribers
The biggest solo YouTuber of all time; everyone knows who he is and what he does. But if you need a refresher, he hosts a lot of charities and gives away millions of dollars. One of his most recent viral videos has him pay for 1,000 blind people’s surgery to help them regain their vision. Now that is nothing but inspirational.
Source: Tatler Asia
(Filed by Jr Amigo/ai/mnm)
Makati City: Image Courtesy of Jopet Sy via Wikipedia
A LOT of people are always on the hunt, searching for a place to settle. To help you narrow down that search, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 richest cities in the Philippines for you to, perhaps, rent or buy a condominium unit or two.
1.) Makati City
Makati City serves as the financial epicenter of the Philippines, naturally making it the country’s wealthiest city with a net worth of Php34.461 billion. Skyscrapers dominate the skyline, housing hundreds of businesses operating 24/7. Within its relatively small 2,735-hectare land area, Makati boasts numerous upscale malls. In the city’s 2017 report, there were 83,353 establishments, 569 banks, and 62 malls in Makati City, leaving no doubt about its status as the richest city in the Philippines.
2.) Quezon City
Quezon City, the largest city in the Philippines at approximately 16,533 hectares, used to be the capital city for 28 years. Now, it ranks as the second richest city in the Philippines with a net worth of Php31.917 billion. This city houses various government agencies, including the Sandiganbayan, the Commission on Audit, and the House of Representatives. It’s also home to two renowned schools in the Philippines – the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University. Consequently, you’ll find numerous condos available for rent here.
3.) Pasig City
Pasig City claims the third spot on the list with a net worth of Php20.036 billion. Like Makati, it boasts its own commercial business district in the heart of Ortigas Center, just minutes away from one of the metro’s popular malls. However, navigating traffic in and out of Pasig City can be challenging, making condo rentals a preferred option over houses or apartments on the outskirts.
4.) Manila City
It’s somewhat surprising that Manila, despite being one of the largest cities in the Philippines with a dense population, ranks fourth with a net worth of Php13.131 billion. Known for its numerous tourist attractions, especially those built during the Spanish era, Manila thrives on businesses catering to these historic sites.
5.) Zamboanga City
Zamboanga City, known as the sardine capital of the Philippines, secures the fifth position with a net worth of Php10.464 billion. Major sardine factories and other significant companies have invested in this city, contributing to its impressive net worth.
6.) Cebu
The Queen City of the South, Cebu, claims the sixth spot with a net worth of Php7.885 billion. It is home to major oil companies and financial offices, attracting people for its annual Sinulog festival, which further bolsters its net worth.
For those considering real estate investment in Cebu, transient homes are ideal, allowing you to rent out properties short-term if you aren’t ready to settle there permanently.
7.) Caloocan City
Caloocan City, quickly emerging as a powerhouse among Philippine cities, takes the seventh spot in 2016. In the past year, Caloocan City earned Php6.894 billion, indicating rising property prices as the urban area modernizes.
8.) Marikina City
Although Marikina City boasts a modest net worth of Php4.887 billion, it climbed from the top 20 richest cities in the Philippines to the eighth spot. Known as the shoe capital of the Philippines, Marikina City is packed with businesses and factories, making it a prime location. However, occasional flooding in lower areas may affect real estate investments.
9.) Calamba City
Located 54 km south of Manila, Calamba City is famous for its hot springs, thanks to its proximity to Mt. Makiling. It’s jokingly dubbed as the “team building capital” by Filipinos. Calamba City currently enjoys a Php4.690 billion net worth, ranking ninth among the richest cities in the Philippines in 2017. Investing in the resort business here can be a lucrative opportunity, offering not only income but also the chance to enjoy hot springs or restaurant ventures.
10.) Cagayan De Oro City
Located in the northern part of Mindanao, Cagayan De Oro City rounds up the top 10 richest cities in the Philippines with a Php4.670-billion revenue, largely driven by tourism and small businesses in the area.
Source: DMCI
(Compiled by Jr Amigo/mnm)
WHEN it comes to ranking the largest countries on Earth in 2023, we focus on total land area rather than population. These countries boast vast expanses of territory that beckon to those seeking wide-open spaces and new horizons.
If you’ve ever yearned for more room to roam, consider the following United Nations-recognized nations, each large enough to accommodate you and your family comfortably, with plenty of breathtaking landscapes to explore.
Let’s delve into the top ten largest countries in the world in 2023 and, if you have a thirst for open space and extended journeys, perhaps find inspiration for your next travel destination. Although visiting the top-ranked country might pose challenges due to ongoing conflicts, the others offer unique opportunities to explore their immense territories.
- Algeria – 2,381,740 km²
Algeria, situated in North Africa, achieved its independence in 1962 following an eight-year struggle against French occupation. Prior to that, the land endured centuries of foreign rule, dating back to the 3rd Century BC with the Numidians.
With a population of approximately 45.5 million, Algeria in 2023 is renowned for its Mediterranean climate and vast Saharan deserts, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tassili n’Ajjer, famous for its abundant rock art.
- Kazakhstan – 2,724,900 km²
Kazakhstan, located in Central Asia, boasts a total area of 2,724,900 km². Its territory spills over into Europe west of the Ural River.
With an estimated population of just under 19.6 million, Kazakhstan ranks among the less densely populated nations on this list. The country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, with over a million ethnic Kazakhs returning in the subsequent decade.
Known as the world’s largest landlocked country, Kazakhstan is a region of diverse landscapes, from the expansive Kazakh Steppe adorned with Bronze Age petroglyphs to its rugged mountains, canyons, and the famous Baikonur Cosmodrome, where numerous space missions are launched.
- Argentina – 2,780,400 km²
Argentina, spanning 2,780,400 km², finds itself in eighth place among the world’s largest countries. This South American nation is famous for producing two of the greatest football players in history.
With an estimated population of around 45.75 million, Argentina is a vibrant country graced with stunning landscapes and a 4,989 km coastline. Its journey to independence from Spain began in 1816, ultimately culminating in the Argentina we know today. Beyond its football fame, Argentina is celebrated for its picturesque beaches, the towering Andes mountains, Telampaya National Park, and mesmerizing waterfalls.
- India – 3,287,263 km²
India, with its expansive 3,287,263 km², ranks as the seventh-largest country globally. It also lays claim to the world’s rainiest location.
This ancient nation, formerly known as the “Jewel in the Crown of the British Empire,” has been inhabited for millennia, with traces dating back to the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC – the Indus Valley civilization. India is renowned for its religious monuments, palaces, diverse wildlife (including elephants and tigers), and its rich, varied geography featuring mountains, deserts, and the iconic Ganges River.
With an estimated population of nearly 1.43 billion, India stands as the most densely populated country on this list, surpassing even China.
- Australia – 7,741,220 km²
Australia’s vastness is so exceptional that it qualifies as its own continent, covering a total area of 7,741,220 km², which is more than twice the size of India.
As a pop-culture icon, Australia is famous for “shrimps on the barbie,” its unique and formidable wildlife (including Saltwater crocodiles, koalas, and kangaroos), the striking Outback, Ayers Rock, and, notably, the Great Barrier Reef.
With a population of just under 26.5 million, Australia ranks as the most sparsely populated country on this list, closely trailing Kazakhstan. Indigenous Australians have inhabited the land for over 60,000 years, and it later became a part of the British Empire, primarily serving as a penal colony with over 150,000 convicts.
- Brazil – 8,515,770 km²
Brazil, the largest country in South America and the southern hemisphere, encompasses a total area of 8,515,770 km².
Brazil is renowned for the Amazon rainforest, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, and its unwavering passion for football, with numerous FIFA World Cup victories.
With over 216.35 million inhabitants, Brazil stands as the most populous country in South America. It achieved full independence from Portuguese rule in 1822 after more than three centuries of colonial governance.
- China – 9,596,960 km²
China, the largest country entirely within Asia, spans a total area of 9,596,960 km², ranking fourth globally in land area and second in population size, with an estimated 1.425 billion inhabitants.
As one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, China boasts a rich history dating back to the 13th Century BC. Known for landmarks such as the Great Wall, Giant Pandas, the ethereal Zhangjiajie mountains, and the Forbidden City, it offers a myriad of captivating attractions.
- The USA – 9,833,517 km²
The United States of America, with its vast 9,833,517 km², takes second place in North America as the largest country.
The USA declared independence from British rule in 1776 and has since played a pivotal role in global politics. Its diverse landscapes encompass the Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes, Yellowstone National Park, Death Valley, and other natural wonders, including the Grand Canyon.
With an estimated population of just under 340 million, there is ample room for exploration within the United States.
- Canada – 9,984,670 km²
Canada, with a colossal total area of 9,984,670 km², stands as the second-largest country globally and the largest in North America, surpassing the USA.
Despite its immense size, Canada maintains a relatively small population, estimated at 38.7 million in 2023. This vast land is home to attractions like Niagara Falls, extensive forests teeming with wildlife, including bears, wolves, and mountain lions, as well as the longest coastline globally, spread across over 52 thousand islands. The country boasts numerous lakes, including Lake Superior, Huron, and Great Bear Lake, which contribute to its status as the nation with the most lakes, exceeding the rest of the world combined.
- Russia – 17,098,242 km²
Russia reigns supreme as the largest country in the world, covering an astounding 17,098,242 km². It nearly doubles the size of Canada and constitutes roughly 11 percent of the Earth’s total landmass. Russia’s vast expanse extends from the northeast of Europe across the northern reaches of Asia.
Due to permafrost, over 60 per cent of Russia is uninhabitable. Thanks to portions of it melting, some people hunt mammoth tusks in the country.
With a population of just under 145 million, Russia is another sparsely populated nation on this list. Due to the ongoing war following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the ongoing conflict, travelling to Russia is ill-advised.
(Filed by Jr Amigo/ai/mnm)
Source: BBC Science Focus
WELCOME to the smart age. The world is now living in breakneck speed in terms of innovations everyone before believe could only happen in dreams. Indeed, it’s remarkable to see how far we’ve come in terms of technological advancements.
At the start of the decade, smartphones were still in their early stages, artificial intelligence was a niche concept, and self-driving cars were confined to science fiction. Fast forward to the end of 2019, and we can highlight some of the most significant and groundbreaking inventions of the past ten years.
Please read and get to know about the world’s top 10 innovations in the last decade:
- Google Assistant
In the realm of artificial intelligence, Google Assistant stands out as a game-changer. Unlike its predecessors, it possesses remarkable versatility, coming closest to achieving general artificial intelligence. Integrated into Google Home smart speakers, Google phones, and various devices, Google Assistant engages with users primarily through voice commands. It can compose messages, set calendar reminders, search the internet for answers to questions, and even provide a touch of humor. Furthermore, it can translate spoken words into 27 different languages with impressive accuracy, leaving Siri and Alexa trailing behind.
- Crispr
Crispr, the gene-editing technology, is still in its infancy, but its potential to reshape the world is undeniable. This revolutionary system enables scientists and startups to target and replace undesired strands of DNA, offering hope in the battle against diseases like sickle cell anemia and cancer. While a patent dispute between Berkeley and MIT over Crispr’s licensing rights has arisen, the technology’s application continues unabated. In 2018, a Chinese scientist even created genetically modified human embryos, raising questions about the ethical implications. However, we remain optimistic about its potential for good.
- SpaceX’s Reusable Rocket
Elon Musk, often known for his visionary ideas, has executed a groundbreaking concept with SpaceX’s reusable rocket system. In December 2015, the Falcon 9 rocket launched, delivered its payload into orbit, and then returned to land at Cape Canaveral. This achievement marked a new era in space travel, significantly reducing costs. A Falcon 9 launch now costs only about $62 million, a quarter of what it did a decade ago, making space exploration more accessible to startups and potentially even humanity’s ticket to Mars.
- Venmo
The simplicity of Venmo’s concept has transformed how people exchange money. Founded by college roommates Andrew Kortina and Iqram Magdon-Ismail in 2010, Venmo allows users to send money instantly with just a few taps on their smartphones. It has revolutionized bill splitting, rent payments, and eliminated the need for traditional IOUs. Acquired by PayPal in 2015, Venmo boasts a user base exceeding 40 million, surpassing that of many major banks, with a 2019 payment volume projected to exceed $100 billion.
- Nest Thermostat
Tony Fadell, the creator of the iPod, and former Apple engineer Matt Rogers embarked on an unexpected journey when they founded Nest in 2010. Their smart thermostat, an elegantly designed device, allows users to preprogram temperature schedules. It learns from your habits, using motion sensing and Wi-Fi-connected devices to adjust settings based on occupancy, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions when you’re away. This innovation prompted Google to acquire Nest for $3.2 billion in 2014.
- The iPad’s Evolution
When the iPad made its debut in 2010, it faced widespread ridicule due to its name and its somewhat awkward size, falling somewhere between a large phone and a small computer. However, over time, it has proven its worth by selling a staggering 400 million units and inspiring competitors like Amazon, Microsoft, Samsung, and Google. Today, tablets have evolved into indispensable business tools, revolutionizing industries such as food service by replacing cash registers and streamlining inventory management. The App Store now boasts over one million iPad-native apps, impacting a wide range of sectors from real estate and healthcare to education.
- The Era of Self-Driving Cars
In the early part of this decade, Google and Apple conducted covert trials of fully autonomous vehicles. Following their lead, major car manufacturers and ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft entered the self-driving race. Today, passengers can summon driverless taxis for beta testing in cities like Phoenix and Pittsburgh. This technology, driven by machine vision and advanced artificial intelligence, holds the promise of significantly safer roads, with the most optimistic estimates suggesting a 90 percent reduction in fatalities. However, one industry that views this innovation with apprehension is the workforce of nearly four million truck and taxi drivers.
- Consumer-Friendly LED Light Bulbs
LED bulbs represent a quantum leap in energy efficiency compared to the decades-old incandescent bulbs, which squandered 90 percent of their energy as heat. Prior to 2010, LED bulbs were unwieldy, expensive, and mainly suitable for large industrial applications. Yet, in response to federal mandates for enhanced efficiency, manufacturers like GE and Philips developed LED bulbs for everyday consumers. These bulbs consume just 20 percent of the energy of their incandescent counterparts and can endure 25,000 hours of use—equivalent to over a decade of average household usage.
- The Ring Doorbell Revolution
Jamie Siminoff, the founder of Ring, faced unanimous rejection when he pitched his smart doorbell on Shark Tank in 2013. However, five years later, Amazon acquired his company for an impressive $1 billion. The Wi-Fi-enabled doorbell automatically records video upon detecting motion through its built-in sensors, and a two-way intercom enables homeowners to communicate with visitors through a mobile app. Installation of Ring has led to a 50 percent reduction in break-ins according to the LAPD. Nevertheless, there are ongoing concerns from activists and lawmakers regarding the extent of information that police departments can access through their surveillance partnerships with Amazon.
- Tesla Powerwall: The Future of Home Energy Storage
With solar power becoming increasingly affordable and surpassing the cost-effectiveness of gas and coal in many regions, the focus has shifted to efficiently storing excess energy for later use in homes. Tesla’s Powerwall, introduced in 2015, offers an advanced solution, allowing homeowners to program energy collection during off-peak hours and consumption during peak times. As several states begin to implement time-of-use energy pricing—already adopted by California, Arizona, and Massachusetts—Powerwall not only saves money but also reduces strain on local power grids.
(Compiled by Jr Amigo/ai/mnm)
Source: Inc. Magazine-Kevin Ryan