Over the past week, you’ve probably seen a lot of content from a certain American singer-actress who recently arrived in the Philippines to film a documentary exploring her Filipino roots. Since her arrival, many Pinoys have been up in arms, debating on the merit of having High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens as the country’s global tourism ambassador. While we can’t wait to see how her documentary will turn out, there have been a lot of names thrown around who can also be considered to represent the country on the global stage.

1. Bretman Rock

Why Bretman? At the top of the list is ~da one and only baddest~. He’s unapologetically loud and proud about who he is, especially his roots as a Filipino. Bretman spent his early childhood in the Philippines before he migrated to Hawaii. He has always talked about his identity as a gay Ilocano immigrant and how his experiences made him da baddest b*tch that he is today.

With his quick wit and hilarious content, Bretman has captured a large following on social media and even gathered a long list of A-list celebrity friends like Ariana Grande, SZA, and Gigi Hadid. Last month, Bretman returned to the Philippines for a book signing tour in Manila and Cebu and to visit his hometown and remaining family. He even showcased his fluent, if a little fancy-sounding, Filipino-speaking skills!

2. H.E.R.

The talented H.E.R. (Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson) – 1st Filipino & Black artist to play “Belle” in “Beauty and the Beast” (airs on ABC on Dec. 15) – represents her Filipino roots through indigenous Tagalog baybayin writings on her outfit. The writing says “Bel”. This is dope. 🤎 pic.twitter.com/6I9ztiWYfX

— E.J. Ramos David, Ph.D. (@ejrdavid) December 8, 2022

Why H.E.R.? Born as Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, nicknamed Gabi, H.E.R. is just one Tony award away from EGOT status at just they young age of 25. While she was born and raised in the US, she has shared multiple times that she grew up surrounded and supported by her Filipino family who strongly encouraged her to pursue her passion for music. According to the singer, she has returned to the Philippines a few times over the past years to spend time in her mother’s hometown Nueva Ecija. In her role as Belle in the musical stage of Beauty and the Beast, she paid homage to her Filipino roots by including Baybayin script in her costume.

3. Dave Bautista

Why Dave? After shifting from wrestling to full-time acting, American actor Dave Bautista gained international prominence through his roles as Drax The Destroyer in the Guardians of the Galaxy film series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While born and raised in the US, he has always proclaimed himself a proud Filipino. The grandson of Filipino immigrants, Dave has inked himself with Filipino-inspired tattoos, including the three yellow stars and sun of the Philippine flag on his left elbow and the waving flags of the Philippines and Greece beside each other on his left arm.

4. Jacob Batalon

Why Jacob? Another actor with Filipino roots in the MCU is 26-year-old Jacob Batalon, playing Ned, a.k.a. Peter Parker’s best friend and self-proclaimed guy-in-the-chair in the Spider-Man films. Born to Filipino parents, the actor grew up in Hawaii (same as Bretman!) and has repeatedly showcased his Filipino roots in most of his characters, including a Filipino vampire in Reginald the Vampire , as well as Ned, whose lola even got to curse in Tagalog at Spidey in No Way Home.

5. beabadoobee

Why Bea? Filipino-British singer-songwriter beabadoobee was born Beatrice Kristi Ilejay Laus in Iloilo before she and her parents moved to London when she was only 3. Last year, she came back to the Philippines as a touring artist for her Beatopia Tour. Most recently, she was the opening act for Taylor Swift at The Eras Tour in Las Vegas and Texas.

6. apl.de.ap

Why apl.de.ap? One of the founding members of Black Eyes Peas, Filipino-American rapper apl.de.ap has always worn the Filipino half of his identity with pride. Born as Allan Pineda Lindo in Angeles, Pampanga, he and his six younger siblings were raised by his single mother until when he was 11, he was matched with lawyer Joe Ben Hudgens as a sponsor then later as adoptive father.

After his meteoric rise to fame with Black Eyed Peas, he continued to proclaim his pride as a Filipino, even returning home several times to collaborate with local artists and studios. Much like he received help when he was young, apl.de.ap is now paying it forward with the Apl Foundation, which helps various communities and children in the Philippines and across Asia.

7. Jo Koy

Why Jo Koy? His humor’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but his quips and jokes usually touch on his Filipino heritage and his Filipina mother, which has definitely made the global audience more aware of Pinoy culture. Last August 2022, he held a show in the Philippines, then came back in January 2023 to spend time with his family in Baguio, Bacolod, and La Union. He also made a documentary about his roots as a Filipino entitled Jo Koy: In His Elements, which is available on Netflix.

8. Sandara Park

Why Dara? Finally, we have Sandara. While she isn’t ethnically a Filipino, Sandara spent her most formative years in the Philippines, but many have put her name forward as a potential ambassador. The former 2NE1 member continues to prove her love for the Philippines through content and videos that showcase her deep knowledge about the country. She even speaks Filipino fluently, as she proved when she explained what sisig and calamansi is to her friends!

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