2023 Year-Ender: Filipino Buzzmakers
As we welcome 2024, we came up with a list of Filipino luminaries and celebrities who fared in their respective tracks this year and took on achievements after achievements
There is no shortage of new and seasoned talents in the Philippines, and whether it’s for television, film, theater, pageants, reality programs, or music—Filipinos are a massive force to be reckoned with. Before 2023 reaches its end, we rounded up a list of Filipino luminaries in various fields who have valuable achievements locally and abroad.
Check out the Filipino celebrities who made waves locally and across the world with major achievements and awards:
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
Anne Curtis
Multimedia muse Anne Curtis is marking another milestone in her career as she's set to make a comeback through her upcoming show “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.” The Philippine adaptation is an ABS-CBN project, which stars Anne, Carlo Aquino, and Joshua Garcia. The Filipina superstar also recently announced that she is set to have her wax statue at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. In May 2023, Anne’s trip to Seoul, South Korea was memorable, too, as she met South Korean superstar IU at the Gucci Cruise 2024 Fashion Show at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Photo Credit: @charismalico via @annecurtissmith
Bela Padilla
In May of 2023, Filipino-British filmmaker and “Spellbound,” “‘Yung Libro sa Napanood Ko,” and “Wish You Were the One” actress Bela Padilla attended the 76th Cannes Film Festival in France to represent her rising production and co-creation platform AndRoll. Bela graced the prestigious gathering with her Swiss boyfriend Norman Bay, and stumbled upon South Korean superstar Song Joong Ki unexpectedly.
Photo Credit: @shairaluna via @bela
BJ Pascual
Renowned photographer BJ Pascual was the Philippine representative of Calvin Klein at its Fall/Winter 2023 launch last October in Tokyo, Japan. BJ attended the star-studded affair alongside Asian artists and superstars such as Jungkook of BTS, Rowoon, Bright Vachirawit, and many more.
Photo Credit: @bjpascual
Bretman Rock
Social media superstar Bretman Rock had a blast this 2023 as he began new chapters in his career as the newly-minted author of “You’re That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself,” Bench’s model, and the face of Filipino beauty brand Pili Ani. The Hawaii-based Filipino-born influencer introduced his new novel, too, and toured the Philippines in March 2023.
Photo Credit: Bench
Brian Puspos
BTS’ Jungkook’s recently-released solo single “Seven” allowed Filipino-American choreographer Brian Puspos to get the chance to perform with the K-pop superstar. Brian was featured in the song’s performance video, paving the opportunity for his shared stint onstage with Jungkook in New York City for “Good Morning America.” The two reunited in Jungkook’s track titled “Standing Next to You,” too.
Photo Credit: @brianpuspos
Cedrick Juan
Theater, film, and television actor Cedrick Juan showed his acting range as he took on the role of Padre José Burgos in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 entry “Gomburza.” Cedrick earned his first Best Actor feat at MMFF’s Gabi ng Parangal on December 27 and bested showbiz bigwigs such as Alden Richards, Derek Ramsay, Dingdong Dantes, Piolo Pascual, and Christopher de Leon.
Photo Credit: @jojitlorenzophotography via @cedrickgjuan
Coco Martin
Coco Martin set the Philippine screen ablaze once again with the release of the television remake of “Batang Quiapo.” This modern adaptation of Fernando Poe, Jr.’s 1986 movie, premiered on primetime in February 2023. The teleserye’s pilot episode peaked and trended on multiple social media and streaming services, securing 340,000+ concurrent views on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel alone. The filmmaker-actor also recently confirmed his relationship with Julia Montes.
Photo Credit: Gee Plamenco, Jr.
DonBelle
Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano took on their first ever full-length series “Can’t Buy Me Love.” Last October, the show’s pilot episode peaked at 450,000+ concurrent views on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel, and soared as the top series on Netflix. Meanwhile, this month, Belle Mariano collaborated with Ben&Ben on their track “Autumn” and staged her first solo concert “Beloved” in July 2023. Donny, on the other hand, after a hiatus of over two years, had his track “Biglaan” released recently.
Photo Credit: Gee Plamenco, Jr.
DongYan
Celebrity power couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera recently made a return to the silver screen through Star Cinema’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 entry “Rewind.” The time-bending film features both Dingdong and Marian as leads, and serves as the long-time partners’ comeback project, too. The movie also marks DongYan’s first film collaboration with ABS-CBN and Star Cinema, which makes the creation even more exciting. They're also Metro's cover stars for January 2024!
Photo Credit: Andrea Beldua
Erwan Heussaff
Last June, celebrity restaurateur and culinary enthusiast Erwan Heussaff emerged as an awardee at the James Beard Foundation Awards, an award-giving body honoring the best and greatest culinary icons, chefs, and food content creators. The Filipino-French gastronome and FEATR Media and The Fat Kid Inside Studios founder received the Broadcast Media Award in the Social Media category, and was recognized as a local media leader in the Filipino food scene.
Photo Credit: @erwan
Heaven Peralejo
Last September, Heaven Peralejo was lauded for her role in the 2022 suspense-romance movie “Nanahimik ang Gabi.” She was minted as this year’s Asian Academy Creative Awards’ National Winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role, which is a true feat for the actress as it was her first time to win the title.
Photo Credit: @dookieducay via @heavenperalejo
Inka Magnaye
Inka Magnaye, content creator and top voiceover talent, is the voice of an ancient character in DC Films’ “Blue Beetle.” Warner Bros. Philippines announced in August that Inka was chosen to take on the role of Scarab for the Philippine release of the fictional superhero film.
Photo Credit: @inkamagnaye
Janine Gutierrez
Kapamilya actress Janine Gutierrez proved her acting prowess in the 2023 revenge series “Dirty Linen.” Her roles as Mila Dela Cruz and Alexa Salvacion earned her praise in the Philippine entertainment scene, cementing her status as a calibre and versatile artist.
Photo Credit: Charisma Lico
John Lloyd Cruz
Award-winning actor John Lloyd Cruz added another feather in his cap as he took home the Boccalino d’Oro feat or Golden Jug Award for Best Actor at the 76th Locarno International Film Festival. Last August, he was lauded for his performance in Lav Diaz’s “Essential Truths of the Lake,” and attended the prestigious film festival in Locarno, Switzerland.
Photo Credit: @johnlloydcruz83
Juan Karlos Labajo
Singer-songwriter Juan Karlos Labajo is no doubt the next big thing in OPM. Last October, his track “Ere” topped charts after charts on streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube. The hitmaker also amassed the highest single-day streams for his song, with more than a million streams on Spotify Charts Philippines. JK is the first Filipino musician to have made it to the Top 100 Global Spotify Chart, and is the first to have achieved such a feat in the local landscape, making history in music.
Photo Credit: @juankarlos
Kathryn Bernardo
Kathryn Bernardo is indeed an icon in the local showbiz landscape. She has solidified her status as a sought-after superstar through the years, and has taken on projects that fetched her top prizes and awards from highly-acclaimed film festivals. This 2023, she captured the Outstanding Asian Star title at the Seoul International Drama Awards, the Fabulous Award at the Asia Artist Awards, became the most-followed Instagram celebrity in the country, and finished as Metro’s Best Dressed Female at the ABS-CBN Ball. Her movie with Dolly De Leon—Star Cinema’s “A Very Good Girl”—was a blockbuster success, too, and is now streaming as the top Filipino film on Netflix. Towards the end of the year, Kathryn and Daniel Padilla announced their breakup, which trended across the country.
Photo Credit: @bernardokath
Kim Chiu
Kim Chiu has been on a roll throughout 2023 as she took on big roles that defined her talent even more. She embarked on leading-lady stints such as “Fit Check: Confessions of an Ukay Queen” and “Linlang,” and is part of the upcoming Philippine adaptation of “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim.” She will star alongside Paulo Avelino in the said series, and will characterize South Korean star Park Min Young’s character.
Photo Credit: Gee Plamenco, Jr.
Kristel Fulgar
Despite not doing the hosting job for Seo In Guk’s highly-anticipated fanmeet in Manila anymore, which transpired last August, Kristel Fulgar took the chance to meet In Guk off-camera and in person, and even performed a duet from the South Korean star’s drama “Reply 1997.” The two took photos together, which Kristel posted on Instagram. In December, Kristel also received awards in South Korea—the Influencer of the Month award at the 2023 Global Influencer Award, and the Global Creator of the Year award at the 2023 Seoulcon APAN Star Awards.
Photo Credit: @kristelfulgar
Kylie Verzosa
This year, one of Kylie Verzosa’s top milestones is making an appearance at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in France. The beauty queen-actress was among the Filipino actors who were invited to the prestigious international film festival. She was a real showstopper at the red carpet and opening ceremony of Maïwenn’s French biographical film “Jeanne du Barry,” which is top-billed by Hollywood bigwig Johnny Depp. Kylie was present at the premiere of Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire’s “Black Flies,” too.
Photo Credit: @kylieverzosa
Melai Cantiveros
This 2023, besides top-billing “Ma’am Chief: Shakedown in Seoul,” Melai Cantiveros took home a highly-coveted award at the Asia Artist Awards 2023, clinching Best Actor alongside top Hallyu actors Kim Sejeong, Ahn Hyo Seop, Lee Dong Hwi, and Lee Jun Hyuk.
Photo Credit: @mrandmrsfrancisco
Michelle Dee
In May 2023, Michelle Dee edged out 38 candidates at the Miss Universe Philippines 2023, earning the coveted crown and advancing to the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador. Her achievements in the prestigious pageant last November led her to Top 10, and although she finished early, her avid Filipino supporters continue to shower her with cheers.
Photo Credit: @dennisulit via @michelledee
Moira Dela Torre
Singer-songwriter and hitmaker Moira Dela Torre toured the world this 2023 and held concerts in the USA, Canada, and the Middle East. Her shows commenced in February, alluring worldwide audiences across the international arena. Besides her successful show, Moira became the first Filipina to stage a concert at the 16,000-seater Canada Life Center in Winnipeg, Canada. Apart from “Moira Tour 2023,” she also brought into being three tunes throughout 2023 titled “Ikaw at Sila,” “Eme,” and “Maria Clara.”
Photo Credit: Shaira Luna
Nadine Lustre
Nadine Lustre has always been an artist of many abilities, and as a multifaceted actress who can take on characters of different backgrounds, she delivered again and proved her place in Philippine showbiz. In August 2023, she clinched her second Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Best Actress recognition for her role in the 2022 Filipino thriller film “Greed.” Apart from acting, the actress-singer announced the opening of her official YouTube channel as well, which commenced in February. Last October, she also launched Maison Bukana—a beverage brand—with her boyfriend Christophe Bariou. In June, Nadine made her comeback in music, too, launching her latest track “Overgrown.”
Photo Credit: Dookie Ducay
Pia Wurtzbach
There is truly more to Pia Wurtzbach than meets the eye as she embarked on another adventure this year. The Miss Universe Philippines 2015 titleholder—from being a beauty queen to becoming a book author—marked a major milestone as she assumed a new role. Now a novel writer, she navigated her other abilities and officially launched “Queen of the Universe” last September. Pia also attended this 2023’s Cannes Film Festival and Milan and Paris Fashion Week for the first time.
Photo Credit: Andrea Beldua
SB19
In August, P-pop supergroup SB19 performed at the American program “Good Morning America” and showcased their talent in front of foreign audiences. The group appeared in the show for their “Pagtatag!” world tour, making their motherland proud. The Philippine pop ensemble also enjoyed touring across the Philippines, USA, and Canada throughout 2023. SB19 was recognized at the recently-held Asia Artist Awards (AAA), too, taking home AAA’s Best Artist (Singer) Award and Hot Trend Award.
Photo Credit: @officialsb19
Sharon Cuneta
Sharon Cuneta’s reunion concert with Gabby Concepcion in October 2023 was the unexpected comeback we have all waited for. Her return to the stage made her supporters rejoice, especially that their earnest wish was to witness them together again. Apart from her sold-out show, Sharon also starred alongside Alden Richards in a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 entry entitled “Family of Two: Mother and Son Story.”
Photo Credit: IMDb
Sophia Laforteza
Philippines’ Sophia Laforteza was among the participants of Hybe X Geffen Records’ audition program “The Debut: Dream Academy.” She is the country’s only contestant who was chosen to compete in the global girl group search series, and is now a member of the newest girl group Katseye, a six-member selection consisting of winning contenders from the said show.
Photo Credit: @katseyeworld
Vanessa Hudgens
In March 2023, Filipino-American actress Vanessa Hudgens flew to Manila and attended a courtesy call with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. at the Malacañang Palace. She was tapped as Philippine tourism’s global ambassador and was granted the Global Ambassador Award, which is awarded to the Hollywood artist for taking part in promoting Philippines’ tourism across the global audience. Meanwhile, Vanessa also married her baseball player boyfriend Cole Tucker in Tulum, Mexico.
Photo Credit: @buywithprime via @vanessahudgens
Vilma Santos
Sure, it was no surprise that Star of All Seasons Vilma Santos is this 2023’s Best Actress at the Metro Manila Film Festival’s Gabi ng Parangal. Her performance in “When I Met You in Tokyo” alongside veteran actor Christopher de Leon proved yet again that throughout her years as an actress, her acting abilities never wavered nor weakened.
Photo Credit: IMDb
Lead photos courtesy of Kathryn Bernardo, Andrea Beldua, and Dennis Sulit
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