Filipinos are known to be spectacular performers, as evidenced by the numerous concerts, cultural performances, plays, events and films staged every year. Luckily, these talents have also been well-represented in Hollywood and beyond. The charm of Filipinos abroad have undoubtedly made many audiences swoon, and below is a list of Hollywood celebrities whom some of you might be surprised are also of Pinoy descent (at least partially!).
From singers and record producers to mutli-talented performers, these Hollywood celebrities with Filipino roots definitely make us proud to be Pinoy:
1. Jessica Sanchez
In 2012, Jessica Sanchez who was born to a Filipina mother and Mexican-American father, snagged the first-runner up spot in American Idol Season 11.
2. Bruno Mars
The man behind the famous songs “Just the Way You Are” and “When I Was Your Man” has a Filipino mom and a Puerto Rican-Jewish dad.
3. Vanessa Hudgens
The High School Musical star comes from a multi-racial family; her father is of Irish and American descent while her mother has Chinese and Filipino origins.
4. Enrique Iglesias
The 41-year old singer, song writer, and record producer was born to a Filipino mother and Spanish father.
5. Nicole Scherzinger
Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger (or Nicole Prescovia Valiente in real life) has a Filipino father and a Hawaiian mother.
6. Hailee Steinfeld
Singing along with Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson in Pitch Perfect 3, this statuesque actress was born to a Filipina mom and American dad.
7. Darren Criss
You’ve probably seen him belt it out in American TV series Glee, and this heartthrob actually has Filipino blood; his mother is Filipina while his dad is of American-Irish descent.
8. Shay Mitchell
The Pretty Little Liars star was born to a Filipina mother and an Irish-Scottish father. Aside from her show, the brunette beauty has been on the cover of Esquire magazine.
9. Lou Diamond Phillips
Famous Tony-nominated actor Lou Phillips was born to a Filipina mother and an American military dad.
10. Cassie Ventura
Recording artist, dancer, actress and model Cassie was born to a Filipino father and an American-African mother.
11. Michael Copon
Born to a Filipino father and a German mother, the 33-year old actor has starred in shows such as One Tree Hill, Beyond the Break, and Power Rangers.
Sources: IMDb, Ranker, and Buzzfeed
