The global stage is now becoming wide open for Filipinos, or Pinoys as we call it. As they claim this pride, we, as mga kababayan, proudly raise the nation’s flag.

May it be athletes paving their way to win a trophy, a singer who proudly mentions their Pinoy roots, or an actor making it to the big Hollywood blockbuster, reactions are still the same; timelines fill with “Pinoy Pride!” and of course, there will always be somebody who unapologetically types,

“Uy, Philippines!”

For many, this reaction may seem an over-the-top behavior. Yet, this won’t equate to the fact that every international milestone like this has a significant meaning, most especially, in Filipino representation.

This has also been an absolute reflection of us Filipinos wishing to see people who sound and look like all of us, as we embrace this heritage in a floor that has been dominated by Western stories and faces.

Until that wish becomes a reality. Finally, something that we can hold on to.

The talent that a Filipino possesses is no longer constricted to one breakout as a star.

Now, we can see this success across film, music, and arts, and in many fields, because a new set of Filipinos from different backgrounds and careers are letting their presence be felt in the global entertainment scene, and they are ringing the bell.

Like they are unstoppable.

Photo Courtesy of Inquirer Entertainment

Back Off Of My Filo: Sophia of KATSEYE

One of the newest Filipino names making a gnarly wave internationally is Sophia Laforteza of KATSEYE.

The artist earned her spot of becoming a member of KATSEYE, a 6-member global girl group under Geffen Records and HYBE America.

KATSEYE consists of Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae and was formed through the survival show “The Debut: Dream Academy”, debuted on June 28, 2024, with their single “Debut” from their first EP, SIS (Soft is Strong).

Being in the girl group, Sophia earned global recognition as KATSEYE represents a new era of Pop Music, bringing artists together from different countries, with different cultures and backgrounds, for a worldwide audience.

Her journey is more than a personal achievement. This is proof that Filipino talent thrives in a prominent global industry, whereas music, entertainment platforms, and social media allow artists to make connections beyond geographical borders.

Today, Hollywood is being inclusive to a variety of races and as Filipino pride prevails, a bigger avenue opens for us so we can hit the mark on the international stage.

Sophia’s story shows racism backs off when there is a Filipino, a woman, winning in the field.

Photo Courtesy of PEP.ph

An Ode To Her Old Self: Liza On Starting Over Again

In the Philippines, if you have an established career and you decide to leap your faith to try something new, this will capture the attention of your audiences and your life will be open with judgement from other people.

Yet, Liza Soberano, a Filipino actress who made her name ultimately known by her charm, talent, and her flawless aura in national TV, transitioned to Hollywood because she finds it no longer interesting to continue a life that is not working for her.

This is a decision and a risk of leaving the life of being one of the country’s stars to start over again in a much larger industry for artists.

Liza’s Hollywood debut

Liza’s Hollywood debut happened when she was announced to be joining in “Lisa Frankenstein“, a 2024 American romantic comedy horror film directed by Zelda Williams, with her co-stars Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse.

This has marked a new chapter in her career upon entering Hollywood. At the same time, it has shown that Liza’s willingness to shift a path is truly challenging but it is incredibly worth it to do the things that you love most rather than staying your feet on your comfort zone forever.

Her inspiring journey earned pride and gratification from the Philippines because she is not just representing the Philippines abroad. She showcases courage– a kind that comes with making a decision and trusting it with all your heart.

Beginning again opens more doors for you to discover the things that you haven’t found in yourself yet.

Photo Courtesy of Cinemablend

Brand New Day: The Amazing Jacob

Spider-Man’s bestfriend? That would be Jacob Batalon.

Jacob plays Ned Leeds in the Marvel Studios’ “Spider-Man“ trilogy. He became one of the most adored supporting characters in the Cinematic Universe of Marvel due to his natural humor, unmatched stage presence, his genuine love for his work. Most of all, his heartfelt friendship with the amazing Spider-man himself, Peter Parker (played by Tom Holland.)

Truly, his undeniable screen presence has made him highly memorable, allowing him to quickly become a fan favorite from the moment he was introduced to the franchise.

Aside from Marvel, Jacob’s career has expanded through film and television. This showed the world that he is far more than just one iconic role.

His success represents that Filipino actors are no longer appearing in the background, barely getting roles or briefly having enough air-time. Rather, Filipinos can become memorable figures where people with big names are.

This is such a brand new day for all of us, too.

Photo Courtesy of Variety

Chosen Ones: The Legend Of Filipinos

Three Filipinos were chosen to showcase their talents in the Netflix’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” Gordon Cormier, Jordan Robert, and Dolly de Leon.

While some actors tend to spend years waiting for their breakthrough role, Gordon Cormier got his in one of television’s most awaited adaptations.

Gordon has spent his life’s work shaving his head, astride flying bison, and bending the elements in “Avatar: The Last Airbender” in his pursuit of bringing Aang to life.

Until one day, that dream came onto his hand when he was the chosen one to play as ‘Aang’ in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Just pure talent

Certainly, just like any other young actors, carrying the name of an iconic character comes with great pressure and expectations. Yet, he welcomed the challenge, open arms, bringing the confidence on set at a young age.

Eventually, people all over the world recognized that burning desire of his to play as the avatar.

His success in making a name in Hollywood inspires everyone and changes a traditionalized casting system. This is in a sense that the industry should cast young actors based on talent.

Another promising young star is featured in the second season of Netflix’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender”– Jordan Roberto.

The young actor appears in an episode titled ‘A Fight, Once Begun’. He portrayed the younger version of the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation (Zuko). Jordan’s phenomenal performance created a heartfelt moment to the fans as the character reminisces its tragic backstory.

Way before his role in the series began, Jordan has been building a career in the industry. He follows the same path as his mom (who happened to be the Filipina International Star Search, Josephine “Banig” Roberto) and was part of the Disney+ documentary Pets. He has also appeared in campaigns for certain major brands, and as well as for the Los Angeles Lakers, Disneyland. Likewise, Jordan voiced young characters in Yo Gabba Gabbaland at the age of 6.

On top of that, veteran actress Dolly de Leon has bagged a role in the season premier of the series as the Fire Nation twins “Lo & Li,” the advisers of Princess Azula.

This legendary portrayal made by Gordon, Jordan, and Miss Dolly definitely raises the flag of Filipinos. It made a way for our roots to show the world that a hero can look like us as well.

Photo Courtesy of Comic Book Club

Fearless Pinay: Proud and Rebel Eve

To be cast in a best-selling franchise of DC Comics is definitely a dream. For Eve Ridley, that happened to be true.

A British-Filipino actress Eve earned a spot to play a major role in “Supergirl” as Ruthye. Her character is a fearless and rebel alien warrior out for revenge after her father was assassinated. The actress fearlessly did her own stunts after two months of intense physical training.

She has previous acting experiences and has performed in the United Kingdom tour for “Les Miserable.” Eve also voiced Wendy Wolf in the animated series Peppa Pig. And as part of the Netflix series 3 Body Problem.

Eve has always been proud of her Filipino roots and background. This loud acknowledgement makes her a rising star for the Filipino community.

Photo Courtesy of Epic Dope

Raising The Bloodline: Pinoys In Horror Movies

It is rare for Hollywood to feature a Filipino Family story in a running franchise of horror. That’s why, Kaitlyn Santa Juana and Teo Briones’ representations have made history.

“Final Destination: Bloodlines,“ as a famous horror entertainment, has opened its horizon for Kaitlyn, who played as Stefani Reyes, and Teo as Charlie, and let them show the world their ability to portray their respective roles as leading characters in the film.

Aside from the plot of this film, Filipinos being on screen gave their all and have shown they can be more. The stars worked closely with the productions which helps them to feature a Filipino family dynamic. Stefani also finds her casting important as she is casted with the responsibility of representing our nation on big screen, worldwide.

Although, the cultural identity is not the focal plot. The woven details of the characters and their stories made an impact for the fans, as it was evident that the Filipino authenticity is present.

Surely, to die for.

Filipino Pride All The Way

Representation has never been just about the lineage and the culture that somebody shares outside the country.

This is about seeing Filipinos earn opportunities because of their hard work, courage, the earned respect, and breaking boundaries while proudly carrying the Filipino spirit within their journey.

Just like Sophia Laforteza, she is the living proof that Filipino artists can get into the stage of global industry in music. Liza Soberano, telling every person on the planet Earth that reinventing your name is courageous. Jacob Batalon, being a nice guy and a passionate artist brings you into places that you have never been into. Gordon Cormier, Jordan Roberto, and Miss Dolly de Leon, inspiring their fellow people to never stop chasing your dreams because the world is too big for you to stop following what you want in life. Eve Ridley, proving the entire world that to make yourself bigger than your fears is the only way to achieve your dreams. Kaitlyn Santa Juana and Teo Briones, making names in a space where Filipino representation is lacking.

Different journeys leaning to tell the same stories– Filipinos are not waiting anymore for a spot, because they are continuously earning spaces so we can step in and make it our own. So that every time a new series begins to hit, or even a song climbs up the charts, or whenever we watch a movie in the theater, there will always be a reason for someone to proudly say–

“Uy, Philippines!”