The 100 Most Powerful People in the Philippines: Wielders of Soft Power

Power doesn’t always announce itself. More often, it reveals itself in subtler ways—in the shift of attention when a certain person enters the room, in the weight carried by a single statement, and the reactions others make in response to it.

At its core, power is the ability to shape outcomes. It can come in the form of formal authority, institutional control, or the far-reaching pull of influence. Some wield it through public office, others through business empires, and still others through platforms that command vast audiences. However it manifests, its effects are undeniable.

The individuals on this list represent the many faces of power today. Each holds a distinct capacity to direct conversations, move markets, or influence the national mood. Taken together, they offer a snapshot of who—and what—drives the Philippines forward today.

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Filipino boy band SB19 is dubbed the "Kings of P-pop," and rightfully so. Not only are their songs multilingual, featuring Tagalog and Bisaya lyrics, but they are also heavily woven with Filipino culture and identity, including references to local myth, values, and other visual concepts. It was only a year after their debut that the group became the first Filipino act to appear on the Billboard Next Big Sound chart, then the first Filipino act to enter the Billboard Social 50. Its members, Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin, have always been involved in the entire creative process of their music, from songwriting to production, eventually leading them to establish their own company, 1Z Entertainment, in 2023. Earlier this year, the group signed a deal with United Talent Agency (UTA), one of the world’s leading talent agencies, for worldwide representation in all areas, including live touring and brand partnerships, further expanding its global footprint and influence.

Ely Buendia is one of the most important musicians in the history of the Philippine music industry. Beyond his work as frontman and primary songwriter for the seminal, zeitgeist-defining rock band Eraserheads, he is a music label executive via his surging independent record label Offshore Music, which is home to some of the most imaginative local music acts today: Ena Mori, ALYSON, The Ransom Collective, Carousel Casualties, Pinkmen, and Sexy Jay, to name a few. The legendary Eraserheads also now have their own acclaimed documentary on Netflix, which is expected to expand the band's reach to about 200 countries.

From being Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash big winner in 2010 to becoming one half of the JaDine love team, singer and matinee idol James Reid has successfully pivoted his career into entrepreneurship and music production. He founded Careless Music, which aims to champion OPM on the global stage and bridge the gap between the local music industry and international markets. He has also carved out a successful music career, earning major accolades, including Album of the Year at the 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music. Beyond music, Reid has established a strong presence at international fashion weeks, attending shows for and being dressed by top luxury houses such as Gucci, Emporio Armani, and Louis Vuitton.

Bini has been referred to as the "Nation's Girl Group" given their impact on Philippine pop music. The eight-member group represent various Philippine regions and cultural backgrounds, which are reflected in their songs that feature different Philippine languages, including Ilocano and Aklanon, and Filipino elements. In April 2026, they made history as the first-ever Filipino act to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Dolly de Leon, a celebrated figure in Philippine cinema and theater, is known for her versatility and three-decade commitment to the craft. Her role in Verdict (2019), a Philippine crime drama film directed by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez, won her the FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress. Internationally, she made history as the first Filipino nominated for a Golden Globe and BAFTA for her role in Triangle of Sadness (2022), Ruben Östlund's satirical black comedy that premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Palme d'Or. Her role as Abigail in the international film also won her the Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the Guldbagge Awards, Best Supporting Performance from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and the Breakthrough Performance Award at the Middleburg Film Festival. In 2023, she won the Best Supporting Actress Award in the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival for her performance in Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing).

National Artist of the Philippines for Film Kidlat Tahimik, born Eric de Guia, is a visionary filmmaker and installation artist widely regarded as the "Father of Philippine Independent Cinema." A director, writer, and actor, his films are often associated with the Third Cinema movement, which critiques neocolonialism and the capitalist system. His semi-autobiographical masterpiece Perfumed Nightmare (1977) is considered a classic from this movement, highlighting his stance on anticolonial narratives. In June 2026, Tahimik took a stand against the government's Reframed General Education Curriculum, which deprioritizes humanities, history, and cultural education, by renouncing his National Artist status.

Jose "Joey" Javier Reyes currently serves as the chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Drawing on his decades of experience as a professor at De La Salle University and the College of St. Benilde, his primary advocacy is film education. "For me, education comes not only from educating filmmakers or the audience but also from educating educators," he told Esquire Philippines in an interview for Man at His Best 2024, where he was named Creative of the Year. He continues to spearhead programs that bring workshops in scriptwriting and acting to the regions, alongside efforts to screen Filipino classics in mainstream cinemas.

Jose Paolo Villaluna currently serves as the Director-General of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), which was reorganized in 2024 with a clear mission: to professionalize Filipino filmmaking, safeguard the welfare of film workers, and champion local productions that achieve international acclaim. Most recently, the FAP established partnerships with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and PhilHealth to provide local filmmakers with essential legal and health resources. Additionally, the academy launched an Oscars Grants program to provide the government backing necessary for Filipino films vying for nominations on the global stage.

Nick Deocampo, a documentary filmmaker and film historian, is regarded as a pillar of Philippine cinema scholarship. In his 2023 three-volume project Sine Tala, he constructs a definitive knowledge base for Philippine cinema, bridging its historical roots, cultural identity, and pedagogical impact on the nation’s popular landscape. He has also charted the nation’s cinematic heritage, challenging colonial narratives along the way, in Cine: Spanish Influences on Early Cinema in the Philippines (2003), Film: American Influences on Philippine Cinema (2011), and Alternative Cinema: The Un-chronicled History of Alternative Cinema in the Philippines (2021), among others. In 2023, Deocampo was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Film Development Council of the Philippines for "a life dedicated to scholarship in Philippine cinema."

Award-winning filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama is a pivotal voice in Philippine documentary. Her most recent work, Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea (2025), explores how rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea affect the everyday Filipino and frontliners, particularly the fisherfolk, Navy, and Coast Guard personnel deployed in the contested waters. Food Delivery won the Tides of Change Award at the Doc Edge Festival in New Zealand. Villarama is also known for Sunday Beauty Queen (2016), the groundbreaking documentary that made history as the first of its genre to win Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival. It is a close look at the lives of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong, focusing specifically on domestic helpers who spend their rare days off preparing for and participating in elaborate beauty pageants.

Acclaimed film director Brillante Mendoza remains a highly relevant figure in contemporary cinema because his unapologetically gritty films offer a raw, uncompromising look at Philippine social realities—such as poverty, the drug war, and the country's complex political climate. The first filipino filmmaker to have been awarded Best Director at Cannes for his film Kinatay in 2009, Mendoza is also a pioneer of the Filipino New Wave. His work continues to heavily influence both local and global cinema as he continually strives to archive Filipino narratives and raise the international respect given to Philippine media.

Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey has seamlessly transitioned from being a Miss Universe titleholder into a multi-hyphenate global icon. An influential voice in the world of fashion, she frequently attends and walks for global luxury brands, generating millions in media impact value. She leverages her massive following to champion social causes, such as HIV/AIDS awareness, mental health, and the well-being of overseas Filipino workers. She has expanded her personal brand into a business empire, co-founding various ventures and releasing her bestselling debut novel, Queen of the Universe, which tells about her journey from pageantry to the global stage.

Vice Ganda, or Jose Marie Borja Viceral, is a multifaceted artist—a TV host, recording artist, and film star—shaping the Philippine entertainment scene. On It's Showtime, especially, the TV host pivots from lighthearted banter to humor and satire, subtly leading to insightful discussions on urgent national issues, ranging from the education crisis to political events. Vice Ganda is also a trailblazing advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, whether through using her platform to normalize queer identity, whether through the clothes she wears or the pronouns she prefers (either he/him or she/her), in a conservative society.

Through the years, Anne Curtis has proven her staying power, her remarkable ability to reinvent herself, and that she can excel in virtually every field she pursues. She is a top-grossing actress, a witty television host, a concert performer (despite being a non-singer), a sought-after endorser and digital influencer for major brands, and a successful entrepreneur behind lifestyle brands such as BLK Cosmetics and the activewear label Recess. With over 20 million Instagram followers, she is undeniably one of the country's most influential digital personalities, whose reach extends far beyond entertainment, shaping consumer trends, brand campaigns, and popular culture. 

Coco Martin has evolved from a celebrated independent film actor into an industry titan, wielding significant influence as a director and producer. In 2017, he launched his own production company, CCM Productions, marking his debut as both director and producer with Ang Panday, a character legacy popularized by the late Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ). Martin continued this homage by starring in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (2015), which ran for seven years, becoming the longest-running drama series in ABS-CBN history. He further bridged generations by reimagining the 1986 classic Batang Quiapo (2023), which ran for three years and consistently cast retired actors and emerging talent, creating a sustainable ecosystem for the local entertainment industry.

Drag performer, recording artist, and TV personality Marina Summers gained national attention as a runner-up during the first season of Drag Race Philippines. She consistently infuses her performances with Filipino pride, notably performing her version of "AMAFILIPINA" (inspired by Maymay Entrata's "AMAKABOGERA") in the first episode of RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World (2024), where she ultimately placed third. In April 2026, she made history as the first drag queen to perform at the Miss Universe Philippines pageant and the first transgender woman to host its coronation night.

Entrepreneur, host, cultural curator, and eventologist, Tim Yap is a well-known figure in society circles. He channels his energy into Yaparazzi Events + PR, an experience-led creative house he runs with Javier Martinez Pardo that serves high-profile clients like Moët Hennessy, Celine, and Estée Lauder. Yap has also defined Manila's nightlife by co-owning iconic clubs such as Republic, Opus, and The Palace. In 2025, he branched into theater by playing Sy Spector—who, fittingly, is also a PR manager—in The Bodyguard: The Musical.

Silverlens Gallery, founded by Isa Lorenzo in 2010 and later joined by Rachel Rillo, has become an important player in Philippine contemporary art. What began as a modest Makati space dedicated to photography has evolved into a multidisciplinary art gallery, showcasing everything from painting and sculpture to experimental installations. A landmark achievement came in 2022 with the opening of their New York City branch—the first Filipino-owned gallery in the city. By championing not only Filipino artists but also those of mixed-race heritage and the broader diaspora, Lorenzo and Rillo have defined the gallery's role as a vital bridge of Philippine art to the global stage.

Jaime Ponce de Leon, a respected art dealer and auctioneer, established León Gallery in 2010. It has since evolved into a premier auction house that prioritizes Philippine art, rare antiquities, and colonial-era artifacts, in an effort to preserve and document pieces of the country's history. One notable project of León Gallery was the retrieval of Juan Luna's "Hymen, oh Hyménée!" (1889), a long-lost painting that won a bronze medal at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle. It is considered by many art collectors as the holy grail of Philippine art, last seen in public in 1891. For a decade, de Leon followed leads and clues all over Europe, until he finally acquired the piece in 2014. It wasn't until 2022 that a long-term loan between León Gallery and Ayala Museum was formalized, which led to the well-planned unveiling of the legendary piece this year through a multimedia exhibition, Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero.

Ramon "Richie" Lerma established Salcedo Auctions in 2010, a Philippine fine art and collectibles auction house based in Makati. Aside from public auctions, it also offers specialized services including appraisal, conservation framing, and restoration. Salcedo Auctions became known for its annual events, including The Well-Appointed Life, Finer Pursuits, Gavel&Block, and Under the Tree: The Wish List. Some of its most notable sales include the "Spoliarium" (boceto), which sold for P63 million, making it the highest-priced work by Juan Luna.

Gab Pangilinan has established herself as a vital bridge between the worlds of Philippine theater, social media, and streaming. While she is best known for her performances in Ang Huling El Bimbo, Mula sa Buwan, and The Last Five Years, she has extended her reach through digital streaming projects, such as the eight-episode series Still on Viu. This cross-platform visibility has been instrumental in expanding the theater community's base; by cultivating a dedicated online following, she has successfully introduced a new generation of fans to the stage. Most recently, she starred as Mary Magdalene in the Manila leg of Jesus Christ Superstar, where she has proven her artistic versatility alongside international theater stars.

Audie Gemora is a veteran of the Philippine stage, celebrated for a prolific career spanning four decades as an actor, director, producer, and mentor. He holds a leadership role as the president of PHILSTAGE (Philippine Legitimate Stage Artists Group), an alliance of 16 professional companies in the theatrical arts. It plays a critical role in the community by promoting the performing arts and fostering industry standards through the annual Gawad Buhay—the first industry-recognized awards for theater in the Philippines.

J-Mee Katanyag, Philippine Educational Theater Association's (PETA) Artistic Director, brings a fresh perspective to the 59-year-old theater company that stands at the crossroads of an unprecedented abundance in productions throughout Metro Manila. She is behind Control + Shift: Changing Narratives Festival (2025), which highlighted narrative change as the power of stories in shaping mindsets and worldviews; creative cross-cultural exchanges, such as the collaboration with Mecklenburgisches Staatstheater in Schwerin for Nobody is Home (2025), a play that touches on the global care crisis and care migration.

Paulo Alcazaren is a distinguished landscape architect and urban planner whose work has significantly shaped Philippine urban design. With a career spanning decades, he is best known for integrating history, heritage, and architecture to foster a stronger sense of community. He has led nearly 250 projects across 14 countries, ranging from civic spaces to waterfront developments throughout the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and China. Beyond his design practice, Alcazaren is a prolific writer and academic contributor, using his long-running newspaper columns to document and champion thoughtful urban planning in a developing nation. In 2026, he returned as BluPrint's editor-in-chief, a role he previously held from 2002 to 2012.

Rody Vera is a playwright, actor, and director whose career has been defined by his commitment to nurturing the next generation of dramatists outside the academe. He founded The Writers' Bloc, a Manila-based group of playwrights that serves as an incubator for new works. This led him to co-found the Virgin Labfest (2015), an annual festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines that provides a professional platform for "untried, untested, and unstaged" plays. At the VLF, the playwright is given the chance to refine and develop the text, while a community of directors and mentors provides the support needed.

With over 180 screenplays, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee has become a cornerstone of Philippine cinema. His masterpieces, such as Himala, Moral, and Karnal, serve as social commentaries that give voice to the marginalized and expose oppressive societal structures. His most enduring legacy, however, is his long-running, free scriptwriting workshop, which he began at his home in Loyola Heights, Quezon City, in 1982. Running for 14 years, the workshop produced cinema greats like Lav Diaz, Jeffrey Jeturian, Jerry Sineneng, Vincent de Jesus, and Leo Abaya before a 14-year hiatus. Lee revived the program in 2016 and has continued it ever since—even throughout the pandemic—cultivating a new generation of filmmakers, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds rather than traditional film schools.

A prolific fictionist, Edgar Calabia Samar is best known for the young adult Janus Silang book series, which has developed a dedicated following. It combines the lived realities of Filipino youth—specifically the ubiquity of computer shops and online role-playing games—with the richness of local mythology, bridging the gap between the modern world and folklore. In addition, his engaging online presence serves as an accessible voice for readers and writers alike, bringing a wider audience to Philippine literature. He is an Associate Professor at Ateneo de Manila University, Head of the National Committee on Literary Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and a member of the Filipino Critics Circle. Samar is also an Esquire Philippines contributing writer, taking on the challenge of bringing book criticism to mainstream media.

Filipino historian, independent curator, and academic Ambeth Ocampo has fundamentally made the study of Philippine history more accessible and comprehensible. His research largely covers the late 19th-century Philippines: its art, culture, and the people who figure in the birth of the nation. Ocampo's scholarly works humanize national heroes—most notably Jose Rizal—and uncover the fascinating eccentricities of the past, transforming a subject that's often perceived as boring into relatable narratives. He serves as professor and lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of the Philippines Baguio; a columnist for the long-running Looking Back in the Philippine Daily Inquirer; and sits on the advisory boards of the Ateneo Art Gallery, the Ayala Museum, the BenCab Museum, and the Lopez Museum.

Chef Josh Boutwood made culinary history after his fine-dining concept, Helm, became the first restaurant in the Philippines to earn two Michelin stars. Aside from Helm, his other prominent dining ventures—The Test Kitchen, Ember, and Juniper—were all named as Michelin Selected Restaurants. Since earning the history-making stars, his restaurants have faced an overwhelming influx of international travelers and local food enthusiasts, resulting in booking waitlists that have completely redefined the hospitality landscape in Metro Manila. Boutwood also balances artistry with corporate power—he serves as the Corporate Executive Chef of The Bistro Group, overseeing the strategy and scaling of nearly 200 restaurant branches nationwide.

Spanish-born Chef Chele González is one of the most respected figures in Asian gastronomy, having earned multiple honors at the country's inaugural Michelin Guide, built a thriving culinary empire, and played an active role in promoting Filipino cuisine on the global stage. His flagship restaurant, Gallery by Chele, was awarded a highly coveted Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star for sustainability. His Spanish roasting house concept, Asador Alfonso, also earned a Michelin Star. Two of his other ventures—Cantabria at The Westin Manila and Enye in Cebu—were designated as Michelin Selected establishments. Gonzalez also routinely represents Philippine gastronomy at global summits like Madrid Fusión, changing how international food critics perceive Southeast Asian terroir.

Quezon City-born tennis superstar Alex Eala is full steam ahead for athletic glory with her continuous rise through the WTA rankings through her wins over seasoned vets and rising talents. She has been hovering at the No. 30 ranking after her impressive Cinderella title runs and high-profile victories. There is no question that the 21-year-old is the face of Philippine tennis and of Philippine sports on global and world-class stages. Her most notable wins as of late include a historic straight-sets victory over World No. 2 Elen Rybakina in the quarterfinals of the Berlin Open. Eala also made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in May, reserved for exemplary young superstars in the fields of arts, social change, finance, and sports.

EJ Obiena defies the typical Filipino athlete since he actually possesses the physical gifts of height, flexibility, and wiry strength that allow him to dominate at pole-vaulting on a world-class stage. He kicked off his 2026 with a gold medal at the Czesław Cybulski Memorial in Poznań, Poland, after a record-breaking SEA Games title run by clearing 5.70 meters last year. Obiena had peaked at #2 in the world and is the reigning Asian Games champion and a multi-time SEA Games gold medalist. The two-time Olympian has shown overwhelming loyalty to the Philippines even after receiving offers to switch allegiances to other countries.

Carlos Yulo is the golden boy of Philippine sports, being the first Filipino male athlete to win an Olympic gold and the first Southeast Asian to secure multiple Olympic golds. In a sport as physically taxing as artistic gymnastics, Yulo has a persistent dominance in this extremely competitive sport despite his usual coy and soft-spoken demeanor. This year spelled even more championships for him, with a floor exercise gold at the Asian Championships, with even his younger brother, Eldrew, sharing the podium with him as he clinched bronze. Yulo also nabbed the French league crown with a dazzling 15.050 pet floor event performance. The 26-year-old continues to break the mold on what a highly technical and complete master sportsman can look like.

Rising Fil-Am NBA Star Dylan Harper is undeniably one of the future franchise players in the league as he comes off a piping-hot finals run with the San Antonio Spurs. He played second fiddle and ended up being the second-leading scorer after the alien, unicorn, and one of the league's top players, Victor Wembanyama, after losing to a historic New York Knicks squad led by Jalen Brunson. The second overall pick in last year's draft is also the son of NBA legend, champion, and the man with the infallible clutch gene, Ron Harper. He was also selected to this year's NBA All-Rookie First Team and became the youngest player in history (20-years-old) to score at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in a conference final game (vs the Oklahoma City Thunder).

Alfrancis Chua is one of the most powerful men in Philippine sports, as he is at the helm of the sports division of San Miguel Corp. and with it the responsibility of overseeing basketball teams with the most hardcore fan bases such as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the San Miguel Beermen, and the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots. He is a former basketball sportsman himself as a player and a coach. Chua had also been the manager and program director of the Philippine men's and youth national team during their 2024 and 2022 Asian Games runs. He is tasked with one of the toughest jobs in the game, continuing the legacy of success and the pressures that come with the cult-like following of the Ginebra San Miguel basketball team.

Justin Brownlee is on his way to going down as the most accomplished import in PBA history and one of the pivotal foreign players for the Philippine men's basketball team. With roots in the NBA Developmental League after going undrafted in the 2011 Draft, the basketball superstar racked up championship after championship in the PBA and four Best Import of the Conference nods in his now decade-long stint in the Philippines. He once again suited up for the Barangay Ginebra in a run that saw him nabbing his fourth Best Import award and eventually the championship. He posted a career-high 54 points during the Commissioner's Cup championship run that saw him raising his career scoring total to 7,939, or the fourth-highest among imports in PBA history, and the second-most by an import, trailing Norman Black.

Historically, Tim Cone is the winningest coach in the Philippine Basketball Association and led the men's national team to a gold medal finish at the 2023 Asian Games. A master of the triangle offense, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel head coach has more than a thousand wins under his nearly 40-year career in Asia's first professional basketball league. He led Ginebra to another Commissioner's Cup championship on June 17 this year as they scraped by a talented TNT Tropang Giga 5G squad. One of the greatest minds in Philippine Basketball doesn't seem to be slowing down, as his legacy within the annals of Philippine sports is secure.

Vincent "Chot" Reyes is one of the most accomplished coaches in both the PBA and Asian basketball. A former network executive and the former head coach of the Philippine men's national basketball team, he now heads a stacked TNT Tropang 5G squad led by former NBA center Bol Bol. His squad fell short to the more experienced Barangay Ginebra team led by Justin Brownlee. Reyes has been a polarizing and divisive figure in Philippine basketball because of his seemingly dismissive nature of fan criticism against the constant pressure as the face of the Philippine national basketball program. His shining glory is his work leading the men's national team to a silver medal finish at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, the country's first in nearly 40 years.

Coach Ramil de Jesus, an institution in Philippine collegiate volleyball, has been with the De La Salle Lady Spikers since the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 60 (1997). He has guided the team for 26 seasons, with 13 of them as championship titles, nine runner-up finishes, and two bronze medals. De Jesus also coached the DLSU Lady Spikers in the Shakey's V-League, where they've won three titles; and the Philippines women's national volleyball team under the Philippine Volleyball Federation in the 2005 SEA Games, where they finished with a bronze medal. He was recognized as UAAP Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year by the Collegiate Press Corps on June 29, 2026.

Veteran Filipino journalist and television host Kara David is celebrated for her powerful documentaries that reflect the realities of geographically isolated areas, indigenous peoples, and impoverished children. Her fearless, on-site reporting brings national attention to systemic issues like inaccessible education and clean water. An educator—she is the chairperson of the University of the Philippines Diliman Journalism Department—she molds young minds, ensuring that the future of Philippine media is rooted in ethics, accountability, and public service. Through her Project Malasakit Foundation, she provides scholarships, food, and medical assistance to the impoverished subjects she features.   

After leaving ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), Journalist Christian Esguerra established “Facts First” as one of the country's leading independent political podcasts. With over 700,00 YouTube subscribers, he reaches a vast global and domestic audience directly, free from corporate and political censorship. Esguerra is known for holding controversial and prominent figures accountable on his show. He maintains a critical, evidence-based stance against disinformation and actively calls out questionable decisions by politicians. Esguerra teaches political reporting and media ethics at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). His dual role as a practitioner and an educator makes him a credible and respected voice on the importance of a free press in a democracy.

Having covered almost every major event in the Philippines since the mid-1980s, Jessica Soho has paved the way for women and investigative journalists in the country. Her flagship program, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS)—one of the highest-rated news magazine shows on Philippine television—allows her to connect with millions across multiple generations. She masterfully highlights Filipino culture, viral human-interest stories, and societal issues, which often result in direct, life-changing aid for the subjects of her features. She has amassed over 300 local and international awards, including the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award and honors from the New York Festivals.

As a mainstay on prime-time news (TV Patrol) and her own daily political/business talk show (Headstart on the ABS-CBN News Channel), veteran news anchor Karen Davila effectively sets the daily news agenda. She successfully expanded her reach beyond traditional television by building a highly engaged digital following on YouTube and Spotify. Beyond her stints as a broadcast journalist, Davila also serves as the UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines, utilizing her platform to champion gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the rights of children and those with special needs.

Ninong Ry, or Ryan Morales Reyes, is a Filipino content creator and chef with a unique culinary vlogging style. He blends cooking techniques with self-deprecating humor, which makes him relatable to the everyman and has ultimately earned him nearly 2.8 million subscribers. Beyond his viral antics, his content serves as a tribute to Filipino comfort food, championing local flavors and easily accessible ingredients. Ninong Ry has two cookbooks published by Summit Books: Hindi Ito Cookbook ni Ninong Ry (2024) and Hindi Pa Rin Ito Cookbook ni Ninong Ry (2026).

Profiles written by the Esquire Philippines team

Art by Igi Talao

ALSO READ:

The 100 Most Powerful People in the Philippines: Government and Spiritual Leaders

The 100 Most Powerful People in the Philippines: Titans of Industry