Tagalog speakers may dominate the local showbiz scene. Still, being that we live in a country of mixed cultures and languages, the islands of Visayas and Mindanao have talents that can be appreciated all over the nation and even the world.
Check out the list below of proud Bisaya-speaking celebrities.
Kim Chiu
Kim Chiu’s first claim to fame was becoming the Big Winner for the first Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition. She then made it big in the local showbiz world with leading roles in TV dramas such as Sana Maulit Muli, the Philippine adaptation of My Girl, Ikaw Lamang, and Ina, Kapatid, Anak, among others.
Erich Gonzales
Erich was born in Cebu but was raised in Davao. She rose to prominence thanks to her lead role as Nene in Katorse. She then gained further fame with the Filipino adaptation of Maria La Del Barrio and partnering with Thai Heartthrob Mario Maurer back in 2011 for the film Suddenly It’s Magic.
Matteo Guidicelli
The Filipino-Italian actor hails from Cebu, coming from one of the most well-respected families in the city. He was initially known through his racing career but would later join the show business. Some notable projects were My Binondo Girl (alongside Kim Chiu), Catch Me, I’m In Love, My Cactus Heart, and Dolce Amore.
Ellen Adarna
The model-turned-actress is also a Cebuano, coming from a family who owns a chain of motels in Cebu and Davao. She debuted in gag-comedy sketch TV series Bubble Gang and had her breakthrough in primetime drama Pasion de Amor.
Vina Morales
Vina Morales is another Cebu native, specifically from Bogo. She’s well known for her singing, but she has had acting stints as well, both in film and TV like ang Utol Kong Hoodlum, Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, Darating Ang Umaga, Agua Bendita, and Nasaan Ka, Elisa?
Enrique Gil
Enrique Gil, one-half of the famous showbiz couple LizQuen, also came from Cebu. He started modeling and later moved on to acting in TV and film. Some of his noteworthy projects were when he was paired with Liza Soberano, such as Forevermore, Just The Way You Are, Dolce Amore, My Ex and Whys, and Bagani.
Beauty Gonzalez
Beauty started as a housemate in Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus, wherein she placed fourth. She then started her acting career with supporting roles in TV shows like Angelito and Moon of Desire. She would then play a leading role in the show Dream Dad with Zanjoe Marudo and Romina in Kadenang Ginto.
Paul Jake Castillo
Also, a PBB alumna, Paul Jake Castillo, hails from Cebu. From being a runner-up in Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up, he would join the entertainment industry via supporting roles in Be Careful With My Heart, No Other Woman, and Para Sa Hopeless Romantic. He is now married to actress Kaye Abad.
Melai Cantiveros
Melisa “Melai” Cantiveros was born in General Santos and is best known for being the Big Winner of PBB: Double Up. After her win, she would later star in a reality show about herself and her partner Jason Francisco called Melason In Love and appeared in shows like ASAP, Kris TV, and later editions of PBB as a host. She is also one of the main hosts of the daytime TV show Magandang Buhay.
Maymay Entrata
Marydale “Maymay” Entrata, another PBB alumna, was the Big Winner for PBB Lucky Season 7 edition. She was born in Camiguin and raised in Cagayan de Oro. She began her acting career in the drama anthology show Maalala Mo Kaya and played a supporting role in La Luna Sangre. She also played the lead in the rom-com film Loving in Tandem alongside Edward Barber.
Juan Karlos Labajo
Singer of the hit song Buwan, Juan Karlos Labajo, was born and raised in Cebu. he first appeared in the first season of The Voice Kids Philippines. He had a few acting stints in tv shows Maalala Mo Kaya, Pangako Sa’yo, A Love To Last, and Hawak-Kamay. He also became a housemate in PBB Lucky Season 7.
Maris Racal
Maris hails from Tagum, Davao del Norte, and her shot at fame started by joining Pinoy Big Brother: All In, where she placed second. Afterward, she’s had roles in MMK, became part of two all-girl dance groups Girltrends and BFF5, and a supporting role in teen rom-com Vince and Kath and James.
Slater Young
Dubbed as the Hotshot Engineer from Cebu when he joined Pinoy Big Brother: Unlimited, he would triumph as the Big Winner. He then debuted in a guest role for E-boy and had acting stints mostly on MMK and other shows such as Juan dela Cruz and Ina, Kapatid, Anak.
Morissette Amon
The Cebuano singer and songwriter first rose to prominence when she finished runner-up in TV5’s Star Factor and then, later on, competed in The Voice of the Philippines under the mentorship of Sarah Geronimo. She is now part of ASAP’s Birit Queens and has released two studio albums.
Richard Yap
Yap was also born and raised in Cebu and was a businessman before becoming an actor. He is best known for his role as Richard “Sir Chief” Lim in the critically acclaimed daytime TV drama Be Careful With My Heart. His debut role was his portrayal of Chen Sy in My Binondo Girl alongside fellow Cebuano actor Kim Chiu.
Who did we miss? Let us know in the comments below!
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