World-class

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ROUD OF – Needless to say, we are proud of world class Pinoys in various fields, including the arts, fashion, cinema, sports, beauty pageant. One by one now:

THEATER – Lea Salonga, Leo Valdez, Monique Wilson, Cocoy Laurel, Jenine Desiderio, Jonjon Briones, Rachel Anne Go, Gerald Santos, and all the “alumni” and current performers of “Miss Saigon” and other shows all over the world.

Lea’s a Tony and Olivier awardee. MUSIC – Pianist Cecile Licad, tenor Arthur Espiritu, soprano Rachel Gerodias, The Journey vocalist Arnel Pineda, Apl de. Ap. In the past, Evelyn Mandac sang at The Met in New York, to date the only Pinay to do so. FASHION – Los Angelesbased Monique Lhuillier and Oliver Tolentino, Dubai-based Michael Cinco and Furne One, Manila-based Rocky Gatherocole, who used to be a “tambay” in the Liwasang BonifacioThe Met area, very near The Manila Bulletin. FURNITURE-HOME DÉCOR Cebu-based Kenneth Cobonpue.

SPORTS – Manny Pacquiao, but of course, and other Pinoy boxing champs. Paeng Nepomuceno, world bowling champion twice (or thrice?).

DANCE – Lisa Macuja, Kirovtrained, whose Manila Ballet graduates dance all over the world.

CULINARY – Maita Araneta Fores, Asia’s top female chef.

– CINEMA – Brillante Mendoza and Lav Diaz, including other indie directors making waves in international film festival.

BEAUTY PAGEANT – The worldclass beauty of Pinays is undeniable. Consider:

Miss Universe – Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Pia Wurtzbach.

Miss International – Gemma Cruz, Aurora Pijuan, Melanie Marquez, Precious Lara Quigaman, Bea Rose Santiago, Kylie Versoza. Miss World – Megan Young. Miss Earth – Karla Henry, Jamie Heller, Angelia Ong, Karen Ibasco.

(Surely there are more.)