These 15 talented individuals from various corners of the world have discovered the Philippines as more than just a tropical paradise.
They’ve found their rhythm here and their places in the local entertainment industry.
Note that many years ago, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) published a list of foreign celebrities who have made the Philippines their second home.
Read: Maria Ozawa, Daniel Matsunaga, foreign celebrities who are in the Philippines for good
It included Japanese Maria Ozawa, who has businesses here; Brazilians Fabio Ide, Daniel Matsunaga, and Hideo Muraoka; Indians Sam YG, Addy Raj, and Lee O’Brian.
South Koreans dominated that batch.
There’s Jinri Park, who became an actress and a DJ in Manila before finally relocating to Australia with her husband.
Grace Lee and her family have been residing here for 30 years. She is an alumna of the Ateneo de Manila University, a TV host/anchor, and a restaurateur.
Host Sam Oh and host-comedian Ryan Bang have been based here for over 20 years.
Ryan got through the door of showbiz via Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash 2010, where he finished second to the season’s big winner James Reid.
Here’s the next batch.
EAST ASIA
In the recent years, more new-generation South Koreans have joined Philippine showbiz.
DASURI CHOI
Dasuri Choi has taken the Philippine dance scene by storm from the time she joined the competition You’re My Foreignay and emerged 2nd runner-up.
With her electrifying moves and infectious energy, she has wowed audiences, and continues to dazzle on TikTok, Eat Bulaga!, and in various Kapuso shows.
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YOHAN KING
Hwang Yohan, professionally known as the Korean singer Yohan King, has captured the hearts of Filipinos with his soulful voice.
He was 19 years old when his family moved to the Philippines in 2014.
After winning the reality music competition I Love OPM, Yohan has continued to serenade his fans with his renditions of Pinoy hits in both Tagalog and Korean that have become instant favorites.
He also has a college degree from the De La Salle University-Laguna.
JINHO BAE
Singer Jinho Bae has called the Philippines home for over 15 years.
Fluent in Tagalog and English, Jinho shares a deep connection with the country, never forgetting that Filipinos supported his family during a financial crisis.
Today, he is a popular YouTuber conducting interviews with renowned Korean stars who visit the Philippines.
JESSICA YANG, Taiwanese
Manila-based Taiwanese supermodel Jessica Yang, whose artist name is Jesych, turns heads every time she steps into the scene.
Since kickstarting her Philippine career in 2018, Jessica has been the face for local designers like Bonita Penaranda, Boom Sason, and Anthony Ramirez, to name a few.
Her international portfolio also boasts the likes of Aldo, L’Oreal, and Converse.
NORTH AMERICA
BRET JACKSON
After his stint on Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash 2010, American heartthrob Bret Jackson returned to his roots in Dumaguete and founded Careless Music to promote Filipino talent.
Today, he manages new companies 7640 and Paraisla, in partnership with AGC Powerholdings Corp.
JUSTIN BROWNLEE
American-born Filipino professional basketball player Justin Brownlee has always been a natural talent in the field of sports.
After going undrafted in the 2011 NBA draft, Brownlee played in the NBA Development League for the Maine Red Claws and Erie BayHawks.
In 2016, he began his first of four stints with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), before playing for San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League, winning the 2017–18 championship.
KYLE JENNERMAN
In May 2023, Canadian vlogger Kyle Jennerman, also known as Kulas, was granted Filipino citizenship after House Bill No. 7185 was approved.
Through his YouTube channel, BecomingFilipino, he traveled by scooter to the different hotspots and natural wonders in 80 provinces of the Philippines.
At present, his vlog has 1.1 million subscribers.
SOUTH AMERICA
NICO BOLZICO
Nico Bolzico, an Argentinian entrepreneur and social media superstar, has found a new purpose in the Philippines.
He and his wife, the actress Solenn Heussaff, have built a beautiful family in the Philippines.
Their daughters Tili and Mili figure prominently in Nico’s popular and humorous vlog, the #BulliedHusbandsClub.
A businessman, Nico have founded his own company in the country and aims to advance Philippine agriculture through modern technology.
PRISCILLA MEIRELLES
Miss Earth 2004 and Miss Globe 2003 titleholder Priscilla Meirelles has found her forever home in the country.
The Brazilian beauty queen discovered love and tied the knot with seasoned Filipino actor John Estrada.
DAIANA MENEZES
Brazilian actress, singer, and television host Daiana Menezes has become a familiar face in the Philippine entertainment scene.
After pursuing a fashion design course, Daiana initially gained popularity as one of the hosts of Eat Bulaga!
She is currently the segment host for Net25‘s morning talk show, Kada Umaga.
AUSTRALIA AND OCEANIA
MARC NELSON
Marc Nelson, a TV host and model of Burmese-Thai-Australian heritage, started gaining traction as a model.
But it was his charming persona and onscreen professionalism that eventually turned him into one of the most visible and prominent figures in Philippine television for over a decade.
Hosting numerous regional shows from ABS-CBN to AXN, Marc has proven his versatility in the field.
JASMINE HENRY
Australian Jasmine Henry has embraced the Philippines as her second home.
Despite the language barrier, Jasmine showcases her powerful vocals as the main vocalist of Filipino girl group G22.
Her love for Filipino food, especially pinakbet, highlights her appreciation for the local culture.
ERIC TAI
Eric Tai, a Tongan celebrity, first served as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints before becoming a member of the Philippine National Rugby Union Team.
His appearance in shows like It’s Showtime and Bagani showcased his versatility and talent in dancing.
MIDDLE EAST
BASEL MANADIL
Basel Manadil, also known as The Hungry Syrian Wanderer, is a vlogger and a content creator who obtained Filipino citizenship via naturalization in 2019.
His notable videos that earned netizens’ approval were of his lighthearted views on the Philippines.
He also continues to dedicate his time and work to assisting victims of natural disasters.
AFRICA
DANIEL OKE
Nigerian content creator Zombie Tugue, a.k.a. Daniel Oke just added a promising career to his resume.
Initially moving to the Philippines to study nursing, Daniel realized he was meant to appear on TV.
True enough, on August 5, 2023, he was officially named as part of the JoWaZom (Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, and Zombie Tugue), sending out big laughs during the “Sugod Bahay Mga Kapatid” segment of TV5’s E.A.T.
Read: Nigerian content creator Zombie Tugue, latest addition to Dabarkads
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