First Filipina

Inside First Filipina

2011-12-14T01:20:00.000+08:00

Names of First Filipino actors, teachers, singers, doctors, heroes, and other outstanding Filipino Pioneers in their respective fields are here for you.

Categories	List of Filipino Pioneers
National Artists
Profiles of the first Philippine National Artists	1st Filipino National Artist in Architecture, 1st Filipina National Artist for Dance, more »
Pageant Winners
Famous Filipino titleholders in male & female pageants	1st Filipina Miss Universe, 1stFilipino Mister International, more »
Business and Economy
Short biographies of 1st Filipino entrepreneurs	1st Filipino Manufacturer of the Yo-Yo, 1st Filipino World Entrepreneur Of The Year, more »
Education
Names of 1st Filipinos in the field of education	1stFilipina Ph.D. in the Philippines, 1st Filipino President of the University of the Philippines, more »
Language and Literature
First Filipino poets, writers, linguists	1st Filipino Poet, 1st Filipino Pulitzer Prize Winner in Journalism, more »
Law and Jurisprudence
Prominent Filipino lawyers and judges	1st Filipino Supreme Court Chief Justice, 1st Filipina Supreme Court Justice, more »
Mass Media
Filipino pioneers in radio, TV, newspaper, comics, internet, etc	1st Filipino to appear on Philippine television, Founder of the 1st Filipino investigative newsmagazine on TV, more »
Medicine and Healthcare
List of 1st Filipino health professionals	1stFilipina Clinical Psychologist, 1st Filipino Anesthesiologist, more »
Motion Picture
First Filipinos in Philippine movies	1st Filipina silent film actress, 1st Filipino actor to star in an American movie, 1st Filipino movie studio owner, more »
Music and Dance
Filipino music and dance pioneers	1st Philippine Idol winner, 1st Filipina Prima Ballerina, 1st Filipino avant-garde composer, more »
Politics, Military, and Government
Roster of heroes, presidents, soldiers, politicians and activists	1st Filipino National Hero, 1st Filipina President, 1st Filipino labor union leader, more »
Religion
Religious Filipino preachers	Founder of the 1st Filipino independent Catholic Church, 1st Filipino Roman Catholic Bishop, more »
Science and Technology
Philippine inventors and National Scientists	1st Filipina National Scientist, 1st Filipino industrial scientist, more »
Sports and Tournaments
Names of Philippine Olympians, athletes, and sports enthusiasts	1st Filipina athlete listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, 1st Filipino Super Grandmaster of Chess, 1st Filipino four-time Most Valuable Player awardee in the Philippine Basketball Association, more »

Filipino Trailblazers at the first Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards (2011)

2011-06-23T11:23:00.000+08:00

The complete list of winners for the first Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards:

	Shalani Soledad	Profile
	First Filipina to win "OMG! Celeb of the Year" award

	Shamcey Supsup	Profile
	First Filipina to win "OMG! Major Impact" award

	Piolo Pascual	Profile
	First Filipino to win "Hottest Actor" award

	Jennylyn Mercado	Profile
	First Filipina to win "Hottest Actress" award

	Vice Ganda	Profile
	First Filipino to win "Funniest Comedian" award

	Eugene Domingo	Profile
	First Filipina to win "Funniest Comedienne" award

	Coco Martin	Profile
	First Filipino to win "Breakthrough Male Artist" award

	Cristine Reyes	Profile
	First Filipina to win "Breakthrough Female Artist" award

	Albie Casiño	Profile
	First Filipino to win "Awesome Young Actor" award

	Kathryn Bernardo	Profile
	First Filipina to win "Awesome Young Actress" award

	Luis Manzano	Profile
	First Filipino to win "Favorite Male TV host" award

	Toni Gonzaga	Profile
	First Filipina to win "Favorite Female TV host" award

	Alden Richards	Profile
	First Filipino to win "Amazing Male Newcomer" award

	Ritz Azul	Profile
	First Filipina to win "Amazing Female Newcomer" award

	Christian Bautista	Profile
	First Filipino to win "Coolest Male Singer" award

	Charice	Profile
	First Filipina to win "Coolest Female Singer" award

	Parokya ni Edgar	Profile
	First Filipino rock band to win "Coolest Band" award

	Joey Samson	Profile
	First Filipino to win "Fashion Designer of the Year" award

	Source: Shalani, Shamcey, Piolo, Jennylyn top OMG! Awards

Eva Batita

2011-06-21T00:50:00.000+08:00

Eva Batita

1st Filipina Ambassador to Guyana (2010)

USEFUL LINKS

Guyana gets first Filipino, new Pakistani Ambassadors
Filipino Ambassador to Guyana Eva Batita presented her letters of Credence to President Jagdeo at State House.

Diane Desierto

2011-06-09T00:39:00.002+08:00

Diane Desierto

1st Filipina to be conferred the Doctor of Laws (J.C.D) by Yale University (2011)
1st Filipina and 1st Southeast Asian Clerkship Appointee at the International Court of Justice (2010)
1st Filipina to join Yale Law School's JSD [Doctor of Laws] program (2009)

QUOTE
"I enjoyed economics and calculus as much as I did history, philosophy, world literature, and later, law. My parents were role models for their work ethic, and they also nurtured my intellectual bent and passion for inquiry. As lawyers and career civil servants in the Philippines, my parents encouraged me to learn, to understand, to ask questions, to propose solutions, to have a vigorous socio-political consciousness, and to choose and take principled actions.

Despite their work, they always prioritized me and my siblings. My mother first taught me to read and write, while my father encouraged me to explore what I did not know through books, puzzles, games, active inquiry, frequent discussions, debates, public speaking, critical writing. My parents never had to force me or my siblings to study because learning became as natural as breathing."

DATE OF BIRTH
June 9, 1979

BIRTHPLACE
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

FATHER: Aniano A. Desierto
MOTHER: Teresita

USEFUL LINKS

Yale Law School | Diane Desierto
Diane Desierto, First Filipino Clerkship Appointee at the International Court of Justice
UP Law's Diane Desierto chosen for ICJ clerkship

Shamcey Supsup

2011-05-16T00:17:00.002+08:00

Shamcey Supsup
AKA Shamcey Gurrea Supsup

1st Filipina "OMG! Major Impact" in the first Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards (2011)

QUOTE
"You can have money and fame but they can take (these) away from you. Education is something that nobody can take away from you."

ALIAS
"Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2011"
"Gensan Ambassadress of Goodwill"

DATE OF BIRTH
May 16, 1986

BIRTHPLACE
Iligan City, Philippines

FATHER: Timoteo Supsup
MOTHER: Marcelina Gurrea

HUSBAND:
CHILDREN:

USEFUL LINKS

Shalani, Shamcey, Piolo, Jennylyn top OMG! Awards
The Bb. Pilipinas 2011 Queens – Coronation Night
Top UP architecture grad crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe
GenSan's Shamcey Supsup is Bb. Pilipinas-Universe
Wikipedia Article on Shamcey Supsup

Shalani Soledad

2011-04-24T04:56:00.003+08:00

Shalani Soledad
AKA Shalani Carla San Ramon Soledad

1st Filipina "OMG! Celeb of the Year" in the first Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards (2011)

QUOTE
"Never let another person's negativity cloud your sunshine."

ALIAS
"Lani"
"Ate Sha"

DATE OF BIRTH
April 24, 1980

BIRTHPLACE
Camarines Sur, Philippines

FATHER: Adolfo Aguirre
MOTHER: Evelyn San Ramon

USEFUL LINKS

Shalani Soledad on Twitter
Shalani, Shamcey, Piolo, Jennylyn top OMG! Awards
PNoy wishes Shalani Soledad well
Shalani: PNoy will always have my support
After 30 years, Shalani Soledad reconnects with biological father, former Banco Filipino Chairman Adolfo Aguirre
Wikipedia Article on Shalani Soledad

Brooke Castillo

2011-04-08T08:10:00.001+08:00

Brooke Castillo

1st Filipina commercial jet captain (2003)

1st Filipina commercial jet pilot (1996)

QUOTE
"In our profession there are no double standards because you cannot afford to put anyone's life in danger."

DATE OF BIRTH
1970

USEFUL LINKS

The Philippines' First Filipina Jet Captain ~ Miss Brooke Castillo
Philippine pilot soars above gender barrier
Capt. Brooke Castillo: unang Pinay na piloto ng commercial jet sa Pilipinas
Distinguished Women Pilots

Kathryn Bernardo

2011-03-26T00:38:00.002+08:00

Kathryn Bernardo
AKA Kathryn Chandria Manuel Bernardo

1st Filipina "Awesome Young Actress" in the first Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards (2011)

QUOTE
"Hindi naman po ako magiging effective na bida kung hindi effective yung kontrabida so nagtutulungan po talaga kami sa set. Pero bawal maging mayabang, ayaw namin." [I will not become an effective hero if the villain is not effective so we are really helping each other on the set. It's forbidden to become arrogant, we hate it.]

DATE OF BIRTH
March 26, 1996

BIRTHPLACE
Cabanatuan City, Philippines

USEFUL LINKS

ABS-CBN artists dominate OMG! Awards
Kathryn Bernardo feels pressured about her launching movie with Star Cinema
Kathryn Bernardo says she is not as meek as Mara in real life
Wikipedia Article on Kathryn Bernardo

Ramona Go

2011-03-21T00:14:00.001+08:00

Ramona P. Go
AKA Ramona Palabrica Go

1st Filipina Brigadier General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP, 2011)
1st Filipina Adjutant General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (2009)
1st Filipina Battalion Commander of the Army Aviation Battalion, Bagwis, under the Light Armor Division (2003)
1st Filipina military pilot (1986)

QUOTE
"I love the service and my country."

ALIAS
"First Lady General of the Philippine Army"

DATE OF BIRTH
March 21, 1957

BIRTHPLACE
San Dionisio, Iloilo, Philippines

HUSBAND: David Go
CHILDREN: Constantine James, Margareth Jane, and Jennifer Jade

USEFUL LINKS

AFP Profile – Col Ramona P Go PA (GSC)
Brig. Gen. Ramona Palabrica Go, First Female General of the Philippines
Philippine Army has first female general
An Officer and a Gentle Mom
Brig. Gen. Ramona Go: First woman general, MDM graduate
PHL's 1st female general now in Army's ranks
Army gets first woman general
Ramona P. Go –
WikiPilipinas

Ritz Azul

2011-02-23T01:58:00.000+08:00

Ritz Azul

1st Filipina "Amazing Female Newcomer" in the first Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards (2011)

QUOTE
"Pag kaya ko na po at ready na talaga ako, then susubukan ko. Wala namang mawawala sa akin kung i-try ko." [If I could and I 'm really ready, then I'll try. I have nothing to lose if I'll just try.]

USEFUL LINKS

Ritz Azul ready to face stardom
Shalani, Shamcey, Piolo, Jennylyn top OMG! Awards
Star Factor finalist Ritz Azul snags lead role in TV5s Nagbabagang-Bulaklak

Anne Curtis

2011-02-17T00:07:00.002+08:00

Anne Curtis
AKA Anne Ojales Curtis Smith

1st Filipina celebrity who has garnered 1 million followers on Twitter (2011)
1st Filipina endorser for L'Oreal Paris (2010)

QUOTE
"I grew up in a business that brought me happiness from deep within. Lessons I have learned. Learning from each mistake and realizing some growing up had to be done. I learned that work is not just all play. May it be acting, modeling or hosting, I shall never take it for granted but strive hard to do my best and never forget to thank the Lord for it is because of Him that I am so blessed."

ALIAS
"Box-Office Princess"

DATE OF BIRTH
February 17, 1985

BIRTHPLACE
Yarrawonga, Victoria, Australia

FATHER: James Curtis-Smith
MOTHER: Carmen Ojales

USEFUL LINKS

@annecurtissmith on Twitter
Anne Curtis hits 1-M followers on Twitter
At what age does Anne Curtis want to get married?
Anne Curtis - Wow! Celebrities
Sexy, sassy Anne Curtis
Anne Curtis On a roll on 'Freeway'
Anne Curtis Sets Criterion for Next Bf
VJ Anne Curtis
Wikipedia Article on Anne Curtis

Cristine Reyes

2011-02-05T01:36:00.002+08:00

Cristine Reyes
AKA Ara Cristine Pascual Reyes

1st Filipina "Breakthrough Female Artist" in the first Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards (2011)
1st Filipina nominated Best Actress to receive a special award for Eva Fonda, the first Filipino show to win in Seoul International Drama Awards (2009)

QUOTE
"Masaya ako dahil may isang taong ipinagmamalaki ako." [I'm happy because someone is proud of me.]

ALIAS
"Eva Fonda"

DATE OF BIRTH
February 5, 1989

BIRTHPLACE
Marikina City, Metro Manila, Philippines

USEFUL LINKS

ABS-CBN artists dominate OMG! Awards
Cristine Reyes on Rayver Cruz: "Masaya ako dahil may isang taong ipinagmamalaki ako."
[OMG!] Cristine Reyes TV Commercial 15 Seconds
Cristine Reyes: a fighter in real and reel life
Cristine Reyes says Seoul fest stint a blast
Eva Fonda is first Filipino show to win in Seoul International Drama Awards
Christine Reyes celebrates 20th birthday at Golden Acres
Cristine Reyes's long winding road from Kapuso to Kapamilya
Wikipedia Article on Cristine Reyes

Toni Gonzaga

2011-01-20T00:28:00.004+08:00

Toni Gonzaga
AKA Celestine Cruz Gonzaga

1st Filipino "Favorite Female TV host" in the first Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards (2011)

QUOTE
"When you're in the business and people start to appreciate your work, it's flattering and overwhelming, but it can also be a source of tremendous pressure. It can be tough trying to live up to people's expectations. Ang importante, ma-enjoy mo ang ginagawa mo."

ALIAS
"Ultimate Multi-Media Star"
"Princess of Philippine Movies"
"Versatile Princess"

DATE OF BIRTH
January 20, 1984

FATHER: Carlito Gonzaga
MOTHER: Crisanta Cruz

USEFUL LINKS

tonigonzaga.com.ph
ABS-CBN artists dominate OMG! Awards
Toni Gonzaga: Consistency is the Key to Success
Toni Gonzaga has fallen in love
Toni Gonzaga declines "The Ultimate Multimedia Star" title
Wikipedia Article on Toni Gonzaga

Aimee Carandang

2010-12-02T07:57:00.003+08:00

Aimee Carandang
AKA Maria Aurora Amada Carandang

1st Filipina pilot to fly as a full-fledged captain for the Philippine Airlines (1993)
1st Filipina commercial pilot
Asia's first female pilot

QUOTE
"I have always believed that there are no boundaries in what women can accomplish in life."

ALIAS
"Aimee"

USEFUL LINKS

Milestones in the History of PAL
Flight Archive
Distinguished Women Pilots

Candice Adea

2010-11-09T00:04:00.003+08:00

Candice Adea

Candice Adea and her partner Jean Marc Cordero became the 1st Filipino pair to win the Lead Role in a Russian ballet performance, a special award given by the artistic director of Chelyabinsk State Academy Opera and Ballet Theater (2011)

1st Filipina ballet dancer to win the silver medal in the senior women's division of the Jackson International Ballet Competition (2010)

QUOTE
"You can't cheat. I learned that talent is not enough, but discipline and hard work, honest work is the key to success."

ALIAS
"Dids" or "Didz"
"Diday"

DATE OF BIRTH
November 9, 1986

BIRTHPLACE
Philippines

FATHER: Roumualdo Adea
MOTHER: Cielo

USEFUL LINKS

Candice Adea | Facebook
Candice Adea and Jean Marc Cordero triumph at the Boston International Ballet Competition
Candice Adea of Ballet Philippines won the coveted Maris Liepa Prize for Outstanding Artistry
Candice Adea Wins Silver At The Olympics Of Dance
Starweek: Dancer In Full Bloom, Candice Adea
Candice Adea,our very own prima ballerina

Melba Marginson

2010-08-30T00:29:00.001+08:00

Melba Marginson

1st Filipina to be inscribed on the Shilling Wall at the Queen Victoria Women's Centre in Melbourne, Australia (2010)

QUOTE
"The Filipino woman enjoyed a high status before the Spanish came. In fact she was really a partner. The man would not be able to decide anything without the consent of the woman. But when the Spanish came most of these rights and privileges were taken away. The women were then kept in the home or the church, at home as childbearer or in the church as a nun.

This lower status was reinforced in the American time when the Americans started to use women for labor in the big plantations. Although women were taken out of the home the exploitation was even worse."

DATE OF BIRTH
1950s

BIRTHPLACE
Philippines

HUSBAND: Simon William Marginson
DAUGHTER: Ana Rosa

USEFUL LINKS

Executive Officer Melba Marginson
Melba Marginson - first Filipina to be inscribed on the Shilling Wall
A New Filipino Identity

Eugene Domingo

2010-07-23T00:06:00.001+08:00

Eugene Domingo

1st Filipina "Funniest Comedienne" in the first Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards (2011)

QUOTE
"I always admire those who had come before me or those who are more senior to me or more experienced."

ALIAS
"Uge"

DATE OF BIRTH
July 23, 1971

USEFUL LINKS

Shalani, Shamcey, Piolo, Jennylyn top OMG! Awards
Eugene Domingo, now a millionaire
Eugene Domingo is on a roll
Wikipedia Article on Eugene Domingo

Lourdes Cruz

2010-05-19T00:31:00.001+08:00

Lourdes J. Cruz
AKA Lourdes Jansuy Cruz

1st Filipina and 1st woman from ASEAN region L'Oreal-UNESCO Awardee for Women in Science (2010)

National Scientist (2008)

QUOTE
"A woman may be more inclined to think about science in terms of what it can do to help humanity, although of course women do not have a monopoly on this."

ALIAS
"Luly"

DATE OF BIRTH
May 19, 1942

FATHER: Ramon Cruz
MOTHER:

USEFUL LINKS

DOST - National Academy of Science and Technology: Dr. Lourdes J. Cruz
Prof. Lourdes J. Cruz: a Filipino FWIS laureate
Lady in the lab: Prof. Lourdes Cruz, award-winning biochemist
Filipina Is First Asean Winner Of L'oréal-Unesco Science Award
Inter Press Service Interviews Lourdes J. Cruz
Lourdes J. Cruz - Famous Filipino People
Lourdes J. Cruz – WikiPilipinas
The first Filipina L'Oreal-UNESCO Awardee for Women in Science
Wikipedia Article on Lourdes J. Cruz

Kuh Ledesma

2010-03-16T00:00:00.000+08:00

Kuh Ledesma
AKA Maria Socorro Ledesma

1st Filipina multi-awarded Singer to receive the Salem Music Award (1989)

QUOTE

"The best way to transform our nation is through the word of God."

ALIAS
"The Original Pop Diva"

DATE OF BIRTH
March 16, 1955

BIRTHPLACE
Bacolod City, Philippines

HUSBAND: Louie Gonzalez
DAUGHTER: Isabella

USEFUL LINKS

Another 25 years with Kuh Ledesma
Kuh 25 Years Concert by Filipino singing star Kuh Ledesma
Kuh Ledesma: Live @ PhilMusic.Com

Haydee Yorac

2010-03-04T00:00:00.000+08:00

Haydee Yorac

1st Filipina Commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec, 1989-1991)

QUOTE
"No one is indispensable. Making a difference is enough."

DATE OF BIRTH
March 4, 1941

BIRTHPLACE
Sarabia, Negros Occidental, Philippines

YEAR OF DEATH
September 13, 2005

USEFUL LINKS

A public servant named Haydee
The 2004 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service
Nation Mourns As Haydee Yorac Passes Away In U.S.

Lea Salonga

2010-02-22T00:00:00.000+08:00

Lea Salonga
AKA Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga-Chien

1st Filipina and 1st Asian award-winning actress to play the very popular role of Eponine in Les Miserables on Broadway (1993)
1st Filipina international singer to perform at the Oscar Academy Awards (1993)
1st Filipina to win the Sir Lawrence Olivier Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical (1989)
1st Filipina to win the prestigious Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as "Kim" in Miss Saigon (1991)

QUOTE

"I can make a 10-year plan and then God can always change it."

ALIAS
"Lea"

DATE OF BIRTH
February 22, 1971

BIRTHPLACE
Manila, Philippines

FATHER: Feliciano Genuino Salonga
MOTHER: Ligaya Alcantara Imutan

HUSBAND: Robert Charles Chien
DAUGHTER: Nicole Beverly

USEFUL LINKS
Official Website of Lea Salonga
A Girl for Lea
Mamma Lea
An Interview with Lea Salonga
Lea wows crowd in an unforgettable Carnegie Hall debut
Lea Salonga: The Rise of Miss Saigon

Purificacion Valera Quisumbing

2010-02-01T00:00:00.000+08:00

Purificación Valera Quisumbing

1st Filipina Chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (1990)

QUOTE
"If we do not know the facts, we do not know the truth."

DATE OF BIRTH
February 1

BIRTHPLACE
Aparri, Cagayan, Philippines

HUSBAND: Leonardo A. Quisumbing
CHILDREN: Josefa and Cecilia Rachel

USEFUL LINKS

CHR Chairperson Purificación C. Valera Quisumbing
'High tech' reporting focal vs human rights violations -CHR

Loren Legarda

2010-01-28T00:00:00.000+08:00

Loren Legarda
AKA Loren Bautista Legarda-Leviste

1st Filipina environmentalist to receive the Global Award of the Priyadashni Academy for outstanding contributions to Environment and Afforestation (2004)
1st Filipina to hold the post of Senate Majority Leader (2001)

QUOTE
"At the end of the day, after all is said and done, you're left with only you and your God. I am answerable only to God and country. Whatever you say, whatever you do, it's God and country above all else."

DATE OF BIRTH
January 28, 1960

BIRTHPLACE
Marikina, Rizal, Philippines

FATHER: Antonio Cabrera Legarda
MOTHER: Bessie Gella Bautista

HUSBAND: Jose Antonio Leviste
CHILDREN: Lorenzo Antonio (Lanz) and Leandro Antonio (Lean)

USEFUL LINKS

Senator's Profile: Loren Legarda Leviste
Personal Information: Legarda-Leviste, Loren Bautista
The 'Double L' Word: Ricky Lo's Conversation With Loren Legarda

Corazon “Cory” Aquino

2010-01-25T00:00:00.000+08:00

Corazon "Cory" Aquino
AKA María Corazón Sumulong Cojuangco Aquino

1st Filipina President and Asia's 1st Female President (1986)
1st Filipina President of the 5th Republic of the Philippines (1986)
1st Filipina and 1st Woman to receive the J. William Fullbright Prize for International Understanding (1996)
11th President of the Republic of the Philippines

QUOTE
"Democracy in the end, is the best system for ordinary people. It is the only one that exalts them and unites them in peace across all the countries of the world."

ALIAS
"Saint of Democracy"
"Mother of Democracy"
"Cory"

DATE OF BIRTH
January 25, 1933

BIRTHPLACE
Tarlac, Philippines

FATHER: Don Jose Cojuangco
MOTHER: Doña Demetria Sumulong

HUSBAND: Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.
CHILDREN: Benigno (Noynoy), Maria Elena, Aurora Corazon, Victoria Eliza, and Kristina Bernadette (Kris)

YEAR OF DEATH
August 1, 2009

USEFUL LINKS

Corazon C. Aquino
1986: Corazon Aquino is Philippines president
Biography of Corazon C. Aquino
Corazon Aquino Speaks to Fullbrighters
Corazon Aquino, Philippines president, dead at 76
World condoles on Aquino's death

Joy Rojas

2009-12-30T00:44:00.001+08:00

Joy Rojas

1st Filipina and first Southeast Asian woman to run across 3,107 miles across the United States (2009)
1st Filipina to run across the Philippines, from Davao City to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, in 46 days (2005)

QUOTE
"Don't just dream, make it happen."

USEFUL LINKS

Pinay completes 3,000-mile US run
Long Distance Lessons from the Road
The 'Joy' of running
First Filipina to run across US

Maria Cecilia Flores-Oebanda

2009-12-28T00:02:00.001+08:00

Maria Cecilia Flores-Oebanda

1st Filipina and first person to receive the first US anti-child labor award (2009)
1st Filipina anti-child labor advocate to receive the first annual Iqbal Masih Award for the Elimination of Child Labor given by the US Department of Labor (2009)

USEFUL LINKS

Filipino receives first US anti-child labor award
Philippine Woman Honored for Fight Against Child Labor

Corazon Yap-Bahjin

2009-12-08T01:01:00.001+08:00

Corazon Yap-Bahjin

1st Filipina Muslim ambassador (2009)
1st Filipina Muslim to pass the diplomat career Foreign Service Officers' examination (1979)

QUOTE
"We must disabuse non-Muslims of their pre-judgments about us and Muslims have to fight negative stereotypes"

USEFUL LINKS

1st Muslim Filipina envoy, off to Bahrain
Bahrain gets first Muslim Filipina ambassador
Philippines: Commission confirms first Muslim woman as ambassador

Rhea Penaflor

2009-11-23T01:16:00.001+08:00

Rhea B. Peñaflor

1st Filipina journalist to become a European Journalism Institute Scholar (2009)

USEFUL LINKS

Peñaflor is the First-Filipino Journalist EJI Scholar

Farewell, Corazon Aquino, Asia's First Woman President

2009-08-01T12:12:00.003+08:00

Corazon "Cory" Aquino
AKA María Corazón Sumulong Cojuangco Aquino

1st Filipina President and Asia's 1st Female President (1986)
1st Filipina President of the 5th Republic of the Philippines (1986)
1st Filipina and 1st Woman to receive the J. William Fullbright Prize for International Understanding (1996)
11th President of the Republic of the Philippines

The Associated Press Report:

"Former President Corazon Aquino, who swept away a dictator with a "people power" revolt and sustained democracy by fighting off seven coup attempts in six years, died on Saturday, her son said. She was 76.

The uprising she led in 1986 ended the repressive 20-year regime of Ferdinand Marcos and inspired nonviolent protests across the globe, including those that ended communist rule in eastern Europe. Aquino rose to power after the 1983 assassination of her husband, opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.

She was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer last year and confined to a Manila hospital for more than a month. Her son said the cancer had spread to other organs and she was too weak to continue chemotherapy."

Rubilen Amit

2009-06-11T01:04:00.001+08:00

Rubilen Amit

1st Filipina world billiards champion in the Jbet.net World Women's 10-Ball Championship (2009)

QUOTE
"Maraming salamat po, kayo ang ang nagpanalo sa akin (Thank you very much. I won because of you)."

USEFUL LINKS

Amit first Pinay World 10-Ball champ
Amit now a world champ
Amit owes World 10-Ball win to Filipinos

Karla Paula Henry

2008-11-29T00:04:00.000+08:00

Karla Paula Henry
AKA Karla Paula Ginteroy Henry

1st Filipina and Asian woman crowned Miss Earth (2008)

QUOTE
" Environmental knowledge is something that all of us must share, but most importantly we must teach the youth that this is something that we should instill in them so that in the near future they will be the ones to take care of our mother Earth."

DATE OF BIRTH
1986

BIRTHPLACE
Limay, Bataan, Philippines

USEFUL LINKS

Philippine bet is Miss Earth 2008
RP bet crowned Ms Earth 2008
Karla Henry, first Filipina to win Miss Earth crown
Wikipedia Article on Karla Henry

Tessa Prieto-Valdes

2008-09-20T00:04:00.003+08:00

Tessa Prieto-Valdes

1st Filipina Celebrity Duets Champion (2007)

QUOTE
"One never knows when luck arrives."

ALIAS
"Idol ng Breastfeeding 2007"
"Nivea Baby Ambassadress for Healthy Skin"

USEFUL LINKS

Dealing my way through 'Deal or No Deal'
Tessa Prieto-Valdez: Celebrity Duets champion
Tessa Prieto-Valdes adds another feather to her cap
Tessa enchants Hollywood preem guests

Jennifer Rosales

2008-09-17T00:45:00.002+08:00

Jennifer Rosales

1st Filipina golfer to win on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour (2004)

QUOTE
"You have to make sacrifices to be the best and I wanted to be a professional since I started playing."

ALIAS
"Jenny"

DATE OF BIRTH
September 17, 1978

BIRTHPLACE
Manila, Philippines

FATHER: Genaro Rosales
MOTHER: _____

USEFUL LINKS

jennyrosales.com
lpga.com - Player Jennifer Rosales
Sports Heroes - Jennifer Rosales
GMA hails Rosales' win in LPGA tourney
An Iron Will - Los Angeles Times
Wikipedia Article on Jennifer Rosales

Gretchen Espina

2008-08-27T00:53:00.003+08:00

Gretchen Espina
AKA Gretchen Stephanie Mendiola Espina

1st Filipina champion of GMA 7's Pinoy Idol contest (2008)

QUOTE
"I have the talent. I probably would not have lasted long in the competition if people were not impressed with how I performed."

DATE OF BIRTH
1988

BIRTHPLACE
Quezon City, Philippines

FATHER: Rogelio "Roger" J. Espina
MOTHER: Cecil Mendiola

USEFUL LINKS

Pinoy Idol: Talent, not connections, got me here
Pinoy Idol Contestant Gretchen Espina
Gretchen Espina is first 'Pinoy Idol'
Gretchen Espina, first Pinoy Idol
Wikipedia Article on Gretchen Espina

Mel Tiangco

2008-08-10T00:24:00.002+08:00

Mel Tiangco
AKA Carmela Tiangco

1st Filipina named Most Outstanding News Presenter by the COMGUILD Center for Journalism (2006)
1st Filipina celebrity endorser for Shellane's first customer care campaign (2003)

QUOTE
"Be interested in people: in their lives, aspirations, pains, problems"

DATE OF BIRTH
August 10, 1955

USEFUL LINKS

iGMA.tv Celebrity Profile of Mel Tiangco
Mel Tiangco: GMA's Gem
Mel Tiangco stars in first Shellane Customer Care Campaign
Wikipedia Article on Mel Tiangco
IMDb Biography for Mel Tiangco

Imelda V. Abano

2008-07-30T00:09:00.002+08:00

Imelda Visaya-Abaño

1st Filipina journalist to be awarded the United Nations Correspondent Association (UNCA) Awards for excellence in reporting on humanitarian and development affairs sponsored by the UN Foundation (2008)

QUOTE
"Hunger is the most crucial manifestation of poverty. In many parts of the world, the soaring prices of food, fuel and other basic goods have triggered social unrest and a growing sense of urgency."

USEFUL LINKS

RP reporter wins UN Journalism award for report on Haiti
Baguio girl wins UN gold medal
Poverty and Food Crisis: from the Philippines to Haiti

Sarah Geronimo

2008-07-25T00:52:00.002+08:00

Sarah Geronimo
AKA Sarah Asher Tua Geronimo

1st Filipina artist to receive Platinum awards for her concert DVDs "Sarah Geronimo: The Other Side" and "Sarah Geronimo In Motion" (2008)
1st Filipina artist to perform at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA (2006)
1st Filipina Grand Champion of Star For A Night singing competition (2003)

QUOTE
"When I was younger, I really wanted to act. But now that I am given the opportunity to achieve my dream of being an actress, I found out that it was not that easy at all. I learn to appreciate my work most especially the things I've done as a singer."

ALIAS
"Pop Princess"

DATE OF BIRTH
July 25, 1988

BIRTHPLACE
Sta. Cruz, Manila, Philippines

FATHER: Delfin Geronimo
MOTHER: Divina Tua

USEFUL LINKS

sarahgeronimo.com

VIVA Concert/Artist Bio: Sarah Geronimo
Sarah a hit in the US
The other side of Sarah Geronimo
Sarah and Mark are proud Jollibee endorsers
Wikipedia Article on Sarah Geronimo

Gaby Dela Merced

2008-06-10T00:12:00.002+08:00

Gaby dela Merced
AKA Gabriella Chanel Dela Merced

1st Filipina Asian Formula 3 circuit driver to place as 1st Runner-up in the Philippine National Formula championship

QUOTE
"My brothers were racing game addicts, like Gran Turismo so it was then that I got really hooked into it. I caught on with the games so I tried out the real thing."

ALIAS
"Racing Goddess"
"Gaby"

DATE OF BIRTH
June 10, 1982

USEFUL LINKS

Gaby dela Merced: Racer and gamer
Truly Pinoy: Racing Queen Gaby Dela Merced
Pinoy Big Brother Season 2: Housemate Profile of Gaby
Wikipedia Article on Gaby Dela Merced

Reinabelle Co Reyes

2008-06-07T06:26:00.002+08:00

Reinabelle Co Reyes

1st Filipina to receive the Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Student Award at the American Astronomical Society, 211th Meeting (2007). She was honored for her discovery of the largest number of "obscured quasars."

QUOTE
“Astronomy and astrophysics are rich and exciting fields that offer plenty of opportunities for young scientists to contribute. Master the basics, keep up with the latest discoveries, don’t stop asking questions and finding the answers”

ALIAS
"Reina"

DATE OF BIRTH
1984

FATHER: Ramon Reyes
MOTHER: Botan Co

USEFUL LINKS

Reinabelle Co Reyes at Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University
Truly Pinoy: Reinabelle Co Reyes garners US award in Astronomy
Filipina wins science award for 'black holes'

Christy Isis Achanzar

2008-05-28T22:52:00.001+08:00

Christy Isis Achanzar

1st Filipina to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York USA (2008)
1st Filipina cadet from Philippine Military Academy (PMA)

QUOTE
"If there are guests that I love most to see, it is you my family. I want to see all of you to witness the fruits of all my sacrifices. You and my country are the very reason why I have not settle to just be a mere mediocre cadet, my thoughts of you pushed me to strive hard and to sacrifice so that you might somehow be proud of me"

ALIAS
"Ice"

DATE OF BIRTH
1984

FATHER: Ermine Achanzar
MOTHER: Asuncion

USEFUL LINKS

Pinoys shine at West Point
Dabawenya earns gold award in West Point
First PMA cadet to join West Point

Jane Alvero-Al Mahdi

2008-05-27T01:01:00.000+08:00

Jane Alvero-Al Mahdi
AKA Mary Jane Alvero-Al Mahdi

1st Filipina to win the prestigious Emirates Business Women Award (EBWA 2008)
1st Filipina to win the first runner up award in the EBWA Professional Category (2008)
Co-founder of Filipino Digerati Association

QUOTE
"Lifting the morale and lives of my kababayan (fellow countrymen) has always been embedded in my heart, and I will never fail them as I strongly believe that Filipinos have world-class talents and intelligence and the highest degree of professionalism"

USEFUL LINKS

Pinay businesswoman and community helper wins UAE award
Pinay wins Emirate Business Women Award - report
FDA Trainer's Profile: Jane Alvero-Al Mahdi

Madonna Decena

2008-05-26T21:05:00.001+08:00

Madonna Decena

1st Filipina artist and contestant to perfom at the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent, a television show produced by American Idol judge Simon Cowell

QUOTE
"Manalo, matalo, madami nakarinig sa aking kumanta at alam kong mas madaming trabaho ang makukuha ko para makaipon para sa mga anak ko. Ultimately makasama ko na sila kasi kaya ko na silang supportahan"

ALIAS
"Mado"
"Donna"

DATE OF BIRTH
1976

CHILDREN: Ysl and Yra

USEFUL LINKS

Singer Madonna Decena shares life, hardships, success
Madonna Decena: A crowd favorite in UK talent search
Pinay in 'Britain's Got Talent' loses, but exposure seen to help career

Charice Pempengco

2008-05-10T01:09:00.004+08:00

Charice Pempengco

AKA Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco

1st Filipina "Coolest Female Singer" in the first Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards (2011)
1st Filipina performer at the MGM Foxwoods to receive a standing ovation (2008)
1st Filipina singer to perform with acclaimed artists (Andrea Bocelli, Babyface, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Kenny G, Katharine McPhee, Brian McKnight, Boz Scaggs, piano virtuoso William Joseph, Renee Olstead, Cheryl Lynn) at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas for record producer David Foster's benefit show entitled "David Foster & Friends" (2008)

QUOTE
"I hope I make my kababayans (countrymen) proud"

ALIAS
"Charice"

DATE OF BIRTH
May 10, 1992

BIRTHPLACE
Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines

FATHER:
MOTHER: Raquel Relucio

USEFUL LINKS

Charice|Official website
That's A Wrap! Charice Finishes Shooting Her First Movie, 'Here Comes The Boom!'
ABS-CBN artists dominate OMG! Awards
Charice Pempengco singing at the Presidential Inaugural Gala
Charice back in town, shares Vegas experience
How Charice Made It to David Foster's Elite List of Friends
Charice Pempengco on Oprah TV show airs May 12 Wikipedia Article on Charice Pempengco

Deng Ching

2008-04-26T01:12:00.003+08:00

Deng Ching
AKA Maria Odea Ching

1st Filipina vice president and project management committee chairperson of the Apache Archiva Project of the Apache Software Foundation (2008)

ALIAS
"Deng"

DATE OF BIRTH
1983

USEFUL LINKS

Filipina named head of global open source project
PSIA to energize Pinoy IP endeavors
ncc.gov.ph Profile of Ching, Ma. Odea "Deng"

Pia Cayetano

2008-03-22T00:15:00.002+08:00

Pia Cayetano
AKA Pilar Juliana S. Cayetano

1st Filipina and first Asian president of the Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU 2008)
1st Filipina vice-president of the Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU (2006)
Founder of Gabriel Symphony Foundation
Founder of the Compañero Rene Cayetano Foundation
Youngest elected female senator in the history of the Republic of the Philippines (2004)

QUOTE
"The opportunity to make a serious difference is so real. Working with these women in high political positions all over the world who are equally passionate about breastfeeding, addressing maternal, infant and child mortality, and violence against women and children, can truly bring us closer to solutions."

ALIAS
"Pia"
"Compañera Pia"

DATE OF BIRTH
March 22, 1966

BIRTHPLACE
Michigan, USA

FATHER: Sen. Renato "Compañero" Cayetano
MOTHER: Sandra Schramm

HUSBAND: Ariben Sebastian
CHILDREN: Gabriel

USEFUL LINKS

www.senatorpiacayetano.com - official site
Profile: Senator Pia S. Cayetano
Senator Pia S. Cayetano - Senate of the Philippines
Senator elected first Filipino chief in int'l body
Cayetano-Sebastian, Pilar Juliana | Personal Information
Wikipedia Article on Pia Cayetano

Lydia de Vega

2007-12-26T00:08:00.000+08:00

Lydia de Vega
AKA Lydia de Vega-Mercado

1st Filipina, 1st woman to win back-to-back gold medals in the 100-meter dash Asiad competition (1982, 1986)

QUOTE
"Sports has had a great impact in my life. It gave me the opportunity to bring prestige to my country and molded me into what I am today. I want my children to experience the same."

ALIAS
"Asia's sprint queen"
"Asia's fastest woman"
"Diay"

DATE OF BIRTH
December 26, 1964

USEFUL LINKS

Sprint Queen
IAAF Biography: Lydia de Vega-Mercado
19 newsmakers in the world of sport
Wikipedia Article on Lydia de Vega

Imelda B. Joson

2007-12-15T14:46:00.000+08:00

Imelda B. Joson

Imelda Joson and her husband Edwin L. Aguirre were the 1st Filipinos to have an asteroid named after them. Asteroid 6282 was named asteroid Edwelda by the International Astronomical Union (IAU, 1995)
Imelda Joson and Edwin Aguirre were the 1st Filipina and 1st Filipino authors of an astronomy book, the 335-page reference book on Halley’s Comet published by the National Research Council of the Philippines (1985)

QUOTE
"In the study of astronomy, man realizes his insignificance and learns humility … In humility, he finds wisdom, and from wisdom he learns survival."

USEFUL LINKS

Imelda B. Joson - Outreach Leader, Author
Filipino couple find stardom in astronomy
ALP Special Meeting Report
ALP Special Meeting Activity Images

Sheila Coronel

2007-12-13T02:36:00.000+08:00

Sheila Coronel

1st Filipina recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts (2003)
Co-founder of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ, 1989)

QUOTE
"Carefully researched, high-impact investigative reports help build the media's credibility and support among the public."

USEFUL LINKS

The 2003 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts
The Daily PCIJ – Sheila Coronel
Speech: Enriching Democratic Discourse: Investigative Journalism For An Informed Citizenry
Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism – Faculty Bio: Sheila Coronel
Filipina Sheila Coronel: Columbia U’s top journalist
Sheila S. Coronel: Outstanding journalist, remarkable woman
Wikipedia Article on Sheila Coronel

Sheila Mae Perez

2007-12-10T17:45:00.000+08:00

Sheila Mae Perez

1st Filipina triple-gold medalist at the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG 2003, 2005)

QUOTE
"It's historic when you get the Olympic gold, especially if it's for your country. I want to have the honor of giving it to the Philippines."

DATE OF BIRTH
December 10, 1985

FATHER: Zenon Perez
MOTHER: Virginia

USEFUL LINKS

Sheila Mae Perez: Born of the Water
Diver becomes first Filipino triple gold winner
Sheila Mae shares life struggle in Maalaala Mo Kaya
Perez turns pool into own playground

Lillian Gonzalez-Pardo

2007-12-10T01:01:00.000+08:00

Dr. Lillian Gonzalez-Pardo

1st Filipina-American, 1st Asian-American woman to serve as president of the American Medical Woman's Association (AMWA, 1992)

QUOTE
"When the female half of the human race is adequately represented in making medical decisions, we will get a better picture of how women can change medicine for the better."

USEFUL LINKS

University of Kansas Medical Center Faculty: Lillian Pardo, M.D.
AMWA Circles of Honor
Women Await Chance To Improve Medicine
Asian Pacific American Firsts
Medical Missions Activity Among UPCM Alumni

Virginia Laico Villanueva

2007-12-03T22:32:00.000+08:00

Virginia Laico Villanueva

1st Filipina and 1st Asian to win the Young Artist Award of the National Federation of Music Clubs of the USA

USEFUL LINKS

www.virginialaicovillanueva.com
Virginia Laico-Villanueva Bio
100 Outstanding Scholasticans

Cristina M. Ramos

2007-11-30T23:13:00.000+08:00

Cristina M. Ramos
AKA Cristina Ramos-Jalasco

1st Filipina President of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC, 1996)

QUOTE
"Government should be more concerned about using sport to promote health and fitness and to address social problems"

FATHER: Pres. Fidel Ramos
MOTHER: Amelita Martinez

USEFUL LINKS

POC Presidents
PFF gets ideas to boost women's football in RP
Osmena's Sports Superbody Plan Opposed

Ignacia del Espiritu Santo

2007-11-29T01:53:00.000+08:00

Ignacia del Espiritu Santo

1st Filipina to establish the first all-Filipino religious congregation for women in the Philippines, Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM, 1684)

ALIAS
"Mother Ignacia"
"Mother Foundress"

DATE OF BIRTH
1663

BIRTHPLACE
Binondo, Manila, Philippines

FATHER: Jusepe Incua (or Jusepe Iuco)
MOTHER: Maria Jeronima

YEAR OF DEATH
September 10, 1748

USEFUL LINKS

The Foundress - Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo
Wikipedia Article on Ignacia del Espiritu Santo
St. Mary's Academy Foundress

Mitch Valdes

2007-11-27T01:26:00.000+08:00

Mitch Valdes
AKA Maya Valdez

1st Filipina President of the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mangaawit (OPM, 1990)
1st Filipina to win Best Supporting Actress in the Gawad Urian Awards (1976)

QUOTE
"Music is God's gift. It is a potent tool of inspiration, of expression, of emotion. It should be respected and protected, both by its creator and users."

USEFUL LINKS

Mitch Valdes
OPM : Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mangaawit
Mitch Valdes all set to mesmerize
A Heart For OPM; 'Mitch Valdez Rocks!' Show

Caroline S. Picart

2007-11-24T15:25:00.000+08:00

Caroline S. Picart
AKA Caroline Joan S. Picart

1st Filipina to become the U.S. Open Pro Amateur Cabaret Champion at the United States Dance Sport Championships (2006)
1st Filipina painter to have an exhibit in Seoul, South Korea (1992)

QUOTE
"I enjoy the life of the mind."

ALIAS
"Kay"

DATE OF BIRTH
1966

BIRTHPLACE
Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines

HUSBAND: Davis William Houck

USEFUL LINKS

Caroline Joan S. Picart Homepage
About the Artist: Dr. Caroline Joan ("Kay") Picart
Editorial Foreword for Thomas Mann and Friedrich Nietzsche
FSU Professor wins at dance competition

Lillian Lim

2007-11-23T02:29:00.000+08:00

Lillian Y. Lim

1st Filipina-American appointed as a judge in the United States
1st Filipina-American judge appointed to the San Diego bench in California, USA (1986)

QUOTE
"I have been blessed by being part of a wonderful profession, good health, wonderful friends and a loving Filipino American family."

DATE OF BIRTH
1952

BIRTHPLACE
Berkeley, California, USA

HUSBAND: Judge E. Mac Amos
Judge E. Mac Amos and Lillian have 5 children.

USEFUL LINKS

LinkedIn: Lillian Lim
Hon. Lillian Y. Lim
TJSL Honors Judge Lillian Lim with Reception
Superior Court Judge Lillian Y. Lim Retires
Hon. Lillian Y. Lim, first Filipino American woman judge in the U.S. retires
Wikipedia Article on Lillian Lim

Loida Nicolas Lewis

2007-11-22T17:45:00.000+08:00

Loida Nicolas Lewis

1st Filipina, 1st Asian woman inducted to the Asian Hall of Fame (2007)
1st Filipina, 1st Asian woman to pass the New York State bar exam with a degree from a law school outside the United States (1974)

QUOTE
"Race will always be a factor in America. But it's up to us, people of color, whether to allow it to be a factor in our actions, in our decisions. Once we allow people to dictate to us, to tell us we can't do this or that, we’ll never succeed."

BIRTHPLACE
Sorsogon, Philippines

HUSBAND: Reginald F. Lewis
DAUGHTERS: Leslie and Christina

USEFUL LINKS

First Filipina Inducted to the '07 Asian Hall of Fame
Asian Hall of Fame Inductee: Loida Nicolas Lewis
Loida Lewis Shares Her Secrets to Success
Loida Nicolas Lewis: From Cheerleader to Coach
Loida: One of the Most Successful Filipinos Ever
Ayala Foundation USA - Board of Trustees and Officers
Filipina Tycoon
Wikipedia Article on Loida Nicolas Lewis

Noelle Wenceslao

2007-11-20T17:46:00.000+08:00

Noelle Wenceslao
AKA Noelle Cristina M. Wenceslao

1st Filipina to climb the highest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest (2007)
1st Filipina and 1st Southeast Asian woman to reach the summit of Mt. Everest in Nepal (2007)
1st Filipina, 1st Asian, 1st woman in the world to ascend on Mt. Everest's north side from Tibet and descend on the south side in Nepal (2007)

QUOTE
"There, I felt like I was on top of the world. Then I started to worry: How do I get down? I was terrified because I’m scared of heights."

DATE OF BIRTH
1980

FATHER: Peewee Wenceslao
MOTHER: Priscilla

USEFUL LINKS

Pinay climbers: Our team gave us strength
3 Pinays finish Everest traverse, make history
PGMA hails feat of 3 Pinay conquerors of Everest
Heroes welcome for 3 Coast Guard Super Pinays
Pinay climbers conquer Mt. Everest
Noelle Wenceslao
It's the women's turn to scale Everest

Erlinda Espiritu

2007-11-16T16:17:00.000+08:00

Erlinda Ignacio Espiritu
AKA Erlinda Arce Ignacio

1st Filipina Graduate of Harvard Law School (1951)

QUOTE
"The knights were always defending the defenseless, and I thought, How could I do that?"

ALIAS
"The Knight of Mindoro"

HUSBAND: Benjamin Espiritu
Erlinda and Benjamin have one son.

USEFUL LINKS

Harvard Law Bulletin: The Knight of Mindoro
Alumni Profiles from Harvard Law Bulletin
100 Outstanding Scholasticans

Paz Mendoza Guazon

2007-11-14T22:08:00.000+08:00

Dr. Paz Mendoza-Guazon

1st Filipina graduate of the UP College of Medicine and Surgery (1912)
1st Filipina to obtain the degree of Doctor of Tropical Medicine and Public Health (1916)
1st Filipina to attain full professorial rank at University of the Philippines (UP, 1924-27)
1st Filipina to serve in the UP Board of Regents
1st Filipina to write about choriocarcinomas as seen from the autopsy table
1st Filipina to publish autopsy findings of "bangungut"

FATHER: Isidro Mendoza

HUSBAND: Dr. Potenciano Guazon

YEAR OF DEATH
March 10, 1967

USEFUL LINKS
First Filipino Women Physicians
History of UPMAS
UPCM - 100 Years of Heritage: Healing, Humanity, Heroism

Velma Veloria

2007-11-13T14:07:00.000+08:00

Velma Veloria

1st Filipina-American and 1st Asian-American elected to a Washington State Legislature (1992)
1st Filipina elected to a state legislature in the continental United States (1992)

QUOTE
"For an immigrant woman to be elected to public office and to be given the opportunity to be in the mainstream has been the greatest gift that people have given to me."

DATE OF BIRTH
1950

BIRTHPLACE
Pangasinan, Philippines

HUSBAND: Alonzo Suson

USEFUL LINKS

Velma Veloria is elected to the Washington State Legislature on November 3, 1992
Velma Veloria - KDP; SEIU; Washington State Legislature
State lawmaker plans to move to Cambodia
CAPAA: Filipino Americans

Zenei Triunfo Cortez

2007-11-12T16:38:00.000+08:00

Zenei Triunfo-Cortez

1st Filipina nurse to become president of California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (CAN/NNOC, 2007)
1st Filipina nurse to lead the largest nurses' union in the USA

QUOTE
“Above all, do not just go into nursing because it pays well abroad. You need to have the passion for the profession and the patience to face different challenges everyday. You need to be aware of the diverse cultural backgrounds your patients will have. Learn to be assertive. Work on your communication skills. Love your career.”

FATHER: Aniano Villote Triunfo
MOTHER: Jovita Celi

HUSBAND: Robert Cortez

USEFUL LINKS

Pinay elected president of premier US nurses group
CNA/NNOC Elects New Council of Presidents - First Filipino President Among Four Elected by RN Members
Proudly Pinay - First Filipina Nurse Heads Largest Nurses Union In The United States
FilAm Woman Heads State's Largest Nurses Union

Nieves Confesor

2007-11-11T02:10:00.000+08:00

Nieves R. Confesor
AKA Maria Nieves Roldan-Confesor

1st Filipina Dean of the Institute at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM, 2002)
1st Filipina and 1st Asian woman to serve as Chairperson of the International Labor Organization Governing Body (ILO, 1994-95)
1st Filipina Secretary of Labor

QUOTE
"Filipino overseas labor should be viewed as an internationally shared human resource, whose work benefits both the host country and the Philippines."

USEFUL LINKS

AIM-CDM Faculty: Nieves Roldan-Confesor
About AIM - History
Wikipedia Article on Nieves Confesor
Philippine American Foundation - Filipina First
The Philippines: Disgraceful State

Cheryl Diaz Meyer

2007-11-10T16:21:00.001+08:00

Cheryl Diaz Meyer

1st Filipina-American Pulitzer Prize Winner for Breaking News Photography (2004)

QUOTE
"Photographs are felt, words are comprehended. They may tell the same tale; yet they do it differently."

BIRTHPLACE
Legaspi City, Albay, Philippines

FATHER: _____
MOTHER: Sylvia

USEFUL LINKS

2004 Pulitzer Prizes - Breaking News Photography, Biography: David Leeson and Cheryl Diaz Meyer
Pulitzer Prize winning photographer discusses her success
dallasnews.com - Cheryl Diaz Meyer Bio
In the War Zone: An Interview with Award-Winning Photojournalist Cheryl Diaz Meyer

Patricia Evangelista

2007-11-08T01:10:00.000+08:00

Patricia Evangelista

1st Filipina to win the Best Speaker award at the International Public Speaking Competition sponsored by English-Speaking Union (ESU, 2004)

QUOTE
"It's always important to communicate. Free speech holds a lot of responsibilities: one of them is fighting against prejudice and trying to correct mistakes. I'm luckier than most because I have a lot of resources at my fingertips: both the written and the spoken word."

DATE OF BIRTH
1986

USEFUL LINKS

Blond and Blue Eyes by Patricia Evangelista
Patricia Evangelista: Using her gift of gab for a cause
Patricia Evangelista is new DOKYU host
Patricia Evangelista hosts ABC-5 show "Dokyu"
SLV Speakers ACTS
Patricia Evangelista speaks for us

Raquel del Rosario Fortun

2007-11-06T14:47:00.000+08:00

Raquel del Rosario Fortun

1st Filipina forensic pathologist
"Mother of Forensic Pathology in the Philippines"

QUOTE
"I chose to specialize in a field which is underdeveloped and misunderstood in this country. It has been quite a challenge battling ignorance."

FATHER: _____
MOTHER: Amelia Luisa del Rosario

HUSBAND: Dr. Vincent Lohengrin
DAUGHTER: Lisa

USEFUL LINKS

Multi-awarded forensic pathologist sticks it out in the Philippines
2006 Search for Outstanding Teachers
GMA presents trophies to this years's TOWNS awardees
The dead tell no tales but their bodies do

Clare Baltazar

2007-11-01T00:20:00.000+08:00

Dr. Clare R. Baltazar

1st Filipina Entomologist
1st Filipina entomologist to publish a book (Philippine Insects) that became the 1st authoritative text on Philippine insects
National Scientist (2001)
"Mother of Philippine Entomology"

DATE OF BIRTH
November 1, 1927

USEFUL LINKS

DOST-NAST Profile: Baltazar, Clare R.
Publications of Clare R. Baltazar
Dr. Clare R. Baltazar is National Scientist

Jessica Soho

2007-10-31T03:38:00.001+08:00

Jessica Soho

1st Filipina to win in the New York Film Festival for Coverage of a Breaking Story
1st Filipina recipient of the 1st Ka Doroy Valencia Award
1st Filipina to win the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award (2000)

QUOTE
"To be a journalist is a privilege; it gives one a front seat to history and the power to change people’s mind and lives."

USEFUL LINKS

Jessica Soho: On the record Media Museum-Who's who in Broadcast Journalism: Jessica Soho
Jessica Soho: A Woman's Wisdom
Jessica Soho's priceless awards
Soaring Soho
Regional journalists real heroes: Soho

Layla Loxa

2007-10-30T05:58:00.001+08:00

Layla Loxa
AKA Lelit Biolango Stephens

1st Filipina-American World Bodysurfer Champion in Women’s 18-29 category of the 26th Annual World Bodysurfing Championship (2002)

QUOTE
"I love all kinds of music. Not just rock or rhythm and blues, but also hip-hop and ballads."

ALIAS
"Layla"

DATE OF BIRTH
1977

BIRTHPLACE
Philippines

FATHER: Potenciano Biolango
MOTHER: _____

HUSBAND: Scott Stephens

USEFUL LINKS

Layla Loxa
Triple Threat
Making Waves

Rosario Bitanga Peralta

2007-10-28T00:52:00.000+08:00

Rosario Bitanga Peralta

1st Filipina abstract painter
International First Filipino Woman in Abstract Painting

ALIAS
"R.Bitanga"

DATE OF BIRTH
October 28, 1934

BIRTHPLACE
Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

HUSBAND: Jesus T. Peralta
CHILDREN: Samuel, Francis, and Patrick

USEFUL LINKS

www.rbitanga.com
Rosario Bitanga
Institute of Fine Arts and Design: Brief History

Irene Natividad

2007-09-14T06:38:00.000+08:00

Irene Natividad

1st Filipina-American, 1st Asian American woman to be elected president of America's National Women's Political Caucus (1985)
Executive Editor of the 1st Asian American Almanac published by Gale Research (1995)

QUOTE
"As I travel through Asia one of the first things people notice about me is that I look Filipina, of which I am very proud."

DATE OF BIRTH
September 14, 1948

BIRTHPLACE
Manila, Philippines

HUSBAND: Andreas Cortese
SON: Carlo

USEFUL LINKS

"Irene Natividad." Biographies. Answers Corporation, 2006. Answers.com 20 Nov. 2007.
Ms. Irene Natividad, Founder and President, GlobeWomen, Inc.
2004 Enterprising Women of the Year Issue
100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the US
Asian Americans Urged to Get Involved, Seek Office, Cause Change
Vocal Force Eyes Change

Janette Toral

2007-09-12T15:53:00.000+08:00

Janette Toral

1st Filipina writer to be published by McGraw-Hill Asia
Publisher of the 1st e-commerce book in the Philippines, The DigitalFilipino: An E-Commerce Guide for the eFilipino
Founder of the Philippine Internet Commerce Society (1997)
"The Mother of The E-Commerce Law - RA8792"

QUOTE
"To move forward, our generation needs to explore how innovation can be fostered especially among the young."

USEFUL LINKS

www.janettetoral.com
About Janette Toral
Toral: My failure is my success

Regine Tolentino

2007-09-08T00:52:00.000+08:00

Regine Tolentino

1st Filipina VJ for MTV Asia (1997-2000)

QUOTE
"Stay humble, enjoy your work, do your best at everything and always work hard to improve your craft. Do more than what is expected of you."

ALIAS
"Reg"
"Dance Diva"

DATE OF BIRTH
September 8, 1980

BIRTHPLACE
Irvine, California, USA

FATHER: _____
MOTHER: Regina Maristela

HUSBAND: Lander Vera-Perez
CHILDREN: Azucena Reigne and Alyssandra Reigen

USEFUL LINKS

iGMA.tv Celebrity Profile of Regine Tolentino
PEP: Regine Tolentino throws surprise b-day bash for mother
Regine Tolentino: in mom's home

Vina Morales

2007-08-15T15:46:00.000+08:00

Vina Morales
AKA Sharon Garcia Magdayao

1st Filipina singer-actress to win the first Asean Ikon solo artist award (2007)

QUOTE
"Live a life of prayer, and get strength from the greatest Teacher."

DATE OF BIRTH
October 17, 1975

BIRTHPLACE
Bogo, Cebu, Philippines

USEFUL LINKS

Official Website of Vina Morales
Vina Morales, Filipino rock band top Asean music tilt
VINA MORALES: Best girl for the lucky guy

Martha de San Bernardo

2007-08-03T18:17:00.000+08:00

Martha de San Bernardo

1st Filipina Catholic nun (1633)

USEFUL LINKS

First Filipino nun was Kapampangan
Wikipedia Article on Martha de San Bernardo
99 Kapampangans Who Mattered In History, And Why

Leonor Orosa Goquingco

2007-07-24T15:37:00.000+08:00

Leonor Orosa
AKA Leonor Luna Orosa-Goquingco

1st Filipina and the only dancer sent on the first-ever cultural mission to Japan (1939)
1st Filipina to choreograph the first Philippine folkloric ballet, Trend: Return to the Native (1941)
Founder of the Filipinescas Dance Company (1958)
Founding member of the Philippine Ballet Theater
National Artist for Dance (1976)
Dean of Filipino Performing Arts Critics
"Mother of Philippine Dance Theater"

ALIAS
"Cristina Luna"
"Trailblazer"

DATE OF BIRTH
July 24, 1917

BIRTHPLACE
Jolo, Sulu, Philippines

FATHER: Sixto Orosa
MOTHER: Sevedna Luna

HUSBAND: Benjamin Goquinco
CHILDREN: Benjamin Jr., Rachelle and Regina

YEAR OF DEATH
July 15, 2005

USEFUL LINKS

NCCA Culture Profile: Leonor Orosa Goquingco
Leonor Orosa Goquingco on Wikipedia
Leonor Orosa Goquingco aka Cristina Luna
Farewell to National Artist Leonor Orosa-Goquingco
Nation Mourns the Passing of National Artist for Dance Leonor Orosa-Goquingco

Gregoria de Jesus

2007-05-15T15:33:00.000+08:00

Gregoria de Jesus

1st Filipina to to translate or decipher the alphabet of the Katipunan in code
"Mother of the Philippine Revolution"

QUOTE
"Some of my important experiences during the Revolution are as follows: I had no fear of facing danger, not even death itself, whenever I accompanied the soldiers in the battle, impelled as I was then by no other desire than to see unfurled the flag of an independent Philippines, and I was present in and witnessed many encounters.

ALIAS
"Aling Oriang"
"Lakambini" (muse)

DATE OF BIRTH
May 15, 1875

BIRTHPLACE
Caloocan, Rizal, Philippines

FATHER: Nicolas de Jesus
MOTHER: Baltazara Alvarez Francisco

1st HUSBAND: Andrés Bonifacio
SON: Andrés

2nd HUSBAND: Julio Nakpil
CHILDREN: Juana, Lucia, Juan, Julia, Francisca, Josefina, Mercedes and Caridad

YEAR OF DEATH
March 15, 1943

USEFUL LINKS

Autobiography of Gregoria de Jesus: The Katipunera
Gregoria de Jesus on Wikipedia
Hero of the Philippine Revolution: Gregoria de Jesus

Helen Brown

2007-05-03T16:27:00.000+08:00

Helen Brown
AKA Helen Agcaoili Summers Brown

1st Filipina graduate of University of California Los Angeles (UCLA, 1937)
Founder of the Filipino American Library (FAL, 1985)

ALIAS
"Auntie Helen"

DATE OF BIRTH
1915

BIRTHPLACE
Manila, Philippines

FATHER: George Summers
MOTHER: Trinidad Agcaoili

HUSBAND: Bill Brown

USEFUL LINKS

The Filipino American Library: Helen Brown
Wikipilipinas: Helen Brown

Leona Florentino

2007-04-19T15:25:00.000+08:00

Leona Florentino

1st Filipina poet
"Mother of Philippine Women's Literature"

DATE OF BIRTH
April 19, 1849

BIRTHPLACE
Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

FATHER: Marcelino Florentino
MOTHER: Isabel

HUSBAND: Elias de los Reyes
Elias and Leona had five children.

YEAR OF DEATH
October 4, 1884

USEFUL LINKS

Leona Florentino: First Poetess of the Philippines
Leona Florentino on Wikipedia

Engracia Cruz Reyes

2007-04-16T15:27:00.000+08:00

Engracia Cruz
AKA Doña Engracia Cruz-Reyes

Founder of the Aristocrat Restaurant (1936)
"Mother of Filipino Cooking"

ALIAS
"Aling Asiang"
"Lola Asiang"

DATE OF BIRTH
April 16, 1892

HUSBAND: Alexander A. Reyes
Alexander and Engracia have 13 children.

YEAR OF DEATH
July 6, 1975

USEFUL LINKS

Engracia Cruz-Reyes on Wikipedia
History of Aristocrat Restaurant
Remembering Aling Asiang
Tribute-Recipes for the Women of National Kaluto
Not just for aristocrats

Eleanor Academia

2007-04-04T16:29:00.000+08:00

Eleanor Academia

1st Filipina-American musician to produce the 1st recording of Kulintang music in the world (1994)
1st Filipina-American musician to mix the ancient sound of bronze gongs with heavy metal rock guitars on a rock album, Oracle of the Black Swan (1994)
Founder of World Kulintang Institute

QUOTE
"The greatest challenge is overcoming self-deception."

ALIAS
"The Black Swan"
"Guro El" (Teacher)

HUSBAND: Cass Magda

USEFUL LINKS

www.eleanoracademia.com
Eleanor Academia’s Biography
Pilipino Kulintang Music
Women at Work on the Business of Art: A Profile of Women Across the Continent Who Make Art Work for Them
Answers.com: Eleanor Academia
Eleanor Academia: Rock Star, Radio Show Host, Teacher… Thought Leader?
Notable Filipino Americans

Juanita D. Amatong

2007-03-23T01:59:00.000+08:00

Juanita D. Amatong

1st Filipina to be appointed Secretary of the Department of Finance (2003-05)
1st Filipina to be awarded as the First Woman Executive Director in the World Bank Group (1996-98)

QUOTE
"Harmonization provides a means to enhancing development effectiveness as well as reducing transaction costs and promoting transparency. Towards these ends, the Philippines as one of the recipients of donor assistance, is a strong adherent to the principles espoused in harmonization."

DATE OF BIRTH
March 23, 1935

BIRTHPLACE
Bindoy, Negros Oriental, Philippines

USEFUL LINKS

Profile: The Honorable Juanita D. Amatong
Department of Finance: Timeline
Hon. Juanita D. Amatong - Secretary, Department of Finance
Women Ministers of Finance and Economy from 2000
Statement of Undersecretary Juanita D. Amatong Philippines Rome, Italy – 24 February 2003

Josette Biyo

2007-03-19T01:43:00.001+08:00

Dr. Josette T. Biyo
AKA Josette Talamera

1st Filipina and 1st Asian Grand Winner of the prestigious Intel ISEF Excellence in Teaching Award (2002)
1st Filipina to have a planet named after her, Planet Biyo (formerly known as Planet 13241)

QUOTE
"Being world class doesn’t mean going international and showing our best out there. Being world-class is passion and commitment to our profession. Being world-class is giving our best to our country and our people. For teachers, being world-class starts right inside the classroom."

DATE OF BIRTH
March 19, 1958

BIRTHPLACE
Janiuay, Iloilo, Philippines

FATHER: AntonioTalamera
MOTHER: _____

HUSBAND: Nonito Biyo
CHILDREN: _____

USEFUL LINKS

Dr. Josette Talamera-Biyo
Dr. Josette Biyo: World Class Teacher
Dr. Josette Biyo: She dreamt of stars and got a planet
Ilongga educator gets another award in US

Damiana Eugenio

2007-02-03T16:31:00.000+08:00

Damiana L. Eugenio

"Mother of Philippine Folklore"

USEFUL LINKS

Eugenio, Damiana L.
Philippine Folk Literature: The Epics
Early Philippine Literature

Honoria Acosta Sison

2007-01-19T17:05:00.000+08:00

Honoria Acosta-Sison

1st Filipina physician
1st Filipina graduate of an American medical school, Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania (1905)
1st Filipina surgeon
1st Filipina obstetrician
1st Filipina to perform a low segment cesarean section
Mother of Philippine Obstetrics

HUSBAND: Dr. Antonio G. Sison

YEAR OF DEATH
January 19, 1970

USEFUL LINKS

First Filipino Women Physicians
The First Ladies of Philippine Medicine
History of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Roselle Ambubuyog

2007-01-12T00:17:00.001+08:00

Roselle R. Ambubuyog
AKA Roselle Rodriguez Ambubuyog

1st Filipina visually-impaired summa cum laude graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University (2001)

QUOTE
"All of us have our own disabilities. Mine is more obvious. I can represent what it means to go beyond one's limitations with determination, perseverance, the help of others, and the grace of God."

DATE OF BIRTH
January 12, 1980

FATHER: Gemme F. Ambubuyog
MOTHER: Deannah Rodriguez

USEFUL LINKS

'Computer Eyes' Summer Camp, The Blind Leading The Blind
Software firm taps Filipino to develop tools for the blind
Why Everyone Knows Roselle Is a Bright Spark
Youth Achiever: Roselle R. Ambubuyog

Ali Macawaris

2007-01-07T13:35:00.000+08:00

Ali Macawaris

1st Filipina oceanographer

USEFUL LINKS

First in the Philippines

Yeng Constantino

2006-12-04T22:30:00.001+08:00

Josephine Constantino

1st Filipina Pinoy Dream Academy Grand Star Dreamer (2006)

QUOTE
"Maabot niyo rin ang pangarap niyo!" (You too can reach your dreams!)

ALIAS
"Yeng"

DATE OF BIRTH
December 4, 1988

BIRTHPLACE
Rizal, Philippines

FATHER: Joselito Constantino
MOTHER: Susan

USEFUL LINKS

http://www.yengconstantinorocks.com/
PDA honors Yeng as 2006 Grand Star Dreamer
Yeng Constantino Network
'Dream' mentors rate last 6 scholars
Pinoy Dream Academy Top 6 now complete
Josephine "Yeng" Constantino, Star Scholar for the Week
Yeng Constantino on Wikipedia

Trinidad Tecson

2006-11-18T17:20:00.000+08:00

Trinidad Tecson
AKA Trinidad Perez Tecson

1st Filipina to organize the Red Cross in the Philippines
"Mother of Philippine Red Cross"
"Mother of Biak-na-bato"

ALIAS
"Henerala Ningning" (General Ningning)
"babaing lalaki" ("woman-man", symbol of her strong character)

DATE OF BIRTH
November 18, 1848

BIRTHPLACE
San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan, Philippines

FATHER: Rafael Tecson
MOTHER: Monica S. Perez

HUSBAND: ______*
CHILDREN: Sinforoso and Desiderio
*Trinidad Tecson went through 3 marriages, surviving all three husbands.

YEAR OF DEATH
January 28, 1928

USEFUL LINKS

Cultural Heritage-National Hero: Trinidad Tecson
Trinidad Tecson (1848-1928)
Heroes and Patriots: Trinidad Tecson
The Women in the Philippine Revolution

Mercedes Concepcion

2006-11-08T00:40:00.001+08:00

Mercedes B. Concepcion

1st Filipina Demographer
1st Filipina Director of the University of the Philippines Population Institute
1st Filipina staff member the Statistical Training Centre of the University of the Philippines
"Mother of Asian demography"

QUOTE
"During the Spanish occupation, when the Filipinos didn't like the Spaniards, all they had to do was flee to another island and get out from having to pay tax. So this inter-provincial movement continues. So these island groupings have also been responsible for the fact that people do not think in national terms. You think of your family first, your kin group next, and your province."

DATE OF BIRTH
1928

USEFUL LINKS

Mercedes B. Concepcion, a leading figure in population
Asian wins United Nations Population Award for 2005
Sophia Smith Collection - Population and Reproductive Health Oral History Project
Mercedes Concepcion Interviewed by Rebecca Sharpless

Lilia C. Clemente

2006-11-04T16:17:00.000+08:00

Lilia Clemente
AKA Lilia Calderon

1st Filipina investment broker and assistant treasurer for the Ford Foundation (1969)
Founder of Asian Securities Industry Institute (1989)
Founder of Clemente Capital (1976)

QUOTE
“I just love the investment business because irrespective of race and gender people respect you for your performance.”

DATE OF BIRTH
1940

BIRTHPLACE
Nueva Viscaya, Philippines

FATHER: José Calderon
MOTHER: Belen Farbos

HUSBAND: Leopoldo Clemente

USEFUL LINKS

Street Fighter Lilia Clemente
www.clementecapital.com
AABDC Lilia Clemente Profile

Cristeta Comerford

2006-10-27T23:02:00.001+08:00

Cristeta Comerford
AKA Cristeta Gomez Pasia

1st Filipina and 1st Woman Executive Chef at the White House (2005)

QUOTE
"It's God sent. I mean, how many people are chosen, are called to serve...to cook for basically the No. 1 person in the world."

ALIAS
"Cris"
"Teta"

DATE OF BIRTH
October 27, 1962

BIRTHPLACE
Manila, Philippines

FATHER: Honesto Pasia
MOTHER: Erlinda Gomez

HUSBAND: John Comerford
CHILD: Danielle

USEFUL LINKS

Cristeta Comerford Named White House Executive Chef Hail to the Chef
Fil-Am chef to debut with royal dinner
New White House Chef 'Starts Cooking'

Cheche Lazaro

2006-10-24T15:51:00.001+08:00

Cheche Lazaro
AKA Cecilia Lim Lazaro

1st Filipina President and Founder of The Probe Team, the 1st Filipino investigative newsmagazine in Philippine television (1987)

QUOTE
“I like to work in areas where I can make a difference.”

ALIAS
"Cheche"

BIRTHPLACE
Los Angeles, California, USA

FATHER: Luis Lim Sr.
MOTHER: Estefania Aldaba-Lim

HUSBAND: Delfin Lazaro
Cheche and Delfin have two children.

USEFUL LINKS

Cheche Lazaro Profile
DOJ orders investigation of The Probe Team
Still telling the story of the Pinoy on the street
'The Probe Team' is at primetime at long last!
CCP Continues Tradition of Recognition of Filipino Artists and Cultural Workers

Dr. Gloria T. Aragon

2006-10-20T23:16:00.001+08:00

Dr. Gloria T. Aragon
AKA Gloria Andrea T. Aragon

1st Filipina Dean of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) and Director of the Philippine General Hospital (1979-1983)

USEFUL LINKS
The First Ladies of Philippine Medicine
The UPCM Celebrates 100 Years
Laurel, Aragon lead UP distinguished alumni awardees

Toni Leviste

2006-10-19T00:27:00.000+08:00

Toni Leviste
AKA Marie-Antoinette Leviste

1st Filipina Olympian Equestrian in Women’s 3 round Showjumping (2000)

QUOTE
“Dreaming is free. And those dreams are important because it is the beginning of everything. Without that, that desire, that goal, nothing can be accomplished. And my greatest dream is to win the Olympic gold.”

ALIAS
"Toni"

DATE OF BIRTH
1971

FATHER: Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste (Tony)
MOTHER: Celia Sarangaya

USEFUL LINKS

Toni Leviste.com
The Leviste Family Tree
Passion drives Leviste to ride
Horsing around
All The Pretty Horses

Keanna Reeves

2006-10-18T01:32:00.001+08:00

Keanna Reeves
AKA Janet Derecho Duterte

1st Filipina Pinoy Big Brother – Celebrity Edition Big Winner (2006)

QUOTE

"I hope I can leave behind everything about my past. Although I must admit that I did learn a lot from it."

ALIAS
"Keanna Reeves"
"Tina Duterte"

FATHER: Jaime Derecho
MOTHER:

HUSBAND:
SONS: Isabelo and Troy

USEFUL LINKS

Keanna Starts Life Anew
From siliconed starlet to unlikely feminist
Keanna Reeves visits Batasan ‘housemates’
Keanna Reeves, the movie virgin
Keanna Reeves needs a lovelife to be happier!
Keanna Reeves: A True Danawanon

Charo Ronquillo

2006-10-14T23:58:00.002+08:00

Charo Ronquillo

1st Filipina and 1st Asian to become a 3rd place winner in Ford's Supermodel of the World contest (2005)

ALIAS

"The Asian Kate Moss"

USEFUL LINKS

Charo Ronquillo, Supermodel
Pinay places 3rd at Ford's Supermodel of the World
The model Filipina beauty

Pia Clemente

2006-10-11T00:06:00.002+08:00

Pia Clemente

1st Filipina-American producer to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film for her work in "Our Time is Up" (2006)

QUOTE
"Believe in yourself and trust in your talent."

BIRTHPLACE
Manila, Philippines

USEFUL LINKS

Oscar.com Nominee "Our Time is Up"
The Talented Miss Clemente
Clemente '93 is First Filipino-American Woman Nominee in Academy History
Bulakeña is first Filipina Oscar nominee
Pia Clemente Makes Oscar History

Pacita Abad

2006-10-05T23:00:00.001+08:00

Pacita Abad

1st Filipina to receive the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award in the Field of Arts
1st Filipina-American Modern Painter to paint the 55-meter long Alkaff Bridge, the 1st "Art Bridge" in Singapore (2004)

DATE OF BIRTH
October 5, 1946

BIRTHPLACE
Basco, Batanes, Philippines

FATHER: Jorge Abad
MOTHER: Aurora Barsana

HUSBAND: Jack Garrity

YEAR OF DEATH
December 7, 2004

USEFUL LINKS
Official Website Pacita Abad

Consuelo Ynares-Santiago

2006-10-05T21:43:00.000+08:00

Consuelo Ynares-Santiago

1st Filipina Justice to become a member of the Supreme Court of the Philippines (1999)

QUOTE
“Do not think that Law and the Spiritual Life are distant and separate concepts. We must constantly remember: the Law derives its strength in its spirit. The lawyer finds his strength in the quality of his soul.”

DATE OF BIRTH
October 5, 1939

BIRTHPLACE
Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines

FATHER: Casimiro Ynares Sr.
MOTHER: Consolacion Y. Martin

HUSBAND: Atty. Francisco B. Santiago
CHILDREN: Pura Angelica, Jonas Francisco, Regina Carmela, Jennylind Allison

USEFUL LINKS

Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago
"Passion for Justice"
Personal Information: Ynares-Santiago, Consuelo V.