Good Pinoys

Filipina peace negotiator and University of the Philippines professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer was bestowed with the distinguished 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Award in acknowledgment of her unparalleled dedication to inclusive peace-building.

“For me, the rewards of pageantry aren't confined to crowns, trophies, or recognition. What makes it truly fulfilling is the opportunity it affords me to be a voice for causes close to me, whether that's sustainable fashion, women empowerment, or inclusivity,” Filipino beauty queen Angela Okol shares with GoodNewsPilipinas.

In the heart of San Francisco, multi-division world boxing champion Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. has completed a deeply emotional journey back to his heritage. After 30 years in the United States, he has reacquired his Filipino citizenship, capping a chapter that began when he migrated to America at the tender age of 11.

“[It is always essential] to have a culture that is focused on empowerment and inclusion,” declared Mirus Ponon, a dynamic Filipino youth advocate.

When Kian Maximus Torróntegui Bayno, a young Cebuano student, shared his college admissions journey on Facebook in April 2023, his excitement was palpable. "A dream came true for me very recently," Kian wrote, announcing that he had not only been accepted into five top local and overseas universities but had also been offered over 27.8 million pesos in scholarships.

The first Filipina-Canadian Member of Parliament, Rechie Valdez, again made history when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named her the new Minister of Small Business. This appointment marked Valdez as the first Filipino woman to serve in the Canadian Cabinet, an accomplishment that resonates with pride within the Filipino community around the world.

From the verdant farmlands of Dumaguete to the high-tech campuses of the United States and Australia, Uziah George Teejee Acaso is proving that dreams know no boundaries. A couple of months ago, this exceptional Filipino student made waves on social media when he announced his acceptance into 11 prestigious universities overseas.

Filipino journalist Maria Ressa is set to join the Ivy League's Columbia University as a professor in the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).

When Monette Mahinay was younger, she had a strong interest in painting, with her life dream revolving around turning this passion into a career. However, an unexpected twist in her life story came when she started experiencing vision problems and eventually became blind. The unforeseen hurdle might have led others into desolation and despair, but not Monette. She found her voice amidst the darkness and went on to become the first Filipino blind dubber in the world.

At Granger Jr. High School in National City, California, a unique twist in the 9th Grade Promotion speeches showcased the power of embracing cultural heritage. Filipino-American students Maria Ysabella Baetiong and Mischa Julizen "Zen" Esguerra took center stage, one speaking Tagalog, and the other sharing her enriching journey as an Asian.

Today, the world-renowned Billboard chart-topping Pinoy-pop sensation boy group SB19 has paid a heartfelt tribute to national hero Dr. Jose Rizal on his 162nd birth anniversary, reminding Filipinos everywhere to recognize their inherent greatness and find strength in their shared heritage.

In the constellation of Hollywood, a new star is shining brightly, illuminating the path for aspiring artists and bringing a breath of fresh Filipino air to the global scene. Sam Morelos, the 17-year-old Filipino-American sensation, has garnered the admiration of international viewers for her role as Nikki in Netflix's "That '90s Show," the anticipated sequel to the iconic "That '70s Show." Born in Los Angeles to Quezon City immigrants, Sam is a first-generation Filipino American proudly championing her roots in her flourishing career.