Comedian Jo Koy leads 75 Most Influential Filipino Americans list

Top Hollywood comedian Jo Koy leads this year’s 75 Most Influential Filipino Americans (MIFA) list released by America’s first Fil-Am Hollywood entertainment podcasting show, Blog Talk with MJ Racadio, in celebration of Filipino-American History Month.

The annual MIFA released on October 18, 2022, placed the star of the first all-Filipino Hollywood film, Easter Sunday, in the No. 1 spot on the list of top Fil-Am influencers in Hollywood entertainment, business, and philanthropy.

Celebrity blogger-reporter MJ Racadio released the MIFA list to recognize the excellent virtues of Filipino Americans – the second-largest Asian American group in the United States and the third-largest ethnic group in California. The Filipino American National Historical Society notes that the celebration of Filipino American History Month in October commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, which occurred on October 18, 1587, when “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California.

“Post-Pandemic: many Filipinos are still striving to make ends meet despite the economic hardship and inflation. We Filipinos have risen above the ashes. We are determined to make a difference no matter what. We excel in any industry, particularly in entertainment. On the other hand, we do not forget to give back to the community in the U.S. or back home in the Philippines,” Racadio wrote in the introduction of the list.

Racadio is also scheduled to announce later today on his show the MIFA Hall of Famer (Top 10 twice or more) and Lifetime Recognition.

Jo Koy is joined on the list by his mom, Josie Harrison, and Easter Sunday co-star Tia Carrere, The Star Wars actor Manny Jacinto, Tony-nominated actress/Grammy winner Eva Noblezada and fellow Yellow Rose actor Princess Punzalan, and pioneer actor Dante Basco and the Basco Brothers.

Musicians on the MIFA list include multiple Grammy winner H.E.R., Billboard chart topper Olivia Rodrigo, Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger, Original Pilipino Music advocates Martin Nievera and Paco Arespacochaga of Introvoys.

Entertainment behind-the-scenes movers on the list include Pixnoy Ronnie Del Carmen, Disney animation director Bobby Rubio, cinematographer Matthew Libatique, and event organizer Luis Pedron of the International Film Festival Manhattan.

Social media influencer Bretman Rock and TikTok star Bella Poarch also made the list.

Here are the 75 Most Influential Filipino-Americans of 2022:

1. Jokoy-Award Winning Stand-Up Comedian/Moviestar/Advocate of Filipino Representation in Hollywood
2. John Singson-(Real Estate Mogul/Philanthropist (Belongs to the Famous & Powerful Singson Family Clan)
3. Elton Lugay- TOFA- The Outstanding Filipinos in America Awards Pioneer
4. HER- Grammy, Oscar & Golden Globe Winning Recording Artist (Hollywood Representation)
5. Olivia Rodrigo- Grammy Award Winner/Philanthropist-Plus1 Women Empowerment
6. Augie Max Vargas-Emmy Award Winner (Filipino Representation Advocate in Hollywood)
7. Ronnie Del Carmen-Oscar Nominated Co-Director of Inside Out/Netflix
8. Dante Basco- Pave the way to Filipinos in Hollywood/Actor/Director
9. Nicole Scherzinger-Member of Pussycat Dolls, Grammy Nominated Recording Artist/Judge Mask Singer
10. Ben Bulatao-6-Time Emmy Nominated Editor of Deadliest Catch
11. Ted Benito-Apl De Ap Foundation/Producer/Philanthropist
12. Martin Nievera- Concert King of Philippines/Original Filipino Music Advocate
13. Dave Batista- Hollywood Actor/Philanthropist
14. Brendan Flores- Youngest President & National Chairman of (NaaFFa) National Federation of Filipino American Association.
15. Matthew Libatique- Oscar Nominated Cinematographer
16. Reggie Lee- Hollywood Actor/All Rise, Lincoln Lawyer/Asian Representation in Hollywood
17. Tia Carrere- Hollywood’s Triple Threat/2-Time Grammy Winner
18. Van Dichoso- Riverrock Films Co-Owner/Hollywood Producer/Philanthropist
19. Bretman Rock- Social Media Influencer/MTV Reality Star
20. Bella Poarch- Tiktok Star over a billion views. International Recording Artist
21. Cher Calvin-Emmy Winning Anchor/Vice President of Los Angeles Press Club
22. Lou Razon- Miss Philippines USA/Fashion Designer/Philanthropist
23. G Tongi- Fil-Am Arts/Philanthropist
24. Mutch Carino- Spotlight TV/Philanthropist
25. Jesse & Jcas- Over a Glass or Two Hosts/Philanthropist
26. Erwin Valencia-NBA’s Director/Training/Conditioning/Philanthropist
27. Rhiza Pascua-Superstars Concert Producer
28. Cecelia Ramos-Historic Filipino Town/Philanthropist
29. Eva Noblezada-Tony Nominated Actress/Grammy Winner
30. Jannelle So Perkins-Award-Winning TV Host/Philanthropist
31. Troy Laureta-Award-Winning Music Composer
32. R’ Bonney Gabriel-Miss USA 2022/Philanthropist
33. Kenneth Barlis-Hollywood Fashion Designer/Project Runway
34. Garth Garcia-Award-Winning Recording Artist/Fil-Am Prince of Pop
35. Jordan Andino-Celebrity Chef
36. Kiana V- Member of Grammy Voting Class/International Recording Artist
37. Richard & Imee Maghanoy- Hollywood’s Skincare Expert
38. Dr. Leo Pandac- Historic Filipino Town
39. Jason Lustina- Pioneer of SoCal Filipinos
40. Puey Quinones- Hollywood Fashion Designer
41. Carl Andrada-Filipino Fashion Designer
42. Filbert Kung-Hollywood Celebrity Photographer
43. Sthanler Mirador- Hollywood Celebrity Photographer
44. SIPA Search to Involve Pilipino Americans-Non-Profit Organization
45. Roger Oriel- Asian Journal Publisher
46. Ron Quesada of Kulintronica
47. Sonia Delen- Apl De Ap Foundation/Filipino Food Movement
48. The Basco Brothers-Hollywood Actors/Producers
49. Arianna Basco-Songwriter/Producer
50. Jeremiah Abraham-Hollywood’s Communication Executive
51. Luis Pedron- Pioneer of International Film Festival Manhattan
52. Vanessa Minnillo-Lachey- Hollywood Actress/Philanthropist
53. Rane Rose-Entrepreneur/Philanthropist/Publisher
54. Jeffrey Jimenez- Event Producer/Philanthropist
55. Angela Perez Baraquio Grey/Miss America 2001/Character Education Advocate/School Principal
56. Manny Dela Rosa-Manny the Movie Guy/Emmy Winner
57. Keesa Ocampo-Emmy Winner/Filipino Food Movement
58. Paco Arespacochaga-Original Filipino Music Advocate/International Filipino Band Introvoys
59. Alexis Bong Monsanto-Hollywood Fashion Designer
60. Melody Garcia-UNICEF Advocate/Motivational Speaker
61. Jocelyn Enriquez- Award-Winning Recording Artist/Philanthropist
62. Tommie Mopia-Concert Producer
63. Mark Labella- Hollywood Actor/Award-winning screenwriter/S.W.A.T.
64. Manny Jacinto-Hollywood Actor/9 Perfect Strangers
65. Princess Punzalan-Award-Winning Actress/Cleaning Lady
66. Wendy Lindo-The Wendy Lindo Show/Philanthropist
67. Josie Harrison-Jokoy’s Mom/Radio Host/Philanthropist
68. Ranella Ferrer-Queen of National Anthem/Recording Artist/Reality Star
69. Mic Diaz- Concert Producer/Promotes Filipino-American Artists
70. Jules Graeser-Award-Winning Host/Philanthropist/Recording Artist
71. Bobby Rubio-Director of Disney’s Float
72. Julia Abueva-Broadway Actress/K-Pop the Musical
73. Pen De Leon Manahan-Concert Producer/Philanthropist
74. Thelma Sugay-Journalist/Philanthropist
75. Rally Vargas aka Papa Gio-Internet Radio Host of V81 Radio

.@Jokoy headlines 2022 edition of 75 Most Influential Filipino Americans in Hollywood entertainment, businesses, philanthropy @MJRacadio #FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth FULL STORY on @GoodNewsPinas_ https://t.co/IJHcHStOtr

— Angie Quadra-Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) October 18, 2022

TELL US in the comments below who do you think should be on the Most Influential Filipino Americans list next time?

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