Filipinas lead virtual world
Women in full bloom Flowers sell briskly at a Moscow market on 7 March 2025 on International Women’s Day, an opportunity repeated throughout the globe.
Natalia KOLESNIKOVA/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Women in full bloom Flowers sell briskly at a Moscow market on 7 March 2025 on International Women’s Day, an opportunity repeated throughout the globe.
Natalia KOLESNIKOVA/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo might be American-raised, but her Filipino heritage shines through her philanthropic endeavors. After a stellar 2024 in music, she launched Fund 4 Good to support reproductive healthcare for women, donating concert proceeds to organizations dedicated to women’s health.
In the Philippines, her sold-out show’s net proceeds went directly to Jhpiego, a global women’s health nonprofit. Whether endorsing Kamala Harris in the 2024 US election or headlining Glastonbury 2025, Rodrigo shows that young Filipinas can blend artistry and activism on a worldwide stage.
Few can match the meteoric rise of Valkyrae, a content creator who found fame streaming Fortnite and other games. She’s the first female member of the gaming organization 100 Thieves and has racked up accolades such as “Content Creator of the Year.” This past year, she launched her own media company, Hihi Studios, focusing on anime-inspired content, and introduced her new podcast Press Esc. In January 2025, she made her triumphant return to Twitch, instantly becoming one of the most-watched female streamers. Her success underscores how Filipinas can lead and inspire on the digital stage as well as anyone.
Abi Balingit transformed her teenage baking hobby into a sweet cultural campaign. Her cookbook Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed clinched the 2024 James Beard Award for Emerging Voice, weaving together creative recipes like Ube Macapuno Molten Lava Cake with reflections on her Filipino-American roots. Through her blog The Dusky Kitchen, she reminds everyone that joyful innovation can thrive even in small, dimly lit apartments — and she’s built a loyal online following that savors every crumb of her culinary story.
While the others on this list capture attention across global platforms, Vice President Sara Duterte is a dominant figure in the Philippine political scene. From a high-profile rift with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos to her impeachment by the House of Representatives on 5 February 2025, Duterte remains a polarizing but influential voice on local social media. Her strong online support base testifies to the power of digital platforms in shaping public opinion — love her or not, she’s proof that Filipinas can steer the national conversation, controversies and all.
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