Seven talented Filipinos have been recognized in this year’s Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list, showcasing their groundbreaking contributions across various sectors such as music, food, technology, and the arts.
Among the honorees is Ez Mil, a Filipino rap sensation, who gained widespread fame with his hit “Panalo” and later signed a major record deal with Eminem’s Shady Records, Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records in July 2023. His track “Realist,” featuring Eminem, made a notable entry on the Billboard chart in August 2023.
Abi Marquez, known as the “Lumpia queen,” also made the list shortly after receiving the 2024 People’s Voice Award for Food and Drink in Social at the Webby Awards. Marquez has garnered a following of 3 million on TikTok, where she promotes Filipino culinary culture.
Arshie Larga, a pharmacist from Marinduque, has been recognized for his educational TikTok content on safe medicine use and his fundraising efforts to help those unable to afford their medications.
Chia Amisola, an internet artist, was highlighted for her work with Developh and the Philippine Internet Archive, aiming to preserve the nation’s digital culture and history.
Joshua Serafin, a dancer and theater artist, explores themes of cultural identity and queer representation in his performances around the world, including prestigious festivals in Finland, Mexico, and Germany.
Mikaela Helene Reyes is the founder of Parallax, a company facilitating global financial transactions via cryptocurrency, aimed initially at Filipino users but now serving over 150 countries.
Lastly, Amanda Cua was recognized for founding Backscoop, a newsletter that covers tech and startups in Southeast Asia and has significantly supported startup founders in connecting with investors.