MANILA, Philippines – The province of Cebu, which celebrated its 445th founding anniversary on Wednesday, August 6, has so many things to be proud of. From its beaches, history, and Sinulog festival, its people are not far behind.

The province is home to some of the famous personalities who are now making a name in the fashion, design, beauty contest, and the entertainment industries. Here are some of them.

Photos by Mark Cristino/Instagram/Monique Lhuillier website/Rappler

1. Kim Chiu, Pinoy Big Brother Teen winner

Kim became famous after winning in the first edition of Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition. Since then, she has starred in a number of TV dramas and films, including  Bride for Rent and Ikaw Lamang. Aside from speaking Cebuano, Filipino, and English, Kim can also speak Mandarin, which she has shown in an album and her shows.

2. Richard Yap, ‘Sir Chief’ of Be Careful With My Heart

Best known for his role as “Papa Chen” in My Binondo Girl, Richard Yap saw himself becoming a leading man when ABS-CBN cast him as Richard “Sir Chief” Lim in the phenomenal show Be Careful With My Heart. Born and raised in Cebu, Richard was a businessman before he entered showbiz. He also runs two restaurants – Wangfu and Luna J – with partners and is filming the movie Praybeyt Benjamin opposite Vice Ganda.

3. Matteo Guidicelli, racer-turned-actor

Prior to entering showbiz, Matteo was known as a racer. After leaving the racing world, the Filipino-Italian decided to enter showbiz, with roles in Agua Bendita, Precious Hearts Romance Presents Paraiso, and Galema. Matteo is also known for being a triathlete, having participated in various triathlons in the country.

4. Pilita Corrales, Asia’s Queen of Songs 

Don’t let her mestiza features fool you. Pilita was born in Cebu to a Spanish father and Filipino mother. She is considered one of the best singers in the country, earning the title, “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” with over 135 albums in over 4 decades. She was a judge in the ABS-CBN reality show, The X-Factor Philippines, and is currently seen in the sitcom Vampire Ang Daddy Ko.

5. Monique Lhuillier, international fashion designer

Hailing from one of Cebu’s prominent families, Monique moved to Los Angeles where she studied at the Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandising. Known for her wedding and red carpet creations, Monique has dressed many international stars, including Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Drew Barrymore, and Eva Mendes.

6.   Kenneth Cobonpue, furniture designer

Kenneth Cobonpue’s works have been featured in design shows in Paris and New York. A graduate of Pratt Institute, Kenneth has received various awards, such as the grand prize at the Singapore International Design Competition and the Design for Asia Award of Hongkong. Kenneth’s pieces have also been bought by famous personalities, such as Hollywood actor Brad Pitt.

7. Annabelle Rama-Gutierrez, matriarch of the showbiz family

Known for being feisty and her thick Visayan accent, Annabelle Rama is the mother of celebrities Ruffa, Richard, and Raymond, and wife of former matinee idol Eddie Gutierrez. A member of the famous Rama clan of Cebu, Annabelle ran for Congress in the 2013 elections but lost. She is among the top talent managers in the entertainment industry, and was recently seen in the reality show It Takes Gutz To Be A Gutierrez with her family. 

8. Ellen Adarna, sexy actress

Even before the release of her exercise video, Ellen Adarna was already known in the online world through her photos shared via the social network Friendster. Those photos earned her requests for magazine covers and an endorsement with Belo. These days, Ellen is still the sexy actress she is and the talented cast member of the afternoon drama Moon of Desire with JC de Vera.

9. Vina Morales, singer and actress

Vina has been in the industry since her teen years. She was discovered by the management of Viva Films in a singing competition in Cebu. She was offered singing and movie contracts. She starred in a number of films, such as Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum and The Sarah Balabagan Story. She is the older sister of actress Shaina Magdayao.

10. Shaina Magdayao, actress

Shaina, whose parents are from Cebu, started her career as a child actress. She was known for her roles as Rina in the drama Marinella and Alyna. She is the youngest sister of singer and actress Vina Morales.  

11. Enrique Gil, actor and dancer

Born in Cebu City, Enrique became known for his dance moves and roles in dramas, such as Mula Sa Puso, Mirabella, Muling Buksan Ang Puso, and Princess and I.  He has released a dance album and appeared in the movie She’s the One with Bea Alonzo and Dingdong Dantes.

12. Manilyn Reynes, singer and actress

Manilyn Reynes was one of the country’s popular singer’s in the 1980’s and was part of a group called “The Triplets” with Sheryl Cruz and Tina Paner. She has appeared in a number of movies opposite Janno Gibbs and Ogie Alcasid.  

13. Isabel Oli, model and actress

Born Maria Olivia Daytia, Isabel is known as the leading lady in the Max’s Fried Chicken commercial opposite Piolo Pascual. She was also in the show Sugo opposite Richard Gutierrez and has appeared in a number of dramas in GMA-7. She was last seen on ABS-CBN’s Annaliza.

14. Kris Tiffany Janson, Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental 

A former Miss Cebu, Kris is the country’s bet in the Miss Intercontinental Pageant after winning the title last March during the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. Kris dedicated her award to her father, who unfortunately died before he could see her win a title.

15.  Slater Young, Pinoy Big Brother: Unlimited winner

Slater Young was dubbed as “The Hotshot Engineer of Cebu,” when he entered the Pinoy Big Brother House for the Pinoy Big Brother: Unlimited edition. After winning the competition, Slater appeared in ABS-CBN shows, and is currently one of the hosts for Pinoy Big Brother All In Uber Time. – Rappler.com