The Ilocano ethnic group is one of the largest ethnic groups in the Philippines. Known for their hardworking nature and perseverance, the Ilocanos have produced several famous individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here are the top 10 famous people from the Ilocano ethnic:
- Ferdinand Marcos – Ferdinand Marcos was the 10th President of the Philippines. He ruled the country for 21 years, making him the longest-serving president in Philippine history.
- Manuel L. Quezon – Manuel L. Quezon was the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. He played a significant role in the country’s transition from being a US territory to an independent nation.
- Lea Salonga – Lea Salonga is a Tony Award-winning Broadway actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Kim in the musical “Miss Saigon” and for providing the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s animated film “Aladdin.”
- Jose Maria Sison – Jose Maria Sison is a political activist and the founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the Philippine left-wing movement.
- Rodrigo Duterte – Rodrigo Duterte is the 16th President of the Philippines. Known for his controversial and tough stance on crime, he has been both praised and criticized for his leadership style.
- Bongbong Marcos – Bongbong Marcos is a politician and the son of former President Ferdinand Marcos. He has served as a governor, congressman, and senator, and ran for Vice President in 2016.
- Paeng Nepomuceno – Paeng Nepomuceno is a bowling champion and one of the most successful Filipino athletes. He has won numerous international bowling titles, including four World Cup championships.
- Emilio Aguinaldo – Emilio Aguinaldo was the first President of the Philippines. He led the country’s revolution against Spanish colonial rule and proclaimed its independence on June 12, 1898.
- Imelda Marcos – Imelda Marcos is the widow of former President Ferdinand Marcos. She gained international notoriety for her extravagant lifestyle and collection of shoes, as well as her involvement in corruption scandals.
- Manuel Roxas – Manuel Roxas was the first President of the independent Republic of the Philippines. He played a key role in the negotiations for Philippine independence with the United States.
These are just some of the famous individuals from the Ilocano ethnic group who have made their mark in Philippine history and beyond. They have excelled in politics, arts and entertainment, sports, and social activism, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Most Famous Ilocano Celebrities
Here are some famous celebrities who have Ilocano roots:
- Manuel L. Quezon – The first president of the Philippines, Quezon was born to a family of Ilocano heritage. He played a crucial role in the country’s fight for independence and implemented various social reforms during his presidency.
- Lea Salonga – A renowned actress and singer, Salonga has captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful performances. She is best known for her role as Kim in the musical “Miss Saigon” and for providing the singing voice of Disney princesses Jasmine and Mulan.
- Rodrigo Duterte – The current president of the Philippines, Duterte traces his roots to Ilocos. Known for his controversial policies and outspoken nature, Duterte has made headlines both locally and internationally.
- Lupita Nyong’o – Though primarily known for her Kenyan heritage, actress Lupita Nyong’o has Ilocano roots through her mother’s side of the family. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film “12 Years a Slave.”
- Manuel Roxas – The fifth president of the Philippines, Roxas had Ilocano lineage. He played a key role in the country’s transition to independence from the United States and implemented various economic policies aimed at promoting growth and development.
- Tessie Tomas – An accomplished actress and comedian, Tomas hails from Ilocos Norte. She has appeared in numerous Filipino films and television shows, earning accolades for her talent and versatility.
The Ilocano people, or Ilokanos, are the third-largest ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines. They primarily inhabit the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. Ilocanos are known for their industriousness, resilience, and strong sense of community. Despite their humble origins, many individuals of Ilocano descent have achieved great success in various fields, including the entertainment industry.
Above is the list of celebrities with Ilocano heritage. For more comprehensive information about current celebrity issues and other famous personalities, feel free to visit the website about The Most Famous People.
Factsheet About Ilocano People
| Country | Region | Province | City/Municipality | Population |
| Philippines | Ilocos Region | Ilocos Norte | Laoag City | 111,125 |
| Philippines | Ilocos Region | Ilocos Sur | Vigan City | 53,879 |
| Philippines | Ilocos Region | Pangasinan | Dagupan City | 171,271 |
| Philippines | Cordillera Administrative Region | Abra | Bangued | 140,176 |
| Philippines | Cordillera Administrative Region | La Union | San Fernando City | 121,812 |
| Philippines | Cordillera Administrative Region | Mountain Province | Bontoc | 154,590 |
Ilocano Ethnicity: References and Resources
Here are some references to dig deeper about Ilocano ethnic:
- Ilocano people – Wikipedia: This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Ilocano people, including their history, culture, language, and notable individuals.
- Ilocano – National Commission for Culture and the Arts: The National Commission for Culture and the Arts in the Philippines has an informative page dedicated to the Ilocano people, discussing their heritage, traditions, and contributions to the country’s culture.
- Ilocano – Ethnic Groups of the Philippines: Ethnic Groups of the Philippines is a website that provides detailed information about various ethnic groups in the country, including the Ilocano. It covers topics such as their beliefs, practices, livelihoods, and social organization.
- The Ilocano – Every Culture: Every Culture is an online resource that explores different cultures around the world. This page focuses on the Ilocano people and delves into their history, cultural traditions, and societal structure.
We have reached the end of our exploration into the extraordinary lives of prominent Ilocano. We hope this journey has been enlightening and inspiring.
