When the pandemic happened, social media platforms became powerful tools for Filipino celebrities to interact and engage with their fans. With physical events and gatherings put on hold, they have turned to social media to stay connected with their audience.
They have used these not only to entertain, but also to provide a sense of comfort and inspiration during uncertain times through live streaming and Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive challenges.
They made use of features where they can directly interact with their followers in real time and stay connected with their fans on a personal level despite physical distancing measures. Among these platforms, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter have emerged as popular avenues for them to showcase their talents and engage with their audience.
Manila Standard Entertainment explores the vibrant world of Filipino celebrities on these three social media platforms and highlights some of the stars who have amassed a significant following, an engagement, or even become a hot topic.
Queens of the Gram
Kathryn Bernardo
Despite the ups and downs of last year, including winning her first international award and going through a publicized breakup with her longtime boyfriend, Daniel Padilla, Kathryn has remained active with various projects and endorsements.
With an impressive 20 million followers on Instagram, she has become the platform’s most-followed local account, expanding her influence beyond traditional media and using social media to connect with fans on a more personal level, offering glimpses into her life.
Anne Curtis
While she may not currently hold the title of “most-followed Filipino celebrity” on Instagram, Anne Curtis remains a queen in her own right, captivating audiences with her vibrant online presence.
With a follower count exceeding 20 million, the It’s Showtime host has cemented her place as one of the platform’s top Filipina stars, and for good reason.
Anne’s power lies in the engagement she fosters. Her posts consistently spark conversations, garnering countless likes, comments, and interactions. Whether sharing glimpses of her family life, promoting advocacies, or simply slaying an outfit, her authenticity and sense of humor resonate deeply with her audience.
Heart Evangelista
She has transformed herself into a globally recognized A-list celebrity and influential figure in the fashion industry. She’s a global fashion icon, and her Instagram is the runway where she showcases her daring and diverse sense of style.
With over 10 million followers, she’s not just influencing trends, she’s setting them, all while injecting a healthy dose of Filipino flair into the fashion world.
Her influence extends far beyond the Philippines. She’s graced the covers of international magazines, attended prestigious fashion weeks, and collaborated with renowned brands. Her unique blend of elegance, playfulness, and Filipino pride has solidified her position as a true global fashion icon.
TikTok Challengers
Niana Guerrero
With over 42 million followers, Niana Guerrero isn’t just another TikTok creator, she’s the platform’s reigning Filipina queen.
What makes her stand out in the sea of viral dances and challenges is her charms whenever she gets the chance to do dance trends that even Jungkook of global supergroup BTS can’t help but notice it, too.
She seamlessly combines various styles, from elaborate choreography to lighthearted freestyle performances, demonstrating her skill and adaptability. Whether she’s performing solo or collaborating with her siblings, she consistently captivates audiences with her dynamic performances.
Andrea Brillantes
Kapamilya young actress, fondly known as Blythe, isn’t just a rising star in the Philippine entertainment scene, she’s also a captivating force on TikTok, amassing over 19.7 million followers and 284.8 million likes.
Being a natural charmer, her infectious personality shines through in her diverse content from playful dance challenges to behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life,
Sanya Lopez
The sultry Kapuso actress is a comedic powerhouse on TikTok, boasting over 15.4 million followers.
Sanya claims fame on TikTok lies in her hilarious renditions of iconic “hugot” lines from Filipino teleseryes and movies. Her exaggerated expressions and witty timing perfectly capture the melodramatic essence of these lines, leaving viewers in stitches. This relatable humor resonates deeply with Pinoy audiences, making her the undisputed queen of “hugot” content.
X Trendsetters
SB19
The P-pop Kings stand out not just for their catchy tunes and synchronized dance moves, but also for their undeniable dominance on X, formerly known as Twitter. They consistently trend, racking up millions of tweets and solidifying their position as the P-pop powerhouse.
SB19 members aren’t afraid to interact with their fans directly. They frequently respond to tweets, participate in online challenges, and even host live streams. This constant engagement fosters a sense of community and makes fans feel valued, fueling their dedication to keep the group trending.
From music videos and behind-the-scenes glimpses to hilarious skits and thought-provoking interviews, SB19 offers a diverse range of content. This keeps fans entertained and coming back for more, ensuring conversations surrounding the group.
Vice Ganda
The TV host and comedian stands out as a celebrity unafraid to leverage his platform to raise awareness about important issues, particularly with a substantial following of over 15.1 million on X.
The Unkabogable Star consistently expresses his views on trending topics, viral issues, and personal experiences, providing inspiration and valuable insights for many of his followers.
Liza Soberano
Liza has become the talk of the town when she gets real on love teams in Philippine showbiz stating that “the only way to be a big star really if you’re not a singer if you’re an actor is to be in a love team”.
Despite finding herself in hot water for being vocal, the Filipina actress has been making waves in Hollywood, marking a significant milestone in her career as she sets her sights on the international stage by being one of the cast of Lisa Frankenstein.