It is undeniable—the Philippines is a rich source of musical talent. Just look at these singers who are part/pure Pinoy and have been making waves in the international music arena. Some of them were wannabes in the local shores before heading abroad and trying their luck out there, while others are those we’ve never heard of until they became big abroad. Whatever the case they’re truly bringing pride to the motherland, and we can’t be any prouder!

NICOLE SCHERZINGER

This Russian-Hawaiian-Filipino is most famous for being the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, a world-famous sing-and-dance girl group responsible for hits such as Don’t Cha, Buttons, and Beep. A talented singer and dancer, Nicole later on pursued a solo singing career, but is now back with the group, which is composed of a completely new set of members. The exotic beauty, who had already visited the country several times (for work), also won Dancing With the Stars last May, and just bagged the role Maureen in the musicale Rent at the Hollywood Bowl.

APL.DE.AP

Born Allan Pineda Lindo, he is more popularly known as Apl.de.ap or Apl to the rest of the world. Part of the group Black Eyed Peas, he is one proud Pinoy who apart from singing about his roots (in songs such as The Apl Song, Bebot and Mare), is also looking for local artists that he can help break in to the international music scene. This humanitarian created the Apl Foundation, which gives back to Pinoy children in the Philippines and Asia, and the music company Jeepney Music, which handles talents.

VANESSA HUDGENS

Most famous for her role as Gabriella in the High School Musical series, Vanessa is a half-Filipina celebrity who is also part of movies such as Bandslam and Beastly. Also a recording artist, Vanessa’s debut album V produced hits like Come Back to Me and Say OK, while her sophomore effort Identified released just one track: Sneakernight. While she has a sweet and wholesome image, this was tarnished when sexy and nude photos of her were leaked online in 2007. Vanessa, whose mom is a Filipina, will be seen next as Mimi in the musical Rent scheduled to run at the Hollywood Bowl this month.



Read more about other famous Pinoys abroad in S Magazine, August 2010.