The film adaptation of the best-selling novel “Crazy Rich Asians” is a hit among Filipinos after it grossed P82.7 million in the Philippines since its premiere on August 22.
Due to its blockbuster success, it dethroned Jennifer Lopez’s “Maid in Manhattan” and is now the record-holder for the biggest opening weekend for a foreign romantic comedy in the Philippines.
But way before Kris Aquino got the attention of international media for appearing on “Crazy Rich Asians”, many other Filipino celebrities have also turned their Hollywood dreams a reality.
And two of them will be feature in international films this year!
1. Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga’s voice will forever be remembered as the one that gave life to Aladdin’s “A Whole New World” and Mulan’s “Reflection”. Salonga was given the privilege to provide her singing voice to not just one, but two Disney princesses, namely Princess Jasmine and Mulan.
If that is not impressive enough, “A Whole New World”, a song she recorded with Brad Kane, even won the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 65th Academy Awards and the Song of the Year Award at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards.
Aside from that, Salonga will also be starring in another Hollywood film titled Yellow Rose, with Eva Noblezada and Princess Punzalan. Yellow Rose is about Rosario Garcia, played by Noblezada, who is an undocumented teenager in Texas feeling alienated from the Filipino culture and fears being shipped back to the Philippines. Salonga said that she will play the role of Rosario Garcia’s aunt, Gail.
2. Jake Zyrus
Way before he identified himself as Jake Zyrus, singer Charice Pempengco appeared on the movie “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” which starred Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Jesse McCartney.
Zyrus appeared as herself in the movie and sang Alicia Keys’ hit song “No One” in one of its scenes.
Moreover, Zyrus will also be returning to acting by appearing in an international film produced in Japan, wherein he will be playing the role of the assistant of an assassin in the Japanese movie, “She’s a Killer”.
3. Anne Curtis
Anne Curtis has a long list of film credits to her name and one of them is the 2014 independent American thriller-romance film “Blood Ransom”.
In the said film, Curtis played Crystal, a beautiful immortal woman. She appeared alongside other international actors including Alexander Dreymon, Caleb Hunt, and Jamie Harris.
4. John Arcilla
John Arcilla appeared on the 2012 action film “Bourne Legacy” which was also shot in the Philippines.
Arcilla was cast as a security guard in the fourth installment of the Jason Bourne novel series which starred Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz.
5. Jacob Batalon
Jacob Batalon was born in Honolulu, Hawaii to Filipino parents. This 22-year-old neophyte actor started acting only two years ago but has already appeared in a number of Hollywood films.
In 2017, he got his first major acting job when he played Peter Parker’s friend, Ned Leeds, in “Spider-Man: Homecoming”. He will also be reprising his role as Ned in “Spider-Man: Far From Home”.
Aside from that, he also had a role in the film adaptation of David Levithan’s “Every Day”.
