Actresses Liza Soberano and Hilda Koronel, actor Jacob Batalon and recording engineer Jett Galindo are among those recognized in the 2026 edition of the 75 Most Influential Filipino-Americans, an annual initiative of BlogTalk with MJ Racadio.
Released during Filipino American History Month, the list recognizes contributions across film, television, music, journalism, business, health care and community service. This year’s announcement also includes nine lifetime recognition recipients and a new honorary distinction for international collaborators who support Filipino talent and stories.
MJ Racadio, the initiative’s founder and the host and executive producer of BlogTalk with MJ Racadio, launched the recognition in 2014, according to the announcement.
Actors, filmmakers and musicians recognized
The acting honorees include Soberano, Batalon, Isa Briones, Kristin Villanueva, Princess Punzalan, Ruby Rodriguez, Rachel Marsh and Martha Millan.
Koronel completes the roster as its 75th honoree. The announcement highlights her work in “Insiang,” her return to film in “Sisa” and her lifetime achievement recognition from the Manila International Film Festival.
Behind the camera, honorees include directors Januel Mercado and Marie Jamora; filmmakers Randal Kamradt and Ralph Torrefranca; producer Grace Santos; and Francis Cullado, executive director of Visual Communications.
The list also recognizes sound editor Jerry Lafuente and visual effects professional Josh Simon, reflecting the contributions of people working in postproduction as well as those appearing on screen.
In music, honorees include Galindo, composer Nathan Mathew David, songwriter Dodjie Simon, arranger and performer Annie Nepomuceno, DJ Rocky Rock and recording artist Tracy Cruz.
Racadio’s coverage of Filipino entertainment has also featured the work of FilAm Creative, including a 2025 Hollywood actors panel where performers discussed representation, career opportunities and support for emerging Filipino American artists. Several people associated with that creative community appear on this year’s list.
Recognition beyond entertainment
The roster extends to food, fashion, literature, health care and civic life.
Food industry honorees include restaurateur and television host Billy Dec, chef Rhoda Magbitang, Cafe 86 owner Ginger Dimapasok and Mostra Coffee co-owner Jelynn Malone.
Jewelry designer Chris Habana, fashion designer Kyra Buenviaje and Noble Creations founder Amiel Noble are among those recognized in fashion and design.
Author Carren Jao, historian Kirby Araullo and cultural advocate Rosie Chua represent literature, history and advocacy. Health care honorees include Warley Remegio, Pedro Morante, Chris Zacariah, Alan and Amabel de Leon, and Catherine Rubio.
Community leadership recipients include Joshua Ang Price of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, humanitarian Janet C. Salazar, Kalayaan Incorporated President Marie Navarro and Mark Francisco of the Filipino American Law Enforcement Officers Association’s Los Angeles chapter.
Nine receive lifetime recognition
Separate from the main roster, the BlogTalk Hall of Fame will recognize nine people for their contributions to entertainment, media, fashion and community organizing.
They are chef and producer Marvin Aritrangco; screenwriter and actor Mark Labella; fashion designer and Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel; recording artists Jocelyn Enriquez, Garth Garcia and Ranella Ferrer; journalist Steve Angeles; SoCal Filipinos founder Jason Lustina; and filmmaker Drea Castro.
The organizers describe the distinction as recognition of sustained contributions and work that has created opportunities for others.
New honor recognizes international collaborators
The inaugural Honorary Filipino Recognition names television writer and producer Miranda Kwok, recording artist Septimius the Great and production and remix duo Klubjumpers.
Organizers cited Kwok’s work on “The Cleaning Lady,” Septimius the Great’s collaborations with Filipino musicians and Klubjumpers’ support for Filipino American recording artists.
The initiative’s 2026 advisory group includes The Outstanding Filipino Awards founder Elton Lugay, television producer Marc Anthony Nicolas, editor Ben Bulatao, community leader Jun Aglipay, Racadio, broadcaster Rico Hizon and Good News Pilipinas editor Angie Quadra-Balibay. Good News Pilipinas is a media partner of the recognition.
The October announcement places the honorees within Filipino American History Month, an observance recognizing Filipino Americans’ history and contributions. Congress recognized the observance in 2009.
