Cristeta Comerford
White House Executive Chef
Who is she? She's an expert foodie whose kitchen skills and strong values, as noted by First Lady Michelle Obama, kept her in the top culinary position in the United States.
Why we love her: She might be a White House fixture, but she's still innately Pinay, introducing our culture to the palates of foreign dignitaries. Did we mention that she also beat culinary heavyweights Emeril Lagasse and Mario Batali in Iron Chef America?
She says: "Philosophy in the kitchen? I think it's empowerment. I have three other sous-chefs that are very, very talented. I hate to admit it. [But] sometimes I feel like they are more talented than me. As a leader, if you know how to mentor and you know how to impart and relinquish work, they're going to make the kitchen the easiest place to work with."
Lea Salonga
Singer and actress
Who is she? She's the first and only Filipina to win the Tony, Laurence Olivier, and Drama Desk awards for her portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon. She's also the singing voice of both Jasmine and Mulan from Disney's Aladdin and Mulan, respectively. From her humble beginnings in That's Entertainment to her new stint as Grizabella in Cats, Lea still proves that raw talent and a burning passion can take you places.
Why we love her: Despite all of her success, Ms. Salonga is still a down-to-earth person who shares her time and talent to help people through her charity concerts.
She says: "You have to have a deep and sincere love for this business with all the things that come with it. There has to really be a love, a love that's so great that you will never say at any point, 'I hate this! I want to quit! It's too much for me! I can't take this anymore!' Those words are never coming out of my mouth."
