• Nicanor Abelardo. Called the "master of the Kundiman," by Zaide, and the "father of the sonata form," by the Dictionary of Philippine Biography, he was "at least" part Kapampangan. He was related on his father's side to the Hensons of Pampanga, and was born and raised in San Miguel de Mayumo, a town with ancient Kapampangan connections.  He also married a Kapampangan. (Pol Kekai Manansala).

 
• Francisco Liongson Alonzo. He was important in instituting the Escenico, which along with the Circulo, are still important in the local social life (Pol Kekai Manansala).
  
  
• Aurea N. Balagtas.  Kapampangan poetess, she wrote "Buri Ku Sa" (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla).
  
  
• Pepe Baltazar of Sexmoan and his wife, Temang Mangio of Bacolor, founders and owners of the nationally famous Banda 31, a big group of musicians synonymous with musical entertainment during town fiestas all over the Philippines (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
  
  
• Antonio Bamba.  He was the second Filipino printer, doing typographic printing in Bacolor in 1618.  (The first printer was Tomas Pinpin in 1610 in Abucay, Bataan, which was part of Pampanga during that time (Ernie Turla).

 
• Fr. Diego Bergano - author of the first Pampango Grammar book, first published in Sampaloc in l729 and then in l821. The rare book (l821 edition) is in the Cordell Collection at Indiana State University. ( Ernie Turla ).

 
• Cirilo Bognot.  Kapampangan poet.  Among his works is "Larawan Ning Bie Ku" (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla).

 
• Homer Calma.  Kapampangan poet.  Among his works is "Ding Bayani"(ref. E.H. Lacson( (Ernie Turla).

 
• Jose Luna Castro.  From Lubao, Pampanga., he's an educator and the author of  "Philippine Journalism". Was managing editor of the "Manila Times" during the 60's until his death in the 80's (by Andro Camiling).

 
• Pablo Cordero.  Noted zarzuela music composer and lyricist well-known during the first half of the cnetury (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla).

 
• Leandro Victoria Coronel (Floridablanca, Pampanga) Author of the book "Invisible Americans". He spent a few years travelling around the world and meeting with Filipino communities in various places and featuring them in his books. After

28 years in the U.S. he decided to return to the Philippines.  He wrote a column for the Philippine News years ago entitled "Observer".  He is also a member of the Kapampangan-L discussion group (Ernie Turla).
 
• Captain Joaquin Arnedo Cruz. Probably the classic ilustrado in terms of being a high-browed socialite, he threw extravagant balls and banquets at his home in Apalit that even astonished the elite of Europe, including the Grand Duke of Russia (Pol Kekai Manansala).

 
• W. R. Cuevas . Although according to his webpage he was educated in and now lives in Cebu, he has his roots in Pampanga. His paintings are featured in the lauded CAI Gallery homepage. (Pol Kekai Manansala).
• Amado Gutierrez David.  Noted zarzuela music composer and lyricist well-known during the first half of the cnetury (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla).

 
• Amando Dayrit. Very popular journalist-columnist and short story writer in the  period prior to WW II. His column, "Good Morning, Judge", is in one of Manila's major daily newspaper. (by Pol Kekai Manansala and Marivi Dayrit Magat).
  
  
• Camilo Dimson.  Noted zarzuela music composer and lyricist well-known during the first half of the cnetury (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla).

 
• Eusebio Dizon. Curator at National Museum, and member of editorial board of National Museum Papers. Leader of research on Ayub Cavepotteries, one of the most important archaeological finds in last decade (Pol Manansala).
  
  
• Vicente Alvarez Dizon. Originally from Bacolor, married to Ines Henson Dizon, with whom he had the following children: Victor, Daniel, Edmin and Josie. Vicente Alvarez Dizon of Manila has accomplished an extraordinary amount for an artist of his years. At 16, he was a professional illustrator. He studied in the School of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines. Among his activities there were researches concerning the evolution of Philippine costumes and the planning of an art course for the public schools, which was accepted and put into effect. In 1931, he completed forty water colors of costumes. Shortly afterwards he studied illustrating in Minneapolis and won a scholarship which gave him graduate work at Yale University in art, education, painting, composition, mural decoration and museum administration. He taught at the Mapua Institute of Technology and at the National Teachers College both in Manila. He won the FIRST PRIZE at the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition titled "Contemporary Art of 79 Countries held at the Treasure island in San Francisco, beating entrants from 78 other countries, including Salvador Dali of Spain (The Surealist painter). He also introduced finger painting in the Philippines. The title of the painting that he made was: "After the Day's Toil" a picture of a typical Filipino family walking home after working in the ricefields. After the Exposition, his winning painting went on a World tour of IBM offices incuding the one in Ermita, Manila, until it went on permanent display at the IBM Gallery of Fine Arts in New York. But in 1968 a swap was made between IBM and some art gallery on some paintings and this one was included and at the present time, the painting's whereabouts is unknown. He passed away in 1947. (Eric Dizon)

.
• Henry L. Dizon (Bacolor, Pampanga) An award winning international artist and sculptor. He was hailed for the 35 oil paintings which he exhibited in a one-man show at the national museum in Brunei, and which was dubbed "Brunei, the Land and Its People." He was a presidential awardee in arts during the time of Pres. Macapagal. He was also awarded by Gov. Guiao as an outstanding Pampangueno in arts and culture. His first one-man show which was in l981 was held at the National Museum in Manila. It was a historical profile of past presidents and is now permanently exhibited at the Speakers Lounge in the House of Representatives. (Ernie Turla)

 
• D. Paulo Dizon.  Playwright and short story writer in English from Sta. Rita, Pampanga (Ernie Turla).
  
  
• Nina Estrada.  Kapampangan poet who wrote English sonnets (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla).
  
  
• Fr. Anselmo Fajardo - Hailed as the father of Pampango Literature. Published in l831 his masterpiece, 'Gonzalo de Cordoba'. He wrote other 'comedias' and metrical romances whose settings were in Spain, especially Granada ( Ernie Turla ).
  
  
• Anselmo Fajardo (born around 1798 in Bacolor, Pampanga and died around 1849).  Renowned Capampangan writer and known as the 'father of Pampango literature".  Was ordained a priest in Manila.  Famous for his metrical play "Gonzalo de Cordova", as well as his "Comedia Heroica dela Conquista de Granada"(ref. Carlos Quirino) (by Ernie Turla).

 
• Maria Cristina Galang (from Tarlac, Tarlac) - Miss Philippines of  l952 (Note: Armi Kuusela, Miss Finland won the Miss Universe title then which was also the first such pageant.)  It was for her that the Maria Cristina Park in Tarlac was named. ( Ernie Turla ).

 
• Jose Gallardo of Candaba, poet-laureate, novelist and provincial governor's awardee for the propogation of the Kapampangan language (by Alejandro S. Camiling).

 
• Felix Galura. Another outstanding playwright from the region that produced Juan Crisostomo Soto (Pol Kekai Manansala).

 
• Angela Manalang Gloria. Described as "a leading poet in English in the first half of the twentieth century" and "the rising poet of her generation, which included a veritable Who's Who in Philippine Literature in Engish," by Soledad S. Reyes of Ateneo.  She wrote "But the Western Skies" and "Yellow Moon" (ref. E.H. Lacson (Ernie Turla and Pol Kekai Manansala).
  
  
• Juanita Goingco.  Kapampangan poetess.  Among her works is "Kapampangan Ka" (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla).

 
• Dr. Bienvenido Ma. Gonzalez. One of ten sons of Dr. Joaquin Gonzalez. A brilliant educator and former President of the University of the Philippines (Andro Camiling).
  
  
• Francisco Gozum.  Kapampangan poet.  Among his works is "Ing Malutub" (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla).

 
• Don Mariano A. Henson. Grand historian and exponent of Kapampangan history and culture. (Marc Nepomuceno).

 
• Zoilo Hilario. A great poet often compared to Jose Garcia Villa. Had his own rhyme scheme (Pol Kekai Manansala).

 
• Ceferino Joven. Not to be confused with the revolutionary of the same name, he was a writer of plays and features. He was also appointed Supervisor of Private Schools for a time (Pol Kekai Manansala).

 
• Luisa Gonzaga de Leon. Another of Pampanga's literary luminaries, she was a Kapampangan writer in Spanish.  Amng her works is "Ejercito Cotidiano"first published in 1852, before Rizal was even born (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla).

 
• Virginia Lichauco de Leon. Virginia "Ginny" wrote a wonderful collection of poems called "Untitled Poems" that among Scholasticans in the 70's was a very popular book. Her husband, Oscar de Leon, from Don Pepe de Leon's family, is from the de Leon family of Bacolor (those who owned that wonderful big house). Virginia and Oscar are second degree cousins (confirmed by Ramon Carlos) (Marivi Dayrit Magat).
  
  
• Francisco Liongson.  Born in 1896 in Bacolor, he was a Kapampangan writer in Spanish.  Among his works are "El Unico Cliente mi Mujer", "Es Candidata" and "Las Joyas de Simon" (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla).

 
• Alfredo Efren Litiatco. Called by noted writer Manuel Viray: "one of the foremost practitioners of light verse in the Philippines." Jose Garcia Villa ranked him as "among our best short story writers." Born in Manila of Kapampangan and Tagalog parents (Pol Kekai Manansala).

 
• Urbano Macapagal. Yet another literary gem from Pampanga (Pol Kekai Manansala).
  
  
• Pia Manalo.  A star of the P.B.S. series "Barney and Friends".  She was on the cover page of Filipinas Magazine which featured her success story and mentioned that her parents are from Pampanga.  She had won 18 national awards in dancing before she broke into the limelight in1992 when she was 10 (Ernie Turla).
  
  
• Pedro Manankil (May 13, 1881 in San Luis, Pampanga, December 29, 1956).  Noted Pampango writer who contributed to two Spanish newspapers, La Vanguardia and El Debate, and in a Pampango weekly, Ing Panitik.  He translated Rizal's Noli Me Tangere in 1933 (ref. Carlos Quirino) (by Ernie Turla).
  
  
• Vicente Manansala (Jan. 22, 1910, Macabebe, Pampanga, August 22, 1981).  National Artist for Painting, 1981.  Studied at the U.P. School of Fine Arts and attended schools in France, Canada, and the U.S.  Was an illustrator for Philippines Herald and Liwayway.  His paintings include Madonna of the Slums (1950), Jeepneys (1951), Calesa (1955), Dambana (1956), Cumbanchero (1958).  One of the 13 progressives and has influenced two generations of painteres (ref. Carlos Quirino) (by Ernie Turla).

 
• Asuncion David-Maramba. She wrote/edited a lot of books used in schools such as "Philippine Contemporary Literature" and a book of Ninoy (Marivi Dayrit Magat).
  
  
• Irineo Miranda (born on December 15, 1896 in San Fernando, Pampanga and died March 21, 1964) - painter and illustrator.  Graduated from U.P. School of Fine Arts and worked as an illustrator for the Bureau of Printing and later for El Debate, Kislap Graphic and Liwayway.  Taught painting, cartooning and commercial design at the U.P.  Belonged to the so-called Amorsolo School as a painter.  One of his masterpieces is Magindanao Princess (1957) - (ref. C. Quirino) (by Ernie Turla).
  
  
• Bernardo Muldong.  A veteran Kapampangan writer who has various literary works to his credit.  Among his poems is "Nukarin Ya ing Balen Ku" (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla).

 
• Miguel Nicdao: A Filipino Grandfather's Legacy -- you will find it under the San Fernando homepage or under Joy Nicdao-Cuyugan's entry in the directory (Joy Cuyugan-Nicdao).

 
• Galo B. Ocampo (1913-1985). Born in Sta. Rita, Pampanga, he was perhaps the most versatile of contemporary Filipino painters. He was called an art critic, a mural painter, a heraldry expert, an art educator, a stained glass designer, and mosaicist, as well as hailed as the "Father of Philippine Expressionism." He has the distinction of being the designer of the Seals of the Republic of the Philippines, including provinces and cities. (Marc Nepomuceno).

 
• Mariano Pabalan Byron. Son of Potenciano Pabalan, of Kapampangan-Negrito heritage, and Dorotea Byron, a Portugese lady who settled in the Philippines. Known by many, including his contemporary, Felix Galura, as "the father of modern Pampango drama."   He was the source of religious books and pamphlets such as Historia Sagradang Capampangan, Pasion Ning Guinu Tang Jesucristu, Nobena Cang San Roque, and Tuntunan Qng Masampat a Caniwan ning Taung Bininiagan.  He also wrote curiros (corridos) such as Principe Pantinople and zarzuelas including "Ing Managpi" -- the fiurst ever writen in the Philippines ()ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla and Pol Kekai Manansala).
  
  
• Pablo Palma.  Noted zarzuela music composer and lyricist well-known during the first half of the cnetury (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla).

 
• Ben Pangilinan.  Former Philippine Daily Inquirer President, he is a Kapampangan from Macabebe (Pol Kekai Manansala).

 
• Conrado Pedroche. Born in Victoria, Tarlac of Kapampangan parents. He is "widely known as the country's most popular writer of humorous tales." (Valeros & Gruenberg, Filipino Writers in English) and formerly a director of the NMPC. Francisco Arcellano, himself a noted writer, made this statement concerning Pedroche: "As long as you are writing, I shall never stop hoping again, for all I have to do is think of you and at once I have an upsurge of feeling." (Pol Kekai Manansala).

 
• Libertato Pelayo.  For 25 years now, he has been the publisher and editor-in-chief of Filipino Reporter, North America's leading Filipino newspaper.  He has been a recipient of numerous plaques of appreciation over the years

for outstanding and meritorious public service.  Member, New York Press Club.  Born in Manila of Kapampangan parents from Candaba, he reported on the defense department of the now defunct Manila Times.  He served as grand marshall in the l998 independence day parade in New York. ( Ernie Turla )
 
• Luz Pelayo.  Author of "Pampango Folk Songs:  Their Cultural Significance".  It is a study that contains 42 Kapampangan folksongs (including Atin Ku Pung Singsing, O Caca, O Caca, etc.) complete with both lyrics and musical notations (ref. E. Hilario-Lacson) (Ernie Turla).

 
• Nina Estrada Puyat. A famous poet and sister of former Senator Eva Estrada Kalaw. (Edwin Camaya).

 
• Constantino T. Quiboloy.  Born in October 1912 in Lubao, Pampanga, he was a teacher who became a High School principal and then a distrct school supervisor in Mabalacat.  Unlike his brother Delfin who carved a niche in Pampangan writing, his penchant for writing is in English.  Among the short stories he got published in the Sunday Times Magazine were: "The Clock" (included in the index of Distinguished Stories for 1948 anthologized by Jose Garcia Villa), "Carabao Meat" (1952), and "Dark Night" (1949).  Among the ones published in Kislap Graphic are "She's Coming Back"(1945), "The Sowing" (1959), "The President and I" (1964), and "The Invisible Hand" (1962).  His other works appeared in Focus, Sentinel magazine and the Sunday Tribune (by Ernie Turla).

 
• Delfin Quiboloy.  Born July 23, 1910 in Lubao, Pampanga, educator, public school administrator, poet-laureate, writer-author, novelist in the Kapampangan language and a provincial governor's awardee for the enrichment and propagation of the Kapampangan language.  He was a school teacher by profession until his retirement as a principal in 1975.  Was one of the most prolific writers in Kapampangan.  In 1927, his 'Soneto' was published in "Ing Katipunan" and in 1929, his 'Indu Ko' came out in "Ing Magumasid".  During the war, he wrote zarzuelas including 'Ing Tagumpe ning Katutuan', 'Santa't Balen', 'Aus Ning Laman', and 'Angga Banua'.  He also wrote numerous psoems which include 'Ibpa keng Penganak' and a eulogy, 'Pamputung Kareng Reyna'.  In a joint venture with Joe Gallardo, he published a book called "Kuriru at Kawatasan". (Alejandro S. Camiling, E. Hilario-Lacson & Ernie Turla).

 
• Dr. Ernesto Sibal. From Bamban, Tarlac, he is the founder of Alemars, which was for a long time the largest bookstore chain in the Far East. One of the most successful Kapampangans in big business. (Pol Kekai Manansala).

 
• Dr. Gregorio Singian. From Santo Tomas, Pampanga, Zaide called him "the father of Philippine surgery." He joined the revolution during the Philippine-American war. He later founded the Anti-Cancer League of the Philippines, and served as president of numerous Philippine medical associations. (Pol Kekai Manansala).

 
• Juan Crisostomo Soto. Considered the "Shakespeare of the Philippines" and called "Ing Ari ning Crisotan" he is one the most renowned literary artist ever produced by the Kapampangan people. He was born on Jan. 27,1867 in Sta. Ines, Bacolor, Pampanga. He was a journalist, poet, playwright, and was called the Father of Pampango Literature. He wrote no less than 50 plays and zarzuelas, the most famous being "Alang Dios" 1901, considered his masterpiece. He died on July 12, 1918. The poetic joust "crisotan" was named after him, which is the Pampango equivalent of the Tagalog "balagtasan" and the Ilocano "bukanegan". The "balagtasan" as we all know was taken from the name of Francisco Balagtas. The balagtasan is like an ordinary debate except one has to reason and argue in verse. Two master poets are assigned to defend the pros and cons of an issue and a board of judges sits to determine the winner. (Dennis Pacia).

 
• Loreto Paras Sulit.  Textbook author, poet, essayist and short story writer. Born of Kapampangan parents in Manila in l907. Graduated cum laude in B.S.E. at U.P. in l930.  Became secretary-general of the Philippine Red Cross.  Among her books are Building Good Citizenship and Philippine Adventure. She also wrote "Laarni -- A Dream" . (ref. : E. Hilario-Lacson) (Ernie Turla).

 
• Vidal Tan Sr.. Born and raised in Bacolor. A noted writer of plays and features. He served as president of both the University of the Philippines, and Far Eastern University. Later on, he was dean of the UP College of Arts & Sciences, and also the UP College of Engineering. He also served as presiding officer on the National Science Board. Possibly, the father of, Vidal Tan Jr., who was a poet, essayist, actor and WW II hero at Bataan. (Pol Kekai Manansala).

 
• Claude Tayag. Now appearing in the Kapampangan Home Page Gallery. Obviously a modern painter of renown on the Philippine art scene. (by Pol Kekai Manansala)

 
• Aurelio Tolentino. One of Pampanga's outstanding literary talents, he was known for his wit, and for once jumping on a Manila stage during one of his plays, to trample the American flag. Obviously a protest against colonialism.
  
  
• Honorio Ventura. Founder of first vocational college in Asia.
  
  
• Ana Filipinas Vergara.  Kapampngan writer in Spanish.  She wrote "Una Leyenda de Arayat" (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla).

 
• Amado Yuzon. Considered by many as the best Poet Laureate of Pampanga (Pol Kekai Manansala).

 

 

PERFORMING ARTS, RADIO, TELEVISION & MOVIE PERSONALITIES

• Alberto Alonzo - another Kapampangan action star (by Dennis Pacia).

 
• Letty Alonzo, scion of a wealthy family in Lubao was a beautiful movie actress in the '60s through the '70s and married the handsome movie actor, Mario Montenegro (by Alejandro S. Camiling).

 
• Abbygale Arenas (from Angeles City) ---- Miss Philippines of l997.  She represented our country in the l997 Miss Universe pageant held in Miami. She bested 32 other candidates at the Araneta Coliseum where she was also first place both in swimsuit and evening gown competitions. Before that, she had been a runner-up in the l994 Miss Philippines pageant. In l992 she was chosen Supermodel of the Philippines and represented our country in the Super Model of the World contest in Los Angeles. (Ernie Turla).

 
• Bernard Belleza - from Macabebe, he became famous in action films as a karate champion (by Dennis Pacia).

 
• Edilberto S. Camiling of San Fernando and Apalit, socio-civic-labor leader, well-known music composer/writer for politicians during the '70s through the '90s, musical director, pop singer and favorite guitar accompanist of Fred Panopio. He was the lead guitarist of the award-winning PASUDECO Rondalla. He died in 1994 while coordinating the fund raising and reconstruction of the Shrine of St. Peter in its original site in Alauli, Apalit, Pampanga (by Alejandro S. Camiling).

 
• Carding. One half of the famous singing pair the REYCARD Duet.

 
• Jaime Castelvi - another Kapampangan who made it as an actor (by Dennis Pacia).

 
• Fides Cuyugan-Ascencio. Very popular television actress/singer and Philippine opera star (Armando Regala).

 
• Sharon Cuneta. Popular singer/actress, daughter of Pasay mayor, Pablo Cuneta and Elaine Gamboa, is half-Kapampangan Pol Kekai Manansala)

 
• Ben David - well-known radio actor and radio personality - who doesn't recognize the voice of Ben David (by Dennis Pacia).

 
• Lota Delgado, a native of Angeles City of American parents was a beautiful and talented movie actress who married Rogelio de la Rosa of Lubao, movie actor, Philippine senator and ambassador to the Netherlands (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
• Paquito Diaz.   Movie star and character actor for four decades (Ernie Turla).

 
• Gregorio Fernandez, a native of Lubao, one of the pioneers of Philippine cinema, was a popular movie director and a pillar of the Philippine movie industry (by Alejandro S. Camiling and Ernie Turla).

 
• Rudy Fernandez - very famous action star - his father is Kapampangan (by Dennis Pacia).

 
• Tony (Laxa) Ferrer of Macabebe, popular action star in the '60s through the '80s and popularized the secret agent X-44 role (by Alejandro S. Camiling).

 
• Helen Gamboa. Popular singer/actress, who is the sister of Sharon Cuneta's mother Elaine Cuneta, is Kapampangan. (Pol Kekai Manansala).
  
  
• Bino Garcia.  Character actor of the 60"s (Ernie Turla).
  
  
• Bobby Gonzales.  Recording star well known for such hits as Hahabol-habol; brother of  Luis Gonzales, another famous Capampangan actor (Ernie Turla).

 
• Elvie Gonzales.  Miss Philippines Press Photography and a Bb. Pilipinas runner-up. A former actress, she was formerly married to actor Bernard Bonnin with whom she has a daughter that she raised in the U.S ( Ernie Turla).

 
• Charlene Gonzales.  Miss Philippines of l994 and a finalist in the Miss Universe pageant held in Manila. ( Ernie Turla)

 
• Luis Gonzales - very famous dramatic film star (by Dennis Pacia).
  
  
• Engracio Ibarra.  From Lubao, one of the earliest actors in Philippine movies; helped the dela Rosa brothers get into the movie industry via L.V.N. (Ernie Turla).

 
• Nanette Inventor. Popular singer, actress, and comedienne.
  
  
• Crisencia Isip (daughter of Lorenzo Manlapas Isip) won the title of Miss Bulaklak in 1961. She was also an actress and made movies in the 60's such as Boomerang, with Charito Solis (John John Cortez).
  
  
• Lorenzo Manlapas Isip (married to Epifania Briones ) started the Ilang-Ilang Productions in the 1960's. He launched the careers of actors such as the current President of the Philippines, Joseph Estrada, Fernando Poe Jr., Perla Baustista, Susan Roces, Cecilia Lopez, and many more (John John Cortez).

 
• Jaclyn Jose - another Kapampangan actress (by Dennis Pacia).

 
• Hilda Koronel. Recognized not only for her beauty but for her acting ability in dramatic roles, Hilda was born in Angeles City to an American father and mother of Visayan ancestry. Hilda grew up in Angeles City and speak Kapampangan. Her inclusion in this list is by virtue of her birthplace rather than ancestry. (Randy Tanhueco and Edwin Camaya).

 
• Cenon Lagman - very famous singer of Tagalog lovesongs called "kundiman" (by Dennis Pacia).

 
• Jess Lapid. Most famous Kapampangan action idol. Father of another action star, Jess Lapid, Jr. and uncle of Pampanga Governor Lito Lapid.

 
• Lito Lapid. A popular action star who broke the "maputi" barrier by means of a good kung-fu kick. Currently serving as governor of Pampanga.

 
• Atty. Espiridion Laxa - brother of Tony Ferrer and owner of Tagalog-Ilang-Ilang Productions (by Dennis Pacia).

 
• Cecile Licad. World-renowned concert pianist with several CDs to her name. She is from Lubao. (Randy Gueco)

 
• Liza Lorena . Popular Philippine movie star, is of half-Kapampangan heritage and hails from Angeles City. (by Randy Tanhueco).

 
• Fernando Manacmul.  From Lubao, he was a wandering minstrel that typified the barrio folks.  He was well-known for the ballads and basultos he sang ad lib as he went from house to house during town and barrio fiestas all over Pampanga for more than four decades (Ernie Turla).

 
• Eddie del Mar.  Movie star of the 50's (Ernie Turla).

 
• Diomedes Maturan. A popular old-time balladeer known as the Perry Como of the Philippines.

• Vanessa Minnillo.   Miss Teen U. S.A. of l998.  Born in Clark Field, Pampanga on Nov. 9 , l980, this half Filipino lass has lived in Angeles City, Turkey, Europe, California, Florida and now in South Carolina where she won the state title. In the beauty pageant held in Shreveport, Louisiana, she also won the swimsuit, gown and interview competitions.  She has lived with her Italian-American father since her parents' divorce when she was ten. ( Ernie Turla )

• Rocco Montalban.  Character actor of the 50's and 60's (Ernie Turla).
  
  
• Maricel Morales.  The 1995 Mutya ng Pilipinas titlist, she's now a promising actress. Maricel is a Kapampangan from Angeles City and studied at Angeles University.(Randy Tahueco).

 
• Alma Moreno is a well-known dramatic actress - her father is from the Laxamana family of Macabebe (by Dennis Pacia).

 
• Nort Nepomuceno. A famous villain of the screen in the early years.

 
• Rosita Noble.  A mestiza with a Kapampangan mother, she was born in Carmen, Floridablanca where she attended public schools.  She became a well-known movie star during the fifties (Ernie Turla).

 
• Cesar L. Nucum. Better known as Kuya Cesar - famous radio announcer/comedian, adviser of lonely heart people. He hails from Pansinao, Candaba, Pampanga (N. Nucum).

 
• Louie Ocampo. He comes from the same line as Ed Ocampo, the Hizon-Ocampos. Arranged most of the songs in the album "MAGANDANG BITUIN", a compilation of Kundiman songs but were rearranged to somehow create a "modern beat". Some are instrumentals (Dalagang Pilipina, Sa Libis Nang Nayon). It's now popular in the Philippines and Kapampangans or Filipinos who are abroad should get a copy of this CD. (Marivi Dayrit-Magat)

 
• Vic Pacia - well-known character actor and TV personality (by Dennis Pacia).
  
  
• Fred Panopio. Born in Bacolor he was a recording star and popular singer of western style music famous for his yodelling.  Among his early songs tha gained popularity during his heyday were Pitong Gatang, Markado, and Tatlong Baraha, theme songs for movies of the same titles, in which he also appeared as an actor.  Most of his songs were sung in Jess Lapid westerns and Fernando Poe, Jr. movies (Ernie Turla).

 
• Patsy . Famous comedienne during the time of Pugo and famous for her Pampango lines on her movies & TV shows.

 
• Chuck Perez . Action star and a brother of Elwood Perez.

 
• Elwood Perez. Well-known director/producer of Philippine movies, he is from Mabalacat, Pampanga. (Christine C. Jose).

 
• Pugak and Tugak.  Stage vaudeville comedians and screen comedians of the 40's and 50's (Ernie Turla).

 
• Atty. Ric Puno - TV commentator (by Dennis Pacia).

 
• Rico Puno. A popular singer of ballads who has made it to the top of the charts many times in his career.
  
  
• Dante Rivero - another very famous film star and female heartthrob (by Dennis Pacia).

 
• Ramil Rodriguez and Pepito Rodriguez. Very popular matinee idols under the Sampaguita pictures..... Pepito Rodriguez was a former boyfriend of Rosemarie Sonora. (Marivi Darit Magat).

 
• Jaime De La Rosa. Considered the "Rudolph Valentino" of the Philippines by many old-timers, brother of Rogelio dela Rosa.

 
• Rogelio De La Rosa. Famous silverscreen heartthrob of yesteryears. Later on embarked on a career as a Philippine Ambassador.
  
  
• Oscar Roncal.   Character actor of the 60's. He was from Sexmoan, Pampanga (Ernie Turla).

 
• Lea Salonga. Lea is proud of her half-Kapampangan heritage. Well-known as a singer and actress Lea gained prominence as the star of the musical Miss Saigon in New York. Lea is also known as the voice of the singing star in the Disney animated movie Aladdin (Pol Kekai Manansala).
  
  
• Joanne Zapanta Santos (filmstar from Pampanga) l997 Miss Tourism International. The beauty pageant which was in it second year was held in Macau and participated by l8 countries including the U.S., France and Brazil.  She had for her court Miss Spain and Miss Australia, the runners-up. In l995 she was also the Miss Philippines that represented our country in the Miss   Universe pageant held in Namibia. With her winning this new title, Miss Tourism Internastional, she has joined the circle of Filipina beauty queens that include Melanie Marquez, l979 Miss International, Aurora Pijuan, l970 Miss International, Margarita Moran, l973 Miss Universe, and Gloria Diaz, l969 Miss Universe. (Ernie Turla).

 
• Tony Santos.   Movie actor , director and producer (Ernie Turla).

 
• Vilma Santos. A famous singer and actress and probably the most popular television personality in the Philippines, now the Mayor of Lipa City..

 
• Joe Sison.  Character actor of the 50's and 60's (Ernie Turla).

 
• George Sunga. A television producer of "Good Times," "The Jeffersons," "Quantum Leap," and many other successful serials in he U.S. It is said that he grew up in Guagua (Pol Kekai Manansala).

 
• Lorna Tolentino. A famous movie actress known for her dramatic roles (Mel Tolentino).
  
  
• Pablo Vergara.  From Sta. Rita, he is a singer-composer and his masterpice is the wonderful love song "God Knows" (Ernie Turla).

 
• Racquel Nepomuceno Villavicencio. One of our famous & currently in-demand scriptwriter for Filipino movies hails from Angeles City and sister of Marc & Dave Nepomuceno. She's also a part-time actress. (Randy Tanhueco).
  
  
• Rafael Yabut.  Well-known radio commentator (Ernie Turla).