These celebrity trailblazers step beyond the spotlight to launch brands, lead companies, and create communities.
Celebrity culture in the Philippines has always revolved around endorsements and on-screen exposure. In the fearless present, however, a growing group of Filipina personalities are founding brands, forming businesses, and funding initiatives that ignite their passion and profession. From beauty labels and wellness lines to boutique resorts, these resolute women are weaving screen success into startup strategy:
1. Anne Curtis
Multifaceted actress Anne Curtis is among the most evolved celebrity entrepreneurs in the Philippines. She launched BLK Cosmetics in 2017, building a beauty line centered on on-the-go cosmetics. Her retail concept Recess followed, curating a roster of innovative lifestyle items that tie fashion and fitness
2. Marian Rivera
Mother of two and multi-hyphenate, Marian Rivera co-hatched Wonder Society, a fun-filled family clubhouse where children can experience educational play and progress while parents work in peace, socialize, or spend time with their little learners.
3. Bea Alonzo
Besides being an award-winning actress, Bea Alonzo is the CEO of BASH Manila. She co-founded this fashion brand, which boasts a string of travel staples like luggage, packing cubes, pouches, and other portable organizers.
4. Kathryn Bernardo
Kathryn Bernardo shows no signs of slowing down, as she stretches into hospitality with Isla Amara Boutique Resort in El Nido, Palawan. The island property, which the actress owns alongside prominent actor Piolo Pascual, serves as a sanctuary where retreat and relaxation reign.
5. Nadine Lustre
Nadine Lustre’s businesses showcase her sustainability-based living and conscious lifestyle choices. She co-built coconut-based milk Dehusk, mindfulness-rooted vegan restaurant Ver De Siargao, and boutique wine brand Maison Bukana Wines with her boyfriend and businessman Christophe Bariou.
6. Isabelle Daza
Isabelle Daza started Jellytime with her sister Ava Daza in hopes of sparking conversations about sexual health. The label features lubricants, condoms, and pleasure-positive collections with a selection of shapes and sizes.
7. Georgina Wilson
Be it in modeling or business, Georgina Wilson has built an expansive brand ecosystem. Via her eyewear venture Sunnies Studios, she and her co-creators eventually expanded it to a cosmetics arm, Sunnies Face; a café, Sunnies Café; and now a new brand of insulated bottles, Sunnies Flask.
8. Andrea Brillantes
Apart from acting since childhood, Andrea Brillantes stepped into the cosmetics industry with Lucky Beauty, a brand designed for Gen Z beauty enthusiasts. The label leans on everyday makeup, making accessibility and aesthetic appeal align.
9. Elisse Joson
Elisse Joson entered the world of entrepreneurship with Lunch Break Beauty, a beauty brand that revolves around routines, tension-free application, and quick aesthetic fixes. The brand sells a range of retouch services for brows, eyelashes, and nails, and even delivers derma drips.
10. Gabbi Garcia
Gabbi Garcia’s business interests branch across various areas like food and beauty. She founded Meat Up With Gabbi and Khalil with her long-time partner Khalil Ramos, then led a cosmetics line called Five Beauty.
11. Joj and Jai Agpangan
Twin actresses Joj and Jai Agpangan took on Alba, a women’s workout wear that reflects transformation, self-empowerment, and strength. The fashion firm showcases fitness sets, bodysuits, stretchable bottoms, shorts, tank tops, and many more.
12. Julia Barretto
Julia Barretto launched The Juju Club, an eyewear label exclusively available at Vision Express. The brand has branches across leading malls like EDSA Block, Mall of Asia, Glorietta 2, Eastwood, and Festival Mall.
13, Kylie Verzosa
Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa started SOLÁ, a shapewear brand engineered to encourage body positivity. Beyond pageantry and acting, she also birthed the lotion line ōra by SOLÁ, which brightens, smoothens, and firms up the skin.
14. Maris Racal
Singer and actress Maris Racal stirred the café scene with Stream of Consciousness Coffee, a creative hub in La Union that houses pastries, pastas, and tropical beverage blends that feature local flavors, classic mixes, and modern concoctions.
15. Sam Pinto
Long after her Pinoy Big Brother launch and showbiz stints, Sam Pinto set sail on a property-collecting spree. She acquired several coastal properties and island resorts, including the well-known L’Sirene Boutique Resort in Baler as well as Villa Siren Calaca and Koral Villas Calaca in Batangas.
Together, these Filipina founders illustrate a shift where celebrity influence extends beyond the entertainment industry and into the boardroom. While earning their spot in showbiz is a true feat, building a brand of their own is a tangible future. In doing so, they define success both on screen as a celebrity and behind the scenes as a creator.
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