From screen queens to influential stars: What makes these celebrity BFFs ‘iconic’ in their own rights?

Girl power!

Standing out for one’s talents is one thing, but doing so while making a lasting impact on the society? That’s quite another. It’s awe-inspiring to see some celebrities who get to pull that off boldly—even more so if they are in just one barkada, giving off major friendship goals.

Case in point: Just recently, a reunion photo of Anne Curtis, Angelica Panganiban, Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo, and Dimples Romana made the rounds online as netizens were quick to point out how each of them is a queen in their own right.

While some have different advocacies, they all share the same mission as they make a mark beyond the limelight: to use their power for the good of others. Here’s how they are doing that in their own ways. 

Anne Curtis 

Anne Curtis has been in the showbiz industry for nearly 25 years and those who have been able to watch her evolve through the years can say without hesitation that it’s not just because of her incredible beauty or her acting talent. This multihyphenate—who also works as the creative director of blk Cosmetics, Tili Dahli, and Our Recess—has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2015, advocating for children’s rights and needs. She also has her own foundation dubbed Dream Machine, where she helps various individuals make their dreams come true.

Bea Alonzo

Just like her character named Bobbie Salazar on Four Sisters and a Wedding, Bea Alonzo is fearless and unstoppable. Throughout her decades-long showbiz stint, she’s been able to make sure she shares her blessings and reaches out to those in need. During the onset of the pandemic, her charity I Am Hope gathered not only in-kind donations but also P9 million for healthcare workers. She and her partners at the organization used all the contributions to offer help to more than 44 hospitals and 36 communities in the country. 

Angelica Panganiban

Angelica Panganiban is no stranger to being a hot topic among Filipinos as she’s not one to shy away from controversial topics. Beyond her starring role as Dra. Kara Teo on sex-positive series The Kangks Show, the actress is not afraid to weigh in on politics and voice her opinions on pressing matters. We’re not just talking about the criticisms she previously directed to the government’s pandemic response on Twitter—early last month, she went viral for her “Naloko ka na ba?” video that has served as a reminder for everyone to vote wisely in the May 2022 polls. “Huwag magpapabudol at huwag sa magnanakaw,” she said firmly.

Dimples Romana

It’s amazing how Dimples Romana is able to form a tight bond with many celebrities she has worked with, but her kindness radiates way beyond that. In fact, when the COVID-19 crisis started in the country, she took part in a fundraising campaign Shop and Share alongside Angel Locsin, aimed at providing free testing to Filipinos with the help of other celebrities and personalities. “We pray we can encourage you once again to help out so we can all come together and help flatten the curve in our country! For all our artist friends, we would love and appreciate your support,” she wrote in an Instagram post. 

Angel Locsin

Angel Locsin has been called a “real-life Darna” for a reason. On top of her fearlessness in sharing her political views, upholding women empowerment, and standing up for the LGBTQIA+ community, Locsin—who became one of Forbes Magazine’s Asian Heroes of Philanthropy in 2019—has been right at the forefront of her philanthropic efforts. During the pandemic alone, she’s been spotted helping medical facilities set up tents, providing food and other essentials through her own community pantry, sending donations that she and her partners collected from the aforementioned Shop and Share initiative, among many others.