LIST: Local and international personalities born on Feb. 14
It's Feb. 14!
This day is not just for lovers because of Valentine's Day, but also for several personalities who are celebrating their birthday.
From politics to showbiz to music, here are the people who celebrate Feb. 14 for reasons other than romance.
Juan Ponce Enrile (1924)
The veteran Filipino politician is living a ripe old age—he's about to turn 99 this year.
Enrile has long become the subject of memes about longevity and immortality, as there are (still) no tell-tale signs that he's about to kick the bucket just yet.
The former senator is the presidential legal counsel of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Enrile also worked as justice secretary and defense minister of Bongbong's father Ferdinand E. Marcos, for whom he served as administrator of martial law, from its planning to spearheading the military.
Kris Aquino (1971)
The "Queen of All Media" is turning 52 this year.
She's the youngest daughter of former senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and former president Corazon Aquino.
Aquino hosted several TV shows, including The Buzz (alongside Boy Abunda), Game KNB?, and Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal. She also starred in Mano Po, Feng Shui, and Sukob.
She's in the United States, seeking treatment for her multiple autoimmune diseases. She's taking to social media to disclose her health updates.
Rob Thomas (1972)
The frontman of American rock band Matchbox Twenty is turning 51 this year.
A fixture in the '90s, Matchbox Twenty is known for the hits Push, Back 2 Good, 3AM, Disease, and Unwell.
As a solo artist, Thomas is known for Smooth alongside guitar virtuoso Carlos Santana, as well as Little Wonders used for Disney's Meet the Robinsons.
He also wrote songs for Willie Nelson, Mick Jagger, and Daughtry.
Danai Gurira (1978)
The Zimbabwean-American actress is turning 45 this year.
Gurira rose to fame when she portrayed Michonne in the zombie drama Walking Dead.
She further cemented her name in the industry upon taking the role of Okoye in superhero movie Black Panther of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
John Prats (1984)
The Filipino actor is turning 39 this year.
Prats is known for his roles in TV shows Jologs, Banana Sundae, and FPJ's Ang Probinsyano. He also appeared in movies like Tanging Yaman, Mano Po, and D'Anothers.
To date, he serves as a concert director, having worked for the likes of K Brosas and Boyz II Men.
Prats is married to model-actress Isabel Oli. They have three children together.
Heart Evangelista (1985)
Born Love Marie Ongpauco, Filipino actress Heart Evangelista is about to turn 38 this year.
Her earliest projects include G-mik (paired with Prats), Panday (opposite Jericho Rosales), Ang Tanging Ina, as well as being a video jockey of Myx.
She's the wife of politician Chiz Escudero. Aside from being an actress, Evangelista is also a painter, socialite, and entrepreneur.
Paul Lee (1989)
The Filipino basketball star is turning 34 this year.
Lee is a point guard for the Magnolia Hotshots of the Philippine Basketball Association or PBA. He last played for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Known to fans as "Angas ng Tondo" and "Leethal Weapon," Lee was named PBA champion thrice in 2012, 2016, and 2018. He was also hailed as PBA Finals MVP in 2016.
Freddie Highmore (1992)
The English actor is turning 30 this year.
Highmore became popular as a child actor, starring in the 2005 adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as the titular Charlie. He also starred in the adaptation of The Spiderwick Chronicles, portraying the protagonist Grace twins.
As an adult, his roles included Norman Bates in the thriller series Bates Motel and Dr. Shaun Murphy in drama series The Good Doctor. He received acting nominations for his roles, including the Critics' Choice Television Award and the Golden Globe Award.
Jaehyun (1997)
The member of K-pop act NCT, as well as its sub-units NCT U and NCT 127, is turning 26 this year.
He's one of the group's main vocalists and dancers.
Jaehyun also served as the host of South Korean music program Inkigayo from 2019 to 2021. He's also an actor, top-billing the romcom TV series Dear.M.