9 Pinoy celebrities born during the Year of the Dragon
What's one thing that Gary V, Vice Ganda, and Jessica Soho have in common? They're all born under the Dragon sign.
The Year of the Dragon is the fifth year in the Chinese 12-year zodiac cycle. People born in 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and 2024 fall under this sign.
Each zodiac sign is linked to one of the five elements—Gold (metal), Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth—and they each come once in 50 years. This year, it's Wood. In Chinese astrology, the Wooden Dragon is the "most vital and powerful creature" in the Chinese zodiac.
Laura Lau, co-author of The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, said dragons possess creativity, power, and charisma. They’re also confident, energetic, straightforward, and clear.
Want to know who else is born under this sign? Read on.
Jessica Soho (March 27, 1964)
Jessica Soho is an award-winning broadcast journalist from GMA Network.
Her most popular programs include Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho and State of the Nation with Jessica Soho.
She's the recipient of multiple awards for journalism locally and internationally, including the British Fleet Street Award for Journalism and the Peabody Award.
Gary Valenciano (Aug. 6, 1964)
One of the most famous Filipino celebrities to be born in the Year of the Dragon is Gary Valenciano, who's also known by his moniker “Mr. Pure Energy.”
Since kicking off his career in 1983, he has released 39 studio albums, won 12 of the prestigious Awit Awards, and held sold-out concerts not only in the Philippines but also in over 20 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Valenciano also starred in over 10 movies, including Hotshots and Natutulog Pa ang Diyos, and appeared on television a few times, including the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya. He also became a judge in singing competitions The Voice of the Philippines and Your Face Sounds Familiar.
Francis Magalona (Oct. 4, 1964)
The late Francis Magalona, or FrancisM, is also born in the Year of the Dragon. He was the first Filipino rapper to cross over to the mainstream with songs that often explore themes about Filipino identity and politics.
He's also credited for having pioneered the combination of rap and rock, influencing a wave of musicians.
He died in 2009 after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2008. He's survived by Pia and their eight children: Unna, Nicolo, Maxene, Frank, Saab, Elmo, Arkin, and Clara.
Vice Ganda (March 31, 1976)
Born Jose Marie Viceral, Vice Ganda is a comedian, actor, host, singer, and television personality.
She’s one of the main hosts of the noontime show It’s Showtime and is the highest-earning Filipino movie actor of all time with a total income of P4.6 billion since 2022.
Forbes listed her as one of the most influential celebrities in the Asia Pacific. Reader’s Digest also named her as one of the most trusted personalities of 2023.
Melai Cantiveros (April 6, 1988)
Melai Cantiveros gained more fans last year after her appearance at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards in Bulacan.
The Filipina actress and host rose to fame after winning the reality show Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up in 2009. She also won the first season of the Filipino edition of another reality show, Your Face Sounds Familiar.
She recently headlined the action comedy Ma’am Chief: Shakedown in Seoul, her first lead role in a South Korean- and Philippine-produced film.
Venus Raj (July 7, 1988)
One of the major, major celebrities born in the Year of the Dragon is Venus Raj, the country’s Miss Universe 2010 delegate. She placed 4th runner-up in the international competition and started hosting and acting in the Philippines after her pageant stint. She’s now a community servant and a podcast host.
Sarah Geronimo (July 25, 1988)
Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo rose to fame in 2003 after winning the singing competition Star for a Night. She has since become a popular singer, as well as an actress.
Together with her husband, actor Matteo Guidicelli, Geronimo is also an entrepreneur who co-owns a rental studio and a pastry store.
Gwy Saludes (Nov. 8, 2000)
They say dragons are creative, and we definitely see that in Gwy Saludes, an author on Wattpad. Her work The Rain in España has been adapted into a miniseries starring Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo.
She’s also a YouTube vlogger whose content covers travel and lifestyle.
Raphael Landicho (Nov. 27, 2012)
The cute and charismatic Raphael Landicho is a dragon baby. The child actor under GMA’s talent agency Sparkle recently portrayed Little Jon in the live-action adaptation of the hit anime Voltes V. He also starred in GMA’s teleseryes Bihag and Love of My Life.