LIST: Local and international personalities born in the Year of the Rabbit
The Year of the Rabbit is almost here.
Rabbits were born in 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, or 2023. They are known to be creative, quick-minded, sharp-eyed, and witty.
Several personalities across the sociopolitical spectrum were born during the zodiac year. Here are some of them, hailing from disciplines like entertainment, music, and sports in the local and international scene.
Gloria Diaz (March 10, 1951)
The beauty queen-turned-actress is the first Filipino to become Miss Universe in 1969.
She has two daughters, Isabelle and Ava Daza, as well as a son named Raphael Diaz.
Maria Ressa (Oct. 2, 1963)
The journalist is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Rappler. She's been subjected to cyberlibel and tax cases, sparking anger for attack on press freedom.
She's also the first Filipino individual to win a Nobel Peace Prize.
Lourd de Veyra (Feb. 11, 1975)
He's a man of many personalities: broadcast journalist, musician, author, poet, visual artist, and activist.
His most notable roles include being the vocalist of jazz band Radioactive Sago Project, as well as program host of TV5's History with Lourd.
Bea Alonzo (Oct. 17, 1987)
The Filipino-British actress, born Phylbert Angelli Ranollo Fagestrom, rose to fame for her role as Basha in the 2008 romantic drama movie One More Chance alongside John Lloyd Cruz.
She next headlined teleserye I Love Betty La Fea, the local adaptation of Colombia's Yo soy Betty La Fea, and has since starred in other movies and series.
Jake Cuenca (Dec. 30, 1987)
The Filipino-American actor and model has many television appearances, most notably as the lead character in the 2008 television remake of the comic-turned-movie Palos.
His portrayal of David Garcia Jr. in teleserye Tayong Dalawa, where he's in a love triangle with Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson, also gained positive responses.
Frank Sinatra (Dec. 12, 1915)
The American singer and actor is among the most influential figures of the '40s to '60s.
His baritone style has been so iconic and unmistakable, as heard in hits like My Way, Fly Me to the Moon, and Strangers in the Night.
Benedict XVI (April 16, 1927)
The former pope, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, hailed from Germany.
He resigned in 2013 after an eight-year service due to poor health, the first pontiff to do so in six centuries after Gregory XII in 1415. He passed away on Dec. 31, 2022, at the age of 95.
Johnny Depp (June 9, 1963)
The American actor's most famous roles include Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, the titular Edward Scissorhands, and Willy Wonka in the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory remake.
His arduous court battle with ex-wife Amber Heard involving alleged abuses against each other gained media attention.
Kendrick Lamar (June 17, 1987)
The American rapper is considered one of the greatest contemporary rappers, particularly due to his inventive sound and socially conscious lyrics. In fact, he's the first rapper to win the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Music for his album DAMN.
His best songs include Swimming Pools (Drank), Alright, HUMBLE., Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe, and m.A.A.d city.
Lionel Messi (June 24, 1987)
The Argentinian football star has long been considered the greatest of all time, or the G.O.A.T.
Such a status has further been reinforced during Argentina's penalty shoot-out win against France in the 2022 World Cup. Moreover, his post about that feat is deemed as the most liked Instagram post, with 68.5 million likes versus previous record holder, @world_record_egg and its 55.7-million likes post of a brown egg stock image.