Introducing the new generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are already transforming their industries.
Every year, Forbes highlights the young minds who are making an impact in their chosen fields. Across 10 categories, 300 of Asia’s best and brightest are recognized for their achievements. The 2024 list includes seven Filipinos who were chosen from over 4,000 candidates. From art and music to medicine and business, let’s get to know these young honorees, their work, and their passion.
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Chia Amisola, 23, Artist
Chia Amisola is an internet artist, creating websites to express their art form. For the past eight years, they have been working with Developh. The organization “works towards the reclamation of technology as a tool for liberation rather than oppression.” They’ll soon be launching a big Filipino internet art project called “Kaka-kompyuter Mo Yan!”
One of their most recent art projects is titled Ang Bantayog, which commemorates the victims of Martial Law in the Philippines during the 1970s. The website invites visitors to light a candle, each carrying the name of one of the 11,103 people who lost their life.
Amanda Cua, 21, Founder of BackScoop
At only 19 years old, Amanda Cua launched a newsletter about business and tech. A few years later, BackScoop became one of Asia’s top resources in the field. With the newsletter and her podcast One More Scoop, Cua now has over 10,000 followers.
“Being on this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List doesn’t mean I’ve made it,” Cua wrote on X. “But it’s a milestone to remind me to keep going, and a reminder that I have been able to do something worthwhile.”
Ramon Christian Larga, 27, Content Creator
Ramon Christian Larga, also known as Arshie, isn’t your typical TikTok influencer. While he does post travel and concert vlogs, Larga grew his online following through informational videos. As a licensed pharmacist, he’s teaching millions of people about safe medicine, using his catchphrase “Let me explain!”
Larga has been working at his family’s pharmacy in Marinduque. With his growing following, he’s been able to raise funds to help those who cannot afford their pharmaceutical bills. Last year, he also won TikTok Philippines’ award for best educational content creator.
Abigail Marquez, 23, Content Creator
Also a TikTok content creator, Abigail Marquez actually started out as a chef-in-training. Moving into videography, her TikTok account now has over three million followers. She mainly produces high quality videos showcasing various Filipino delicacies and teaching viewers how to make them.
She’s best known for her series of videos trying out different fillings for lumpia, earning her the title of “Lumpia Queen.” Having spent less than two years on the platform, Marquez went on to win Foodie Creator of the Year at the TikTok Awards 2023. Just a few days ago, she became the first Filipino from the Philippines to win a Webby Award.
Ezekiel Miller, 25, Rapper
Born in Olongapo and now based in Las Vegas, Ez Mil (real name Ezekiel Miller) grew up in a musically inclined family. His father, Paul Sapiera, has been a rock singer since the early ‘90s while his mother is also active in the music industry.
Last year, he signed with hip-hop legends Eminem and Dr. Dre. He’s the first Filipino artist to have a joint deal with Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records. His live performance of “Panalo” on the Wish USA Bus has garnered over 82.5 million views to date.
Mikaela Helene Reyes, 29, Cofounder of Parallax
In 2023, Mikaela Helene Reyes cofounded Parallax, a Manila-based payment startup which uses cryptocurrency and blockchain. After graduating from Wesleyan University with degrees in Economics and Psychology, Reyes worked as a freelancer where she experienced “the hassles of getting paid from another country,” according to Forbes.
In just a year, Parallax has gained customers from over 150 countries. Aside from being a successful CEO, Reyes also makes content through her blog and her YouTube channel. “I love talking about personal finances to help bring more minorities, especially women into these conversations,” she wrote in her About page.
Joshua Serafin, 28, Artist
Combining dance, performance, visual arts, and choreography, Joshua Serafin explores themes of transmigration and queer politics. They were recently invited to participate in the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.
Born in the Philippines, Serafin graduated from the Philippine High School for the Arts before continuing their studies abroad. Now based in Brussels, they premiered their first solo work in Viernulvier, where they are a permanent house artist. A captivating performer, Serafin has traveled to Finland, Mexico, Berlin, and more to showcase their work, gaining recognition from esteemed publications.
Banner image via Instagram @abigailfmarquez.
