5 FilAM REALITY TV Competition Stars
Filipinos are known to many for their ability to show up and show out, on any stage and in any competition. From the kitchens of Top Chef to the stages of RuPaul's Drag Race, it is no secret that Pinoys and Pinays alike foster a competitive spirit and have what it takes to achieve greatness on every level. We’ve put together a list of 5 Filipino Americans who've made their mark on televised competitions for all the world to see. Happy reading!
1. Leah Cohen: Top Chef
Leah Cohen is best known for showcasing her skills in the kitchen on Season 5 of "Top Chef". While the show was considered a breakthrough for her, she was already established in working for a number of Michelin-starred restaurants. Her experience helped catapult her into the hearts of many, inspiring them to pursue their culinary passions.
In addition to Top Chef, she has made appearances in Guy’s Grocery Games, Tournament of Champions, and Beat Bobby Flay to name a few. Leah has also opened up restaurants of her own; Pig & Khao and Piggyback NYC, both located in New York City. On top of all of this, she authored her own cookbook “Lemongrass & Lime”, which she published in 2020. Her work has gained recognition from some of the top publications of the world, making its way to the pages of Huffington Post and The New York Times. From scrambling to film a last second video demo to audition for Top Chef to conquering the culinary world through the many hats that she wears, Leah has come a long way and is still on the rise.
Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/leahscohen/
2. Angelica Hale: America's Got Talent
Angelica Hale is best known for her time on Season 12 of America’s Got Talent in 2017. At a very young age, she joined one of the most followed televised competitions in the United States. With her beautiful voice and determined spirit, she wowed the judges in a powerful performance of “Rise Up” by Andra Day. She went on to earn the golden buzzer from Chris Hardwick after her jaw dropping rendition of “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys in the Judge Cuts Round. Ultimately, after a series of spectacular performances, Angelica wrapped up her time in the competition with a second place finish, making her the youngest runner up ever on the show. Angelica also competed in the spin off America’s Got Talent: The Champions, where she received yet another golden buzzer from Howie Mandel.
Following her stints on America’s Got Talent, Angelica went on to build a track record of performing on the stages for The National Football League, Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, Little Big Shots, National Hockey League, and Major League Baseball. In addition to this, she has released music of her own, launching her original music career with her debut single “Feel the Magic”. This year, Angelica made her way to the world of theater and took on the role of Trisha in the broadway hit Boop! The Betty Boop Musical. Beyond her career in music, Angelica stands firm in advocacy as the national spokesperson for Sepsis Alliance’s “It’s About TIME” campaign.
Follow her inspiring journey at https://www.instagram.com/angelicahale/
3. Ongina: RuPaul's Drag Race
Ryan Ong Palao, aka Ongina (formerly known as Peck-Peck Galore), got her start performing drag alongside Laverne Cox at an Asian restaurant called Lucky Cheng’s. She is best known for her time on RuPaul's Drag Race, where she appeared in the first ever season of the show in 2009. Performance after performance, Ongina shined bright on stage and gave viewers a peek into the power of the Pinay. In an episode of the show, she opened up about testing HIV-positive, making her one of the first reality TV stars to ever do so.
Ongina made her return to the show in its fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, which was one of many that followed. She has gone on to appear in a number of shows. You may also have seen her in the music video for the Black Eyed Peas hit song “I Gotta Feeling”. In addition to this, Ongina served as the inspiration for RuPaul's song "LadyBoy” which came out in 2009. To this day, she stands firm in her advocacy of spreading awareness as an HIV activist.
Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ongina/
4. Greggy Soriano: Cakezilla
Greggy Soriano is best known for raising our flag in the kitchen in his time on reality tv shows Cakezilla on TLC Asia, Cake Boss: Next Great Baker (also on TLC), and Beauty and the Geek Season 5 on The CW Television Network, where he was dubbed "Greggy, The Self Proclaimed Gaysian". From experimenting in his kitchen to sharing his craft with millions across the globe, Greggy has definitely come a long way.
Before his start in television, Greggy took time to study in New York at The Culinary Institute of America. Here, he built a reputation around creating outlandish cakes and teaching others to do the same. He is known to many as 'The Bob Ross of Cake Decorating'. These days, Greg takes pride in wearing hats as a content creator and published author, sharing his beautiful craft with the world. His social media platforms are filled with food hacks, tutorials, and fun recipes for those to try at home.
Follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/greggysoriano for the latest and greatest.
5. Melody Lacayanga: So You Think You Can Dance
Melody Lacayanga is best known for her time on the first ever season of So You Think You Can Dance, where she wowed everyone with her wide range of dance moves. Ultimately, she finished her time in the competition as the top female and second place overall. Though she didn’t win the title, Melody won the hearts of people across the globe.
After her stint on So You Think You Can Dance, Melody has appeared on the likes of Glee, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and even the MTV European Music Awards. If you caught Miley Cyrus live, you may also have seen her as she took part in the Gypsy Heart world tour in 2011. In addition to performing, Melody worked as a dance model for multiple brands including Dance Spirit and NappyTabs, to name a few. She even scored a cover of Inside Dance Magazine in 2016. Melody now enjoys sharing her love for dance and empowering the next generation of dancers by imparting her knowledge through the workshops and classes that she conducts.
Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/melodylac/.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is facing an ICC investigation for crimes against humanity—but what does this mean for democracy, sovereignty, and the Philippines' global standing? For Filipino Americans, this case is more than just politics—it’s about justice, accountability, and the future of the motherland. Here’s why it matters.