5 historic wins of Pinoy talents this 2024

A LOT has happened within this year that shaped people into who they are today.

Several brave souls took a leap of faith and went out of their comfort zones to grow personally and professionally, while others encountered a few setbacks but managed to get back on track stronger than ever.

And there are those who celebrated huge milestones in their lives, with some bringing glory to their home country.

As we reflect on the year 2024, here are some historic wins of Filipino talents who continue to make waves on the international stage.

Carlos Yulo’s two Olympic gold medals

Carlos Yulo, a Gen Z gymnast, became the Philippines’ first-ever double Olympic gold medalist after winning the men’s floor exercise and the men’s vault finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics in July.

The Philippines ended its Paris Games campaign with four medals: two golds from Yulo and one bronze each from boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.

While he was the first to bring home two gold medals in a single Olympics, the 24-year-old gymnast was the second Filipino athlete to win gold after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Yulo’s historic win also earned him millions worth of cash incentives and rewards from the Philippine government and various organizations, who praised him for achieving such a significant milestone in the history of Philippine sports.

Yulo told the media last week that 2024 was a “rollercoaster” ride for him, highlighting the many accomplishments he made this year. His goal for 2025 is to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, as he competes in the Asian Championships, World Championships, and Southeast Asian Games.

Chelsea Manalo as first Miss Universe – Asia

She may not have won the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown, but Bulakenya beauty queen Chelsea Manalo did not return home empty-handed.

The 25-year-old Philippine bet was named the first Miss Universe Asia, one of the four continental queens who were crowned at the 73rd Miss Universe competition in November. 

Part of her duties is to accompany Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig during their travels to different countries, including in Asia and Europe.

Manalo earlier expressed that she felt “happy and blessed” winning the title, the same feelings she had when she won the Miss Universe Philippines competition in May. She made history as the first Filipino-Black American beauty to bag the MUPH title and represent the Philippines in the prestigious global tilt.

“Winning won’t happen once, it is when you are happy and content and when you start to be an influence to so many,” she wrote during a short Q&A on her Instagram story.

SB19’s Favorite Asian Act award from Nickelodeon

P-pop Kings SB19 has achieved many milestones this year and one of them is the Favorite Asian Act award from Nickelodeon.

The phenomenal quintet—Pablo, Stell, Josh, Ken, and Justin—became the first P-pop group to win the international award, besting Japanese girl group NiziU, Indonesian singer Tiara Andini, Malaysian singer Iman Troye, and K-pop boy group Enhypen.

For SB19 members, winning the Favorite Asian Act award was “a dream come true” for them and the Philippines. They shared the award with their fans, also known as A’TIN, whose support “fuels” their passion every day.

“Let’s continue chasing our dreams together, not just for us, but for P-POP and for the country!” the P-pop group said.

SB19 continues to make its name in the international music scene, collaborating with foreign artists like US-based DJ Ian Asher and Chinese electronic producer Terry Zhong for their summer song “Moonlight.”

BINI’s many ‘firsts’

BINI—composed of Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Gwen, Maloi, Mikha, Sheena, and Stacey—also solidified their title as the “Nation’s Girl Group” this year, celebrating back-to-back milestones including their triumph at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) 2024.

The P-pop powerhouse was the first Filipino artist to bag the Best Asia Act award at the EMAs, edging out South Korea’s girl group Illit, Indonesia’s Mahalini, Malaysia’s Masdo, and Japan’s Sakurazaka46.

In a video message posted by MTV Asia, Mikha hoped that BINI’s recognition would help promote OPM on the global stage.

“We hope that you can keep sharing our music with you and that it tells more about Filipino music,” she said.

BINI also experienced several “firsts” this year. The list includes their historic appearance at the KCON LA 2024 as the first Filipino act to perform at the world’s largest K-pop music festival.

Sofronio Vasquez as ‘The Voice’ USA winner

The Philippines celebrated the recent victory of another Filipino talent, Sofronio Vasquez, who won in season 26 of “The Voice” USA.

Vasquez became the first Filipino to win the singing competition, under the mentorship of five-time Grammy winner Michael Bublé. He wowed the audience with his rendition of Sia’s “Unstoppable” and “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman.”

“Believe that you can, and manifest it with your whole heart,” Vasquez wrote in an Instagram post where shared a few snaps during “The Voice” finale.

Vasquez grew up in the Philippines and obtained a dentistry degree at Misamis University in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental in 2015.

Before flying to the U.S., the Filipino singer competed in “Tawag ng Tanghalan” of the noontime variety show “It’s Showtime,” where he finished his journey in the semifinals.