Famous Filipinas  

Even if you’re new to Filipino culture, politics, or entertainment, odds are that you’ll recognize at least a few of the names below.  By the way, since this site is targeted primarily at western husbands of Filipinas, "famous" Filipinas must, by necessity, by Filipinas a western man would recognize even before being immersed in Filipino culture.  As an example, while Vilma Santos is a superstar among Filipinos, the average American male has absolutely no idea who she is.  So she wouldn't be included below. 

Also, a Filipina, for the purpose of this list, is simply a female who has at least one Filipino parent. Thus, a Filipina may also be an American, for example.  

1. Isabel Rosario Cooper ("Dimples"): General D. McArthur's Filipino mistress
2. Miriam Quiambao, Miss Philippines 1999, and 1st Runner Up, Miss Universe
3. Imelda Marcos (you've probably heard the name somewhere before...)
4. Tia Carrera, actress (Wayne's World, True Lies, etc.)
5. Lia Salonga, singer (Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, singing voice of Jasmine in "Aladin", Mulan, etc.)
6. Jessica Rodriguez, actress and one-time girlfriend to Jean Claude Van Damme 
7. Angela Perez Baraquio, Miss America 2000 (also Miss Hawaii)
8. Phoebe Cates from "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" fame (mother is Filipina, father is American)