Filipinos are listed among the best of the best in social media
The prestigious Hashtag Asia Awards has announced its 2024 finalists. Among them are NYMA talents "Lumpia Queen" Abi Marquez, beauty influencer Adelina Eugenio, compelling storyteller and cycling advocate Lester "Buji" Babiera, and versatile artist Raco Ruiz. With millions of views on TikTok, Marquez's viral Kanto-Style Fried Chicken Recipe is up for “Best Campaign by a Mega Influencer.” Eugenio’s review of Luxe Organix's Salt Scrub, and Buji Babiera’s advocacy-driven video for Verde Island Passage protection are nominated in the same category. Ruiz’s wit and humor shine in his #ChickenCheck video, now in the running for ‘Best Campaign by a Macro Influencer.”
The talent management NYMA looks to catapult Filipino talent to the world stage. Its roster includes more stars like Kristel Fulgar, Christian Bautista, and Pat Tingjuy.
A grateful Babiera– known for his horror “Storytime” videos– posted about the nomination, writing, “I just want to tell stories—whether they’re horror stories, romance, comedy, my experiences or how my day went. But when I started my TikTok, I wanted to make sure I used this platform for my advocacies. I’m privileged and honored that I’ve gained a following where people listen to what I say.”
“A big thanks also to my @nyma_mgmt [NYMA management] fam for their support & for believing in what I do,” Babiera added.
And Babiera may be one of the lucky few making an acceptance speech on May 3. The awards ceremony is set on this day at the InterContinental Singapore. Marquez, Eugenio, and Babiera are up against fellow digital stars such as C-pop singer Tia Lee and fitness influencer Pamela Reif. Hong Kong boy band MIRROR, model-actor Jeffrey Ngai, and Indonesian gaming star Rachael Melati Nalapraya are vying for the Best Campaign by a Macro Influencer prize alongside Ruiz.
“To be placed alongside such greats in the industry is truly a privilege. We have lots of fun doing this kind of stuff, and to potentially be awarded for that is surreal to me,” Ruiz said.
Eugenio described the nomination as unbelievable, saying, “Never in my life would I have thought na ma-nonominate ako by this kind of awards body! [ Never in my life would I have though I would be nominated by this kind of awards body! ]”
Meanwhile, Marquez is hot off the heels of another win as she was named the 28th Webby Awards People’s Voice Winner in the General Social: Food & Drink category last April 23. The Filipina influencer joins celebrities like Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo in the list of 2024 Webby Award winners.
Marquez, Eugenio, Babiera, and Ruiz are under the talent management NYMA, which looks to catapult Filipino talent to the world stage. Its roster includes more stars like Frances Cabatuando, Kristel Fulgar, Christian Bautista (co-managed with The Stages Group), and Pat Tingjuy.
