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Efren "Bata" Reyes, born on August 26, 1954, is a Filipino professional pool player who is widely

regarded as one of the greatest pool players of all time. Known by the nicknames "Bata" (which means
'Kid' in Tagalog) and "The Magician," Reyes has achieved legendary status in the world of billiards. He is
particularly renowned for his exceptional skill in the challenging one-pocket discipline.

Reyes has numerous accolades to his name and has made significant contributions to the sport. In 2003,
he was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America's Hall of Fame. Throughout his career, Reyes has
demonstrated his mastery of the game and his ability to execute incredible shots.

Reyes's most notable achievement came during the 1995 Sands Regency 9-ball tournament when he
made the famous "Z Shot" to defeat Earl Strickland in the final game. This shot is widely regarded as one
of the greatest pool shots of all time.

Despite his immense success, Reyes has remained humble and down-to-earth. He is respected not only
for his skill but also for his sportsmanship and love for the game. Reyes's impact on the world of billiards
has inspired countless aspiring players and has solidified his reputation as a true legend in the sport.

Lea Salonga, born on February 22, 1971, is a highly acclaimed Filipino singer and actress. She gained
international recognition for her powerful vocals, versatile talent, and captivating performances.
Salonga's career spans both theater and music, and she has achieved remarkable success in both fields.
Salonga's breakthrough role came in 1989 when she originated the role of Kim in the musical "Miss
Saigon" on London's West End. Her performance garnered critical acclaim and earned her the
prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She later reprised the role on
Broadway, becoming the first Asian woman to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.

In addition to her success in musical theater, Salonga has released several solo albums showcasing her
exceptional vocal range and interpretation. Her music covers a wide range of genres, including pop,
Broadway, and Filipino traditional songs. Salonga's rendition of "Reflection" from Disney's animated film
"Mulan" further solidified her status as a renowned vocalist.

Salonga's talent and popularity have led to numerous opportunities in the entertainment industry. She
has performed in concerts around the world and has collaborated with renowned artists. Salonga has
also been involved in voice acting, lending her voice to characters in animated films such as "Aladdin"
and "Frozen."

Beyond her artistic achievements, Salonga is known for her philanthropic work and advocacy. She has
been involved in various charitable causes, including education, children's welfare, and disaster relief
efforts in the Philippines.

Lea Salonga's talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft have made her an iconic figure in the
entertainment industry, not only in the Philippines but also on the global stage. She continues to inspire
aspiring artists and remains a beloved and respected figure in the world of music and theater.

Manny Pacquiao, born on December 17, 1978, in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines, is a world-renowned
Filipino professional boxer, politician, and philanthropist. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest
boxers of all time and has achieved remarkable success in his boxing career.

Pacquiao's journey in boxing began at a young age when he discovered his passion for the sport. He
turned professional at the age of 16 and quickly gained attention for his speed, power, and relentless
fighting style. Throughout his career, Pacquiao has competed in multiple weight divisions and has won
numerous world titles in different weight classes, including flyweight, featherweight, lightweight,
welterweight, and more.

Pacquiao's boxing achievements include being the first and only eight-division world champion in the
history of the sport. He has faced some of the biggest names in boxing and has achieved notable
victories over legendary fighters such as Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez, and
many others.

Beyond his success in the ring, Pacquiao is also known for his philanthropy and political career. He has
used his fame and fortune to give back to his community and support various charitable causes in the
Philippines. In 2010, he was elected as a member of the House of Representatives in the Philippines,
representing the province of Sarangani. In 2016, he was elected as a senator, furthering his political
career.

Pacquiao's impact extends beyond the world of boxing and politics. He is a national hero and a symbol
of Filipino pride and resilience. His dedication, discipline, and determination have inspired millions of
people around the world, and he continues to be a role model for aspiring athletes and individuals
striving for success.

Carlos "Botong" Francisco, born Carlos Modesto Villaluz Francisco on November 4, 1912, in Angono,
Rizal, Philippines, was a Filipino muralist and painter. He is best known for his historical murals and is
considered one of the most distinguished practitioners of mural painting in the Philippines.
Francisco studied at the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts. Before the war, he worked as
an illustrator for newspapers such as Tribune and La Vanguardia. He also collaborated with artists
Victorio Edades and Fermin Sanchez, painting sets for the Manila Grand Opera.

Throughout his career, Francisco focused on creating large-scale murals that depicted Philippine history,
culture, and folklore. His works showcased the rich heritage and traditions of the Filipino people.
Francisco's murals often incorporated elements of mythology, legends, and customs, capturing the
essence of the Filipino identity.

Some of his notable works include the "Blood Compact" mural at the Malacañang Palace, the "First Mass
at Limasawa" mural at the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the "Filipino Struggles Through History"
mural at the Manila City Hall. Francisco's murals are characterized by his meticulous attention to detail,
vibrant colors, and storytelling ability.

Carlos "Botong" Francisco's contributions to Philippine art and culture earned him recognition as a
National Artist for Visual Arts in 1973. His works continue to be celebrated and appreciated for their
historical and cultural significance, preserving the stories and heritage of the Filipino people.

Miriam Defensor Santiago, born Miriam Palma Defensor on June 15, 1945, in Iloilo City, Philippines, was
a highly esteemed Filipino lawyer, judge, professor, and politician. She was known for her sharp
intellect, fearless demeanor, and passionate advocacy for justice and good governance.

Santiago began her legal career after graduating as valedictorian from the University of the Philippines
College of Law in 1969. She later pursued further studies at prestigious institutions such as the
University of Michigan and Harvard University. Santiago became a prominent law professor, teaching at
various universities in the Philippines and abroad.

In 1988, Santiago was appointed as a judge of the Regional Trial Court and gained recognition for her
tough stance against corruption and her swift and fair decisions. She was later appointed as a
commissioner of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and Deportation, where she continued to fight
against corruption and abuse of power.

Santiago entered politics and was elected to the Philippine Senate in 1995, where she served three
terms. Throughout her political career, she championed various causes, including human rights, anti-
corruption initiatives, and judicial reforms. Santiago was known for her witty and fiery speeches, earning
her the nickname "The Iron Lady of Asia."

In 1992, Santiago ran for the presidency of the Philippines but narrowly lost. Despite her defeat, she
remained an influential figure in Philippine politics and continued to push for reforms until her
retirement from politics in 2016 due to health reasons.

Miriam Defensor Santiago's legacy extends beyond her political career. She authored several books on
law, politics, and governance, and her wit and sharp legal mind made her a beloved figure among the
Filipino people. Her dedication to upholding justice, fighting corruption, and promoting good
governance left an indelible mark on Philippine politics and society.

Santiago passed away on September 29, 2016, but her contributions and legacy continue to inspire
many, especially aspiring lawyers and public servants who strive to make a positive impact on society.

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