On October 1, 2025, TIME Magazine unveiled its latest TIME100 Next list, spotlighting 100 emerging leaders from around the world who are shaping the future in fields as diverse as politics, arts, health, and technology. Among this year’s honorees are two Filipinos making waves far beyond their home country: Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto. Their inclusion on the prestigious list is not just a nod to their individual achievements, but a recognition of the broader impact they are having on their respective fields and communities.
Vico Sotto, at just 36 years old, has become a byword for good governance and transparency in the Philippines. TIME placed him in the "Leaders" category, citing his relentless fight against corruption as Pasig City’s mayor. His journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. Sotto first captured national attention in 2019 when he toppled a powerful 27-year political dynasty in Pasig—not through the usual political machinery or deep pockets, but through what Nobel Peace Prize winner and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa describes as “radical transparency.” In her tribute published by TIME, Ressa wrote, “In the Philippines, fighting corruption feels like death by a thousand cuts—each small victory eroded by the system’s capacity to regenerate. But Vico Sotto is proving it can be done.”
Sotto’s innovative approach to governance has included launching a 24/7 information and complaints hotline, livestreaming public procurement processes, and slashing project costs by eliminating kickbacks. These measures, Ressa noted, are “a master class in modern, ethical leadership.” His efforts have not gone unnoticed by his constituents, who have twice re-elected him, including in May 2025. Sotto now serves his third and, by law, final term as mayor.
His tenure was particularly tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Sotto’s administration rolled out mobile kitchens to feed frontliners, introduced zero-emission buses to transport essential workers without bloated contracts, and distributed aid based on need rather than political loyalty. These actions, according to Ressa, showcased “clean governance” rooted in empathy and data-driven decision-making. Sotto’s reforms have also had a ripple effect, inspiring other young leaders and earning the praise of the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), a coalition of local chief executives in the Philippines. The group congratulated Sotto for his historic stand against entrenched political dynasties and echoed TIME’s recognition of his push for good governance.
Sotto’s story is not just one of personal triumph. It’s a tale of how an individual’s commitment to transparency and accountability can ignite a broader movement for change. As Ressa put it, “It’s a testament to the power of the individual to ignite a movement for change.” Beyond his anti-corruption crusade, Sotto has also spoken out on media ethics and played a role in exposing corruption involving his opponent in the 2025 mid-term mayoral elections.
Meanwhile, in the world of entertainment, Manny Jacinto has been steadily building a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and genuinely likable actors. Included in TIME’s “Artists” category, Jacinto is best known for his breakout role as Jason Mendoza in the hit comedy series The Good Place, his physically demanding performance in The Acolyte, and his recent turn as Eric Reyes in Disney’s Freakier Friday alongside Lindsay Lohan. Emmy-winning writer and producer Alan Yang, who penned Jacinto’s TIME tribute, praised both his range and his character. “One of the greatest joys of my time working in film and TV has been the revelation that talent and kindness aren’t mutually exclusive. Manny Jacinto is the perfect example,” Yang wrote.
Yang went on to highlight Jacinto’s “incredible range as an actor—from performing so-dumb-it’s-smart comedy in The Good Place to pulling off how-did-he-do-that physical feats on The Acolyte to effortlessly charming Lindsay Lohan and moviegoers worldwide in Freakier Friday.” But what sets Jacinto apart, Yang argued, is his fundamental decency: “But more importantly, Manny is fundamentally, elementally, constitutionally good. He’s a fiercely loyal friend, dotes on his family…and loves his wife Dianne more than Star Wars fans love his character Qimir’s bad-ass helmet.”
Jacinto’s journey to Hollywood stardom began in Manila, where he was born before his family migrated to Canada when he was just a toddler. He initially pursued a civil engineering degree at the University of British Columbia, only to later follow his passion for acting. His success has been seen as a breakthrough for Asian representation in Hollywood, with Tatler Asia describing him as “redefining the portrayal of Asian men” on the global stage. Yang, for his part, expressed hope that Jacinto will soon headline multiple blockbuster films, writing, “My fervent hope is that very, very soon, Manny is starring in the three biggest films of the year and we can say that one of our greatest leading men is also one of our best humans—I wouldn’t bet against him!”
The TIME100 Next list, launched in 2019 as an offshoot of the original TIME100 (which began in 2003), aims to highlight emerging leaders who are redefining what influence means in the modern world. TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs described the annual list as a “lens to understand global leadership and influence,” encompassing honorees from artificial intelligence to climate activism, philanthropy, and the creative industry. “Our goal with each project is to provide a snapshot of the moment and to recognize those who we feel are truly changing the world this year,” Jacobs said. TIME editorial director Cate Matthews added, “Everyone on the TIME100 Next leapt into action—often in challenging circumstances—and in doing so, accomplished the extraordinary. They demonstrate the power we all have to make a difference.”
This year’s list features a diverse array of honorees, including digital harassment advocate Elliston Berry, New Zealand Gen Z Maori leader Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, Thai golf sensation Jeeno Thitikul, and cover stars such as singer-songwriter Tate McRae, actor Jonathan Bailey, and Spring Health co-founder April Koh. In the arts, Jacinto is joined by talents like Becky G, Gracie Abrams, and Ocean Vuong.
For the Philippines, the recognition of Sotto and Jacinto stands as a powerful reminder that integrity, innovation, and authenticity still matter on the world stage. Whether in city hall or on the big screen, their stories resonate far beyond their own communities—proof that rising stars can, indeed, help shape a better future for all.
