Ez Mil, Abi Marquez and Arshie Larga. Image: Instagram/@ezekielmiller, @featrmedia, @abigailfmarquez, @arshiethromycin
Filipino-American rapper Ez Mil and content creators Abi Marquez and Arshie Larga couldn’t contain their joy after they were recognized and included in Forbes’ “30 under 30 Asia” 2024 list, under the entertainment and sports, and media, marketing and advertising categories.
The list features “entrepreneurs, artists and changemakers” in Asia that are under 30 and are “leading the transformation of their industries and inspiring their generation.”
“Ez Mil first attracted attention with his reflections on Philippine nationalism in the track ‘Panalo,’ but it was last year’s ‘Up Down’ that brought him together with Dre and Eminem, with the latter performing on Ez Mil’s 2023 album “DU4LI7Y: REDUX,” the magazine described Mil, whose real name is Ezekiel Miller.
“Abigail Marquez has been crowned the Lumpia Queen for her obsession with one Philippine fried snack, but she promotes all aspects of her nation’s food culture, a passion she has had since the age of 4,” the American magazine introduced her. “Marquez trained as a chef before moving into videography, and now runs a cooking channel on TikTok with more than 3 million followers.”
Larga’s introduction, meanwhile, reads: “Ramon Christian Larga—who also goes by Arshie Larga—is teaching about safe medicine use in a funny, compelling way. The licensed pharmacist, who works in his family’s pharmacy in the island province of Marinduque, has attracted nearly 4 million followers on TikTok with videos sharing his experiences and explaining how an ethical pharmacist helps take care of customers.”
Miller, Marquez and Larga announced their feat through their respective Instagram pages on Thursday, May 16.
“Thank you [Forbes Asia] for including me on your Class 2024 list of ’30 Under 30′ Entertainment [and] Sport Category!” the rapper said.
“We’re freaking out!” Marquez captioned a video of herself informing her companions about making it to the list. “I’m officially part of the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia.”
Image: Instagram/@abigailfmarquez
“Today, I just received yung isa sa mga pinakainaantay kong emails for 2024… Napasama po tayo sa Forbes list for the 30 under 30 Asia,” Larga, for his part, exclaimed. “Until now, speechless pa rin po ako.”
Larga then extended his gratitude to those who nominated him to be part of the list, and to his supporters whom he regards as the reason why he was able to achieve such an honor.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa inyo, sa inyong sumusuporta sa akin kasi for sure na hindi ko makukuha or hindi ako mare-recognize sa list na ito kung hindi dahil sa inyo,” he said.
“Nung sinimulan ko po itong advocacy na ito, wala naman po akong ine-expect in return. Masaya na po ako na nagiging daan po ako para makarating ‘yung tulong ninyo sa mga taong dapat tulungan,” he added.
Meanwhile, just prior to this, Marquez was named the People’s Voice Winner in the General Social: Food [and] Drink Category at the Webby Awards, the first Filipino from the Philippines to win a Webby Award.
“This is a celebration of Filipino food, talent, and the hard work of so many people,” she said on her Instagram page. “Grateful beyond words for the chance to fly to New York, represent our country, and cherish this moment as a core memory.”
“Biggest shoutout to our new friends who made our Webbys experience extra meaningful! This is our win,” she stated.
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