Richard Juan
Richard Juan | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born | August 2, 1992 | ||||||||||||||
| Alma mater | University of the Philippines | ||||||||||||||
| Occupation(s) | TV personality, Actor, Host, Film Producer, Entrepreneur | ||||||||||||||
| Years active | 2014–present | ||||||||||||||
| Agent | Star Hunt/Star Magic (2020–2022) | ||||||||||||||
| Chinese name | |||||||||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 范鴻志 | ||||||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 范鸿志 | ||||||||||||||
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| Musical career | |||||||||||||||
| Also known as | Richard Hwan | ||||||||||||||
| Origin | Hong Kong | ||||||||||||||
Richard Juan (Chinese: 范鴻志; Jyutping: Faan6 Hung4zi3; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Hoān Hông-chì; Pīnyīn: Fàn Hóngzhì;[1] born August 2, 1992), also known as Richard Hwan, is a Chinese Filipino TV personality, actor, host, film producer and entrepreneur who was raised in Hong Kong, but later moved back to the Philippines where he was born and holds citizenship to. He first gained popularity through Eat Bulaga!'s "You're My Foreignoy" and won the Dabarkad's Choice Award.
He was also one of the regular housemates of Pinoy Big Brother: 737.
He is the founder and managing director of Two Infinity Entertainment[2] and also the co-founder and CEO of 28 Squared Studios,[3] the production company that is best known for producing the world's first Artificial Intelligence written and directed short film, The Safe Zone;[4] and currently filming the upcoming cross-boarder film Under Parallel Skies, starring Filipino actress Janella Salvador and Thai actor Metawin Opas-iamkajorn.
Early life and education
Richard Juan was born on August 2, 1992, in the Philippines. At the age of one month, his family relocated to Hong Kong, where Juan grew up. Juan attended Singapore International School and Canadian International School, and then completed high school at Island School.[5] Juan then returned to the Philippines to continue his studies and graduated cum laude with a degree in Broadcast Communication at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.[6]
Though a permanent Hong Kong resident, Juan still holds Filipino citizenship. Juan is multilingual; in addition to his native Cantonese, he is fluent in Filipino, English, Mandarin, and Hokkien[7]
Entertainment career
Modelling career (2013-2014)
Juan ventured into the world of modelling before gaining fame in the entertainment industry. His modelling journey began with part-time modelling for school event posters. Soon after, he made his debut at Philippine Fashion Week: Spring Summer 2014, captivating audiences on the runway.
Juan's modelling career flourished worked with several prestigious brands and events such as Coca-Cola and Adidas. He also graced the pages of notable publications like Candy, Chalk Magazine, Sparkling Magazine, and Garage Magazine.
In 2013, Juan was recognised as on Candy magazine's list of Top 20 Candy Cuties where he was ranked as the 14th Candy Cutie.[8] In 2014, he was part of Chalk magazine's Bright Young Manila Campus Hotties[9] and won the UAAP division.
Juan also scored his first major campaign shoot with SM Youth in early 2015, a brand which he eventually became a brand ambassador[10] of for the next couple of years.
Entertainment career (2014-present)
Eat Bulaga!'s You're My Foreignoy (2014)
Juan's television career took off when he gained widespread recognition and popularity through his appearance on the highly acclaimed Philippine variety show Eat Bulaga!. In January 2014, the show announced a new segment entitled "You're My Foreignoy," where foreigners, without Filipino blood, living in the Philippines could showcase their love and understanding of Filipino culture. Though Juan was born in the Philippines, he was still eligible to join because he does not have any Filipino blood.
Juan joined the competition during its second week and immediately became a crowd favorite after winning the daily round. His charming and endearing personality captured the hearts of many viewers, earning him the nickname "The Trending Boy" as he trended among the Top Ten on Twitter both locally and internationally during his appearances on the show.
As the competition progressed, Juan faced off against foreigners from different countries, including the rumored ex-boyfriend of Lindsay Lohan, Christian Arno Williams, during the second weekly finals. Though he lost in that particular round, his popularity with the audience led to him winning the Dabarkad's Choice Award (People's Choice Award) for the weekly finals round.
Despite the lost, Juan was invited to compete in the Wildcard Edition and he emerged victorious, earning the title of "Manlalaban". As a Wildcard winner, he secured a spot in the grand finals alongside the first, second, and third weekly winners.
During the highly anticipated "You're My Foreignoy" Grand Finals, Juan unfortunately lost to Gui Adorna, who was crowned the overall winner. Despite not winning the overall competition, Juan once again received the Dabarkad's Choice Award, proving his immense popularity with the viewers. He garnered over thousands of likes on Eat Bulaga!'s Facebook poll, outshining all the other "foreignoys" who competed in the grand finals.[11]
Richard Juan's success in You're My Foreignoy became a pivotal point in his career, opening doors to numerous opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Eat Bulaga! host (2014)
After winning the Dabarkad's Choice Award in You're My Foreignoy, Juan's presence on Philippine television expanded as he became a familiar face on the popular network GMA Network. His charming and engaging personality made him a sought-after guest on various GMA Network shows.
Juan, along with his fellow You're My Foreignoy winners, Gui Adorno and Diego Furoni, appeared on The Ryzza Mae Show where they were interviewed by the show's bubbly host, Ryzza Mae Dizon.
Juan made guest appearances on several shows on GMA News TV also. Among these were Brigada, iJuander, Day Off, and Mars. His versatility and ability to connect with different audiences made him a welcome addition to these programs.
Notably, Richard Juan also took on hosting duties for several Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho segments. His charisma, natural flair and witty banter added an enjoyable element to the audience which led to Juan taking on the role of hosting Dabarkad's Pinoy Henyo segment on the Eat Bulaga! for five months in late 2014 when Juan was still studying.
Through his appearances on various GMA Network and GMA News TV shows, Richard Juan solidified his position as a talented and beloved television personality in the Philippines. His star continued to rise, and his journey in the entertainment industry was only getting started.
Pinoy Big Brother (2015)
In 2015, he joined ABS-CBN's reality show Pinoy Big Brother: 737, the Philippine version of the popular Big Brother franchise, as a regular housemate. During his time in the PBB house, Juan showcased his genuine and down-to-earth nature, earning him the admiration and support of the show's viewers. He remained in the competition until week 17 (day 119), eventually placing in the final 6.
Life after Big Brother (2016-2018)
After Pinoy Big Brother, Juan guested on several shows, such as Be My Lady. But during this period, Juan also actively engaged in various social media platforms, using them to connect with his growing fanbase internationally. His YouTube channel, launched in 2016, featured a mix of vlogs, behind-the-scenes footage, and unique collaborations, offering a more intimate glimpse into his life and interests. His popularity on these platforms demonstrated his knack for creating engaging content and resonating with audiences beyond traditional media channels.
Juan's entertainment career took a crucial turn in 2016 when he became part of ABS-CBN Sports + Action's University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) coverage show, "UPFRONT at the UAAP." Introduced in the second half of UAAP Season 78, Juan joined the new male hosts roster, which included Justin Quirino and Marco Gumabao. During his time on the show, he was known for his charismatic and engaging presenting style, contributing to the show's popularity among university sports fans.
Juan's foray into acting began in 2017, diversifying his portfolio beyond hosting and modelling. His first significant role was the male lead in TV5's Wattpad Presents: AFGITMOLFM, a role that showcased his talent for acting. This was followed by a guest star in GMA's Tadhana: Karayom in 2017, which further solidified his standing as an emerging TV personality in the Philippine television industry.
Backstage host of Miss Universe 2016 (2017)
Juan's work wasn't confined to television during this time. He also hosted the backstage show for the 65th edition of Miss Universe in 2017, which gave him an opportunity to interact with international personalities and broaden his hosting experience on a global stage. This event further amplified his visibility and popularity, while his amiable personality and natural hosting abilities were lauded. Juan also inadvertently gained international attention when he photobombed an iconic photo of the outgoing Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach. As Pia took her final walk with arms wide open, donning a regal Michael Cinco gown, Juan's cheerful grin was captured in the background of the shot. The image quickly went viral, leading to Juan being dubbed the "cutest photobomber" of the Miss Universe pageant.[12]
Juan's unintentional photobombing did not end there. He also managed to appear in the background of photos featuring Philippine representative Maxine Medina and the newly crowned Miss Universe, France's Iris Mittenaere. The virality of these photos further propelled Juan into the spotlight, endearing him to both local and international fans.
International engagements (2017-present)
Because of his strong regional appeal, as well as being able to speak five different languages, Juan was able to extend his influence and professional activities to the international stage, starting in late 2017. His diverse engagements included interviewing the cast of Marvel's "Avengers: Infinity War" during a press tour in Singapore, marking a significant highlight in his career. Juan's interest in the fashion industry also saw him conversing with iconic fashion designer Sir Paul Smith, and in the culinary world, with celebrated Chef Gordon Ramsay. He ventured into the South Korean fashion scene by participating in the Seoul Fashion Week S/S19, during which he collaborated on a special project with the over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform, Viu.[13]
Juan's international career trajectory continued into 2019. He was selected as one of three regional artists to feature in the show "Create My Seoul" produced by TVN Asia. This endeavor had him working alongside prominent Korean celebrities Sandara Park and Joon Park, as they explored and highlighted Seoul's vibrant cityscape. Amidst his broadcasting activities, Juan maintained his connection to the fashion industry, marking his presence at the Paris Fashion Week, where he attended Thom Browne’s runway show.[14]
Because of this, Juan was able to interview, work or meet global celebrities such as Troye Sivan, Ji Chang-wook, Cha Eun-woo, Katy Perry, Blackpink, Mark Tuan, Taylor Hill, BamBam, Jackson Wang, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jason Mamoa, Jung Hae-in, just to name a few.
Despite his global engagements, Juan stayed rooted in his home country's entertainment scene and made his return to Philippine television in late 2019.
Return to Philippine entertainment (late 2019-Present)
Coming off a break from acting, Juan made a prominent return to the Philippine television landscape in late 2019, notably through his role in the popular afternoon soap opera, Love Thy Woman,[15] which aired on ABS-CBN. In the series, Juan took on the character of Richie Tan, a significant role that marked his vibrant reentry into the acting industry after a short interlude. One notable feature of Juan's character, Richie Tan, in Love Thy Woman was his romantic storyline with the Jia, the character played by Kim Chiu. This pairing allowed Juan to not only share screen time with one of the country's most esteemed actresses but also further emphasized his versatility and acting prowess as he successfully navigated this complex and demanding role. This project served as a significant milestone in Juan's acting career, highlighting his ability to adapt to varied and challenging roles.
In a further testament to his versatility, Juan also revisited his roots in reality television later that year. However, rather than participating as a contestant, he took up the mantle of a digital host for the hit reality show Pinoy Big Brother: Connect. As a host, Juan leveraged his previous experience as a reality show participant, combined with his distinctive charm and dynamic hosting style, adding a fresh and engaging perspective to the program. His impactful hosting stint continued into the subsequent season, Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10, in 2021, effectively cementing his dual-role persona in the industry as both an actor and a host.
Film (2022-present)
A significant highlight of Juan's career unfolded in 2022 when he landed his first leading role in a film. He starred in the romantic comedy Connected.[16] The movie featured a star-studded cast consisting of his former co-contestants from Pinoy Big Brother: Connect, including Kobie Brown, Andi Abaya, Ralph Malibunas, Gail Banawis, Chico Alicaya, and Amanda Zamora.[17]
His experience in Connected not only reinforced his acting credentials but also sparked a newfound interest in film. This led him to explore more about the filmmaking process, demonstrating his eagerness to broaden his horizons and dive deeper into the entertainment industry.
Entrepreneurial career
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Juan ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing his first company, 28 Squared Studios. His vision was to bring high quality Filipino or Asian content and talent, to the world.
In September 2022, Juan's 28 Squared Studios took a significant step in that direction by partnering with CJ ENM, 360 Entertainment, and Bhouse Studio to facilitate the Philippine auditions for "Boys Planet 999", a talent search project aimed at creating "the next biggest boy band".[18][19][20] Boys aged 13 years and above, irrespective of their nationality, were invited to audition in the Philippines. This initiative reflected Juan's dedication to amplifying Filipino talent on an international scale.
Following this venture, Juan explored a new domain of entertainment in December 2022 with 28 Squared Studios. He co-produced with Aaron Kemmer's Moon Ventures the world's first AI written and directed short film.[21][22] With the AI chatbot ChatGPT generating the plot, the film narrated the story of three siblings (played by Denise Laurel, Angelia Ong and Juan himself) in an AI-dominated world. Juan saw this innovative approach to filmmaking as an exciting chance to push traditional storytelling boundaries while shedding light on the potential collaboration between humans and AI.
Currently, in 2023, 28 Squared Studios is focusing on its first major film project, Under Parallel Skies, which is directed by award-winning Filipino director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, starring Filipino actress Janella Salvador and Thai actor Metawin Opas-iamkajorn. This culturally diverse production will take place in Hong Kong.[23][24][25][26][27][28]
It was reported in several medias that Juan expressed his excitement about the company's first venture into film production. He said, "Although it's our first time, we have assembled a team with extensive experience and a track record of successful films. Their expertise, combined with our shared vision, has laid a solid foundation for this project. We are also fortunate to have the support of the Hong Kong Tourism Board for the filming. With Metawin and Janella breathing life into their characters, we have confidence in creating a captivating story that highlights the intricacies and complexities of cross-cultural relationships. This film explores the themes of human connections, as cultures collide and intertwine in our world every day."[29]
This phase in Juan's career further highlighted his continuous pursuit of new challenges and opportunities, evidencing his dedication to refining his skills and contributing to the progression of the Philippine entertainment industry.
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Eat Bulaga: You're My Foreignoy | Dabarkad's Choice | Won |
| Chalk BYM Campus Hotties 2014 | Male Winner | Won | |
| 2019 | Village Pipol Choice Awards | Lifestyle Influencer of the Year | Won |
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Connected | Sky | Main Role | [17] |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | PIEnalo: Palong Follow | Guest | PIE Channel |
| 2021-2022 | Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10 | Host | ABS-CBN |
| 2020-2021 | Pinoy Big Brother: Connect | Host | |
| 2020 | Love Thy Woman | Richie | |
| 2019 | Create My Seoul! | Himself | TVN Asia |
| 2018 | Seoul Fashion Week S/S 2019 Special | Host | Viu Hong Kong |
| 2018 | Tadhana: Karayom | Chris | GMA Network |
| 2017 | Road Trip | Himself | |
| AFGITMOLFM | Art | TV5 | |
| 2016 | A1 Ko Sa 'Yo | Joaqs | GMA Network |
| Be My Lady | Kevin | ABS-CBN | |
| UPFRONT at the UAAP | Host | ||
| Kaya Mo Bang | Guest/Himself | ||
| 2015 | Pinoy Big Brother: 737 | 6th Place/Himself | |
| Aquino & Abunda Tonight | Himself | ||
| Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho | GMA Network | ||
| Day Off | GMA News TV | ||
| Taste Buddies | |||
| 2014 | Eat Bulaga! | Himself/segment host | GMA Network |
| The Ryzza Mae Show | Guest/Himself | ||
| Day Off | GMA News TV | ||
| iJuander | |||
| Brigada | |||
| Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho | GMA Network | ||
| Poptalk | GMA News TV | ||
| Unang Hirit | GMA Network | ||
| Mars | GMA News TV | ||
| Celebrity Bluff | GMA Network | ||
| Tunay Na Buhay | |||
| Don't Lose the Money |
Music video appearances
| Year | Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Saya | Lian Kyla |
References
- ^ "Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
- ^ "'". Retrieved June 21, 2023.
- ^ "'Our Story". Retrieved July 23, 2023.
- ^ "First Film Ever Written and Directed by AI". Jumpstart. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
- ^ "'5 Interesting Facts About PBB Connect Host". Retrieved June 23, 2023.
- ^ "'Cum Laude ng UP tinawag na bobo". Retrieved June 2, 2023.
- ^ "'Richard Juan Speaks English Tagalog Cantonese". Retrieved June 20, 2022.
- ^ Candy Magazine Philippines. "Candy Cuties 2013: Richard Juan". Candymag. Retrieved October 25, 2014.
- ^ "CHALK Bright Young Manila 2014". Retrieved October 25, 2014.
- ^ "The New SM Youth Ambassador". Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ "Gui Adorno, wagi sa 'You're My Foreignoy' ng 'Eat Bulaga!'". GMA News Online. Retrieved October 25, 2014.
- ^ "Miss Universe 2016 Photobomber'". Cosmo.ph. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
- ^ "Seoul Fashion Week SS19 Special". Retrieved July 15, 2020.
- ^ "Filipino Celebrities We Spotted at Paris Fashion Week 2019". Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ "Meet Richie Tan". Retrieved July 10, 2022.
- ^ "LOOK: Premiere night of Star Magic Studio's 'Connected'". ABS-CBN News. July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
- ^ a b "Star Magic produces first movie 'Connected'".
- ^ "CJ ENM's Boys Planet K-Pop Global Audition is Co-Hosted by Richard Juan's Cignal Entertainment". PUSH. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
- ^ "Boys Planet Philippines Auditions Begin". PEP.PH. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
- ^ "Richard Juan's Company to Oversee Boys Planet Auditions Philippines". Philstar. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
- ^ "Richard Juan produces short film directed by AI". PUSH. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
- ^ "First Film Ever Written and Directed by AI". Jumpstart. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
- ^ "Janella bagong leading man si Win Metawin". abante.com. June 18, 2023.
- ^ "Everything We Know About The Upcoming Movie Starring Janella Salvador And Win Metawin". COSMOPOLITAN.
- ^ "A Photo of Thai Actor Win Metawin Together with Janella Salvador with Richard Juan on a Merit Ceremony Confirms the Rumored Movie Project of the Three!". TV Series Craze. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ "Unveiling the details of the upcoming film featuring Janella Salvador and Win Metawin". July 2, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
- ^ "โกอินเตอร์! 'วิน เมธวิน' บินลัดฟ้าสู่ฮ่องกง ถ่ายภาพยนตร์ Under Parallel Skies เตรียมรอรับชมเร็วๆ นี้". Mint Magazine Thailand (in Thai). Retrieved July 19, 2023.
- ^ 星島日報. "走遍香港拍处男电影 泰男神Win与小童打波劲亲民". std.stheadline.com (in Chinese). Retrieved July 19, 2023.
- ^ "Janella Salvador, Win Metawin to Star in Upcoming Film Under Parallel Skies". PUSH. Retrieved July 25, 2023.