Women in PNoy's life top Google's 20 Most Influential List

Two women who have been a part of President Benigno Aquino III's public and private life topped Google Philippines' list of 20 Filipina personalities who grabbed the greatest online mindshare in 2010. Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad, Aquino's former girlfriend, topped the list that Google Philippines drew up to mark the centennial of International Women’s Day. "Soledad... made waves last year as she supported her then-boyfriend Benigno Aquino III during the presidential campaign, to their breakup later in the year," Google said. Following her breakup with Aquino, Soledad has kept herself busy with her duties as councilor, and as a co-host of a television game show. Second on the list is Aquino's sister Kris, who was talked about for her breakup with then-husband basketball star James Carlos Yap. Kris also gained controversy as questions were raised about how her career as a television host may affect her brother’s presidency. Third on the list is former beauty queen and television host Ruffa Gutierrez, who emerged strong despite ending her marriage to Yilmaz Bektas and gaining custody of their two children, Lorin and Venice. Fourth and fifth on the list were Maria Venus Raj and singer Charice Pempengco, who brought honor to the Philippines on the international stage. Raj, the Philippines' bet for the Miss Universe 2010 beauty pageant, ended up fourth runner-up despite what many perceived as a "major, major" stumble in the question-and-answer portion. On the other hand, Pempengco impressed renowned television host Oprah Winfrey and wowed global audiences when she appeared on the popular television show "Glee." Sixth on the list is actress Angel Locsin, proclaimed FHM’s Sexiest Woman for 2010. Seventh was singer-actress Sarah Geronimo, who endorsed Sen. Manuel Villar Jr.'s failed presidential bid in 2010. Eighth was singer-actress Regine Velasquez, who supported Aquino's presidential bid and wed fellow singer Herminio "Ogie" Alcasid Jr. Ninth on the list is actress Heart Evangelista, who gained attention when she suddenly ended her business relationship with then manager Annabelle Rama. Evangelista also announced her new romantic relationship with model Daniel Matsunaga. Rounding out the Top Ten is feisty Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who took an indefinite leave from the Senate last year for health reasons. Despite her taking a leave, she earned Filipinos' admiration for her fearless thoughts on public issues such as the Truth Commission, jueteng, and the RH Bill. 11 to 20 Placing 11th on the list is award-winning international Filipino singer Lea Salonga, who gained international fame by playing the lead role in "Miss Saigon" in the 1980s, and made an onstage comback in the musical “CATS." The 12th to 15th include Philippine Daily Inquirer journalist Doris Dumlao; actress Kristine Hermosa, who announced her engagement to and subsequently married Oyo Boy Sotto; actress Toni Gonzaga, who launched a new album magazine; and actress Sharon Cuneta, who launched a new television show. Rounding out the Top 20 were actress-host Mariel Rodriguez, who married actor Robin Padilla in India; designer Monique Lhuillier, who debuted her Fall 2010 collection during New York Fashion Week; movie actress Bea Alonzo; broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez, who went back to her job as television newsreader; and actress Nora Aunor, who was nominated in the “10 Best International Actresses of the Decade" in Asia category at the 2010 Green Globe Awards. — TJD, GMA News