Manny Jacinto, Vico Sotto among TIME100 influential people

TIME has unveiled its 2025 TIME100 Next list, spotlighting 100 emerging leaders from across the globe whose influence is shaping the future. 

Among the trailblazers recognized this year are Filipino Canadian actor Manny Jacinto and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.

Manny Jacinto

Widely admired for his versatility on screen, Jacinto earned high praise from TIME contributor and director Allan Yang. He described Jacinto as the rare artist who balances extraordinary talent with genuine kindness. 

“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.

The actor has shown remarkable range, from his comedic breakthrough in “The Good Place” to his physically demanding role in “The Acolyte” and his upcoming star turn in “Freakier Friday” with Lindsay Lohan. 

Beyond the spotlight, Yang highlighted Jacinto’s devotion to family and his wife, Dianne, even joking about his cult-favorite Star Wars helmet. He expressed hope that Jacinto will soon headline multiple blockbuster films, affirming that “one of our greatest leading men is also one of our best humans.”

Vico Sotto

Meanwhile, in the field of politics, the Pasig City Mayor was celebrated for redefining leadership in the Philippines. His profile was written by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, who noted that Sotto has demonstrated that systemic corruption can be challenged through transparency and innovation.

“In the Philippines, fighting corruption feels like death by a thousand cuts… But Vico Sotto is proving it can be done,” Ressa emphasized. At just 36, Sotto dismantled a decades-long political dynasty in Pasig by introducing open procurement processes, launching a 24/7 complaints hotline and cutting project costs by eliminating kickbacks.

Ressa further pointed to his pandemic response, where mobile kitchens, zero-emission buses and equitable distribution of aid reflected governance rooted in empathy and data. 

Meanwhile, the 2025 TIME100 Next issue features three global cover stars, singer-songwriter Tate McRae, actor Jonathan Bailey and Spring Health co-founder and CEO April Koh.

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