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 Filipino television host, actor and film producer. He first gained popularity through the Eat Bulaga! segment "You're My Foreignoy" and won the Dabarkad's Choice Award. He was also a housemate on the reality show Pinoy Big Brother: 737.

He is the founder and managing director of Two Infinity Entertainment and also the co-founder 28 Squared Studios.^[2][3]

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.^[4] 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.^[5]

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.^[6]

Career

Juan first appeared on national television on the Eat Bulaga segment "You're My Foreignoy," where foreigners living in the Philippines showcased their understanding of Filipino culture. Although Juan was born in the Philippines, he was still eligible to join because he does not have any Filipino blood and grew up in Hong Kong.

In 2015, he joined ABS-CBN's reality show Pinoy Big Brother: 737 as a regular housemate. He remained in the competition until week 17 (day 119), eventually placing in the final six. Juan's also became a host of the ABS-CBN Sports + Action's University Athletic Association of the Philippines coverage show, UPFRONT at the UAAP in 2016 alongside Justin Quirino and Marco Gumabao.

Juan made his acting debut on TV5's television film Wattpad Presents: AFGITMOLFM. He also made a guest appearance in an episode of GMA Network's drama anthology series Tadhana. Juan hosted the backstage show for Miss Universe 2016 which was hosted in the Philippines.

Juan was selected as one of three regional artists to feature in the show "Create My Seoul" produced by TVN Asia.

In 2019, Juan became a recurring cast member of the ABS-CBN afternoon soap opera, Love Thy Woman.^[7] Juan returned to Pinoy Big Brother as a host in 2020, hosting both Pinoy Big Brother: Connect and Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10.

Juan was cast in the romantic comedy film Connected, alongside Pinoy Big Brother: Connect contestants Kobie Brown, Andi Abaya, Ralph Malibunas, Gail Banawis, Chico Alicaya, and Amanda Zamora.^[8][9]

Film production

In 2021. Juan established the digital entertainment company 28 Squared Studios.^[10] 28 Squared Studios partnered 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".^[11][12][13]

In December 2022, Juan co-produced the film "The Safe Zone", which claims to be the world's first short film written and directed by ChatGPT.^[14][15]

Juan is co-producing the upcoming film, Under Parallel Skies, directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo and starring Janella Salvador and Thai actor Metawin Opas-iamkajorn.^{[16][17][18][19]}

Philanthropy

In addition to his work in entertainment, Juan is known for his philanthropic efforts. In response to the Taal Volcano eruption in 2020, Juan sourced N95 masks from Hong Kong, to donate to evacuees in Batangas, Philippines. This initiative was part of Juan’s commitment to leveraging his international connections for local relief efforts.^[20] Later that year, Juan was once again proactive when the COVID-19 pandemic started. Recognizing the urgent need for medical supplies among Filipino healthcare workers, Juan once again sourced protective gear from Hong Kong and donated it to various hospitals in Metro Manila.^[21]

In August 2020, Richard Juan was named the Goodwill Ambassador for SOS Children’s Village Philippines, a role that highlights his dedication to youth empowerment and community support.^[22]

Throughout his ambassadorship with SOS Children’s Village and his independent relief efforts, Juan has emphasized the importance of collective action and community support, showcasing a commitment to making a positive impact beyond his career in entertainment.

Awards and nominations

Filmography

Film

Television

Music video appearances