Lance Joseph Martinez

A decade later, here’s a look back at the unforgettable 2016 moments that Filipino celebrities are now resharing.

Article (news)

<p>Indeed, 2026 is the new 2016!</p><p>As the new year rolls in, many are finding themselves looking back at the era that defined a generation. From <strong>Snapchat</strong>-filtered selfies and playlists ruled by <strong>The Chainsmokers</strong> to chokers and graphic tees, social media has been flooded with throwback posts that feel straight out of 2016.</p><p>Joining the wave of nostalgia, several Filipino celebrities—especially those who created some of the most iconic pop culture moments that year—have taken to Instagram to reshare old photos and videos, instantly bringing back a familiar feeling for Filipinos online.</p><p>A decade later, here’s a look back at the unforgettable 2016 moments that Filipino celebrities are now resharing, memories that shaped trends, defined an era, and helped shape Filipino pop culture.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Alexa Ilacad</strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DThyYGRD7up/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A259454%2C%22ls%22%3A259343.00000000003%2C%22le%22%3A259382%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="901" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Back in 2016, Alexa Ilacad had a packed year. Beyond appearing in several TV series and launching her own <strong>YouTube</strong> channel, she joined the ABS-CBN reality singing competition <strong><em>We Love OPM: The Celebrity Sing-Offs</em></strong>. She was grouped with <strong>Ylona Garcia</strong> and <strong>Krissha Viaje</strong> to form<strong> Oh My Girls</strong>, under the mentorship of <strong>Yeng Constantino.</strong> The trio impressed viewers throughout the season and ultimately finished as runners-up.</p><p>Following the competition, Alexa officially debuted as <strong>Star Music’s</strong> &quot;<strong>Teen Pop Rock Artist.&quot;</strong> She released her first studio album, <em><strong>To The Moon &amp; Back<em></em></strong>,</em> led by the upbeat and playful carrier single <strong>“Pakipot, Suplado.” </strong>The album showcased her youthful pop-rock sound and featured tracks such as <strong>“Not Too Young,” “Kung Pwede Lang,” “Pakipot, Suplado,” “Kahit Saan, Kahit Kailan,” “Dream Boat,” “Puso,”</strong> and an acoustic version of <strong>“Kahit Saan, Kahit Kailan.”</strong></p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Awra Briguela</strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTiGebNga5I/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A961827%2C%22ls%22%3A259343.00000000003%2C%22le%22%3A259382%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="873" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>It’s hard to name a child star with a more iconic 2016 than Awra Briguela. That year marked the beginning of her career, starting with a viral impersonation video that showcased her flair for acting. The clip quickly caught the attention of <strong>Coco Martin</strong>,<strong> </strong>who personally cast her as <strong>“MakMak” </strong>in the hit primetime series <strong><em>FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.</em></strong></p><p>Her breakout year didn’t stop there. In 2016, Awra also made her big-screen debut in the blockbuster action-comedy<strong><em> The Super Parental Guardians</em></strong><em></em><em></em>,<em></em><em></em><strong><em></em></strong> starring alongside<strong> Vice Ganda</strong> and Coco Martin. Looking back at that unforgettable run, Awra perfectly summed it up herself in a later Instagram post: “2016 <em>ba kamo? ay dzai </em>prime era<em> nya yan.</em>”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Donny Pangilinan</strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTiN19XEu1p/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A1251572%2C%22ls%22%3A259343.00000000003%2C%22le%22%3A259382%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="864" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Donny Pangilinan is another star whose journey began in 2016—and once it started, things moved quickly. After appearing in a <strong>Koko Krunch</strong> commercial alongside his mother, <strong>Maricel Laxa,</strong> Donny’s charm caught the attention of viewers.</p><p>From being a basketball team member at his former school, he soon transitioned into the entertainment scene, landing regular appearances on various ABS-CBN programs. He became part of the long-running Sunday variety show <strong><em>ASAP </em></strong>and later took on a role as a VJ for <strong><em>MYX</em></strong>, steadily building his presence and setting the foundation for the career that would later make him one of the most in-demand stars of his generation.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Kylie Verzosa</strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTh51MJEYSK/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A2101392%2C%22ls%22%3A259343.00000000003%2C%22le%22%3A259382%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="607" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Probably one of the most iconic pageant moments of 2016 belongs to Kylie Verzosa. After being crowned <strong>Binibining Pilipinas International </strong>earlier<strong></strong> that year, Kylie wasted no time in making her mark on the global stage. Just a few months later, she captured the hearts of many—especially the Japanese audience—when she competed in the <strong>Miss International 2016 </strong>pageant,<strong></strong> ultimately bringing home the coveted crown for the Philippines.</p><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Janine Gutierrez </strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTiWoY7E4oB/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A2434899%2C%22ls%22%3A259343.00000000003%2C%22le%22%3A259382%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="746" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>For Janine Gutierrez, 2016 wasn’t just another year—it marked a major breakthrough in her career. That year, she appeared in five TV series and two films, including notable projects like<strong> <em>Encantadia, Little Nanay, </em></strong>and <strong><em>Once Again.</em></strong></p><p>Reflecting on her milestone year, Janine shared on Instagram, “Ok 2016 me!!!!!! First-time calendar girl, living alone, redhead, Cinemalaya girlie, and <em>kambal-diwa ng Brilyante ng Tubig</em>!”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Jodi Sta. Maria</strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-10" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTh0L_MEg6K/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A10%2C%22os%22%3A2865069%2C%22ls%22%3A259343.00000000003%2C%22le%22%3A259382%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="857" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-10" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>In 2016, Jodi Sta. Maria wrapped up one of her most memorable roles as <strong>Amor Powers</strong> in the hit Kapamilya series <strong><em>Pangako Sa’Yo</em></strong>. Her performance earned her the <strong>Best Actress award</strong> at the <strong>24th KBP Golden Dove Awards</strong> and a nomination in the same category at the <strong>International Emmy Awards.</strong></p><p>Looking back, Jodi shared on Instagram, “2016 me didn’t know what was coming, but she chased moments that mattered. Grateful. Nostalgic. <em>Nakaka-</em>happy. Wow, 10 years flew by just like that. <em>Parang kahapon lang.</em>”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Maxine Medina</strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-12" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTjqegQkdvF/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A12%2C%22os%22%3A3793465%2C%22ls%22%3A259343.00000000003%2C%22le%22%3A259382%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="879" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-12" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>After <strong>Pia Wurtzbach’s</strong> unforgettable <strong>Miss Universe 2015 </strong>victory, all eyes turned to the next <strong>Miss Universe Philippines,</strong> Maxine Medina. In 2016, history was made again as the Philippines hosted the Miss Universe pageant for the first time since 1994, putting the country back in the global spotlight. Maxine shone brightly, making it to the Top 6.</p><p>Reflecting on that whirlwind year, she shared, “2016 me—26, fearless, and in the middle of a beautiful whirlwind. So much was happening, but it was filled with love, purpose, and growth.”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Megan Young</strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-14" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTiZAg6EUZG/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A14%2C%22os%22%3A4110723%2C%22ls%22%3A259343.00000000003%2C%22le%22%3A259382%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="567" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-14" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>After making her comeback to <strong>GMA</strong> in 2015, Megan Young quickly made waves with one of her most memorable TV roles, taking on the titular character in <strong><em>MariMar</em></strong>. She continued to dominate the small screen with projects like<strong><em> Conan, My Beautician, </em></strong>and <strong><em>Alyas Robin Hood.</em></strong> That year also marked a personal milestone, as Megan experienced living on her own for the first time.</p><p>Reflecting on that chapter, she shared, “Lived alone for the first time. Both Fofo and I were working a lot. We traveled so much even if it was just a day trip. Felt shy bare-faced. Loved wearing makeup. We went to the beach sooooo much.”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Shuvee Etrata</strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-16" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTpuQr4kbYQ/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A16%2C%22os%22%3A4476126%2C%22ls%22%3A259343.00000000003%2C%22le%22%3A259382%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="925" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-16" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Former <strong><em>Pinoy Big Brother</em></strong> housemate Shuvee Etrata joined the nostalgia wave, sharing rare, never-before-seen photos from her life before showbiz. The throwbacks reveal her early pageant days—from school and barangay competitions to serving as a flag bearer for her city’s majorette troupe.</p><p>Captioning the post, she playfully referenced a 2015 hit: “Is it too late now to say sorry?” quoting <strong>Justin Bieber’s &quot;Sorry.&quot;</strong></p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong>Winwyn Marquez</strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-18" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTiGYYbERVy/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A18%2C%22os%22%3A4660310%2C%22ls%22%3A259343.00000000003%2C%22le%22%3A259382%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="746" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-18" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Aside from starring in popular TV series like <strong><em>The Half Sisters </em></strong>and<strong><em> Little Nanay,</em></strong> Winwyn Marquez reflected on 2016 as a year of pause and self-discovery. “It gave me space to breathe again after a year of ups and downs and so much doubt. It was a year when I wasn’t really sure about a lot of things,” she quoted.</p><p>She continued, “Looking back now… thanks to this trend, I see it so clearly. I’m living the life I once prayed for <em>talaga</em>. <em>Kahit noon parang walang nangyayari, </em>God was already preparing me. Trust Him always, while you keep working on yourself.”</p><div><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">Lead photos from <strong>@donny, @alexailacad,</strong> and <strong>@janinegutierrez</strong></p>

<p>A decade later, here’s a look back at the unforgettable 2016 moments that Filipino celebrities are now resharing.</p>

Online Trend: Filipino Celebrities Bring Back Their Iconic 2016 Moments

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Online Trend: Filipino Celebrities Bring Back Their Iconic 2016 Moments

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published Jan 20, 2026 09:45 AM PHT

Read More:

Alexa Ilacad

Awra Briguela

Donny Pangilinan

Kylie Versoza

Janine Gutierrez

Jodi Sta Maria

Maxine Medina

Megan Young

Shuvee Etrata

Winwyn Marquez

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