Recap: Biggest Local Buzzmakers Of 2020
Take a look back on these most talked about celebrities and headlines of 2020
Goodbye 2020, and hello 2021!
It was a grueling, surprise-filled, and truly interesting year for all of us, and it truly gave us some memorable headlines and front page-worthy stories we'll be talking about for years to come.
Reviewing all that transpired between, been said by, and even sung about in 2020 by many of your favorite Filipino celebrities, we rounded up a year-ender recap list featuring the biggest news and buzzmakers from local entertainment.
Check out the gallery below for our picks for some of the most unforgettable showbiz moments from 2020!
Recap: Local Buzzmakers of 2020
Recap: Local Buzzmakers of 2020
Bea Alonzo led COVID-19 relief efforts.
Bea Alonzo was one of the first celebrities to organize all kinds of relief efforts for pandemic-affected Filipinos. She reached out to several groups - from students stranded in their dorms, Manila-based workers with no means to go home to their provinces, medical front liners, underserved communities within Metro Manila and a few more in Leyte, and even a children's charity - by leading food drives, distributing basic necessities, and creating DIY PPE for them. She also became more active in vlogging in 2020; her YouTube channel has 853,000 subscribers as of publishing time.
Photo Credit: @beaalonzo
Angel Locsin solidified her status as a social activist.
Another Kapamilya star who made waves for her charitable work and social activism in 2020 was Angel Locsin. She made it to the headlines several times in the last nine months for leading the construction of quarantine and sleep facilities for medical front liners, initiating financial aid efforts for the hardest hit Filipinos of 2020's tragedies, and for being at the front lines in the distribution of protective gear and food to those most in need of them. She also drew attention when she rallied alongside ABS-CBN's employees who protested the media giant's shutdown and openly criticized the government's decision to deny it its franchise. In December, she was also recognized by Forbes Asia as one of its "100 Digital Stars," as one of the celebrities who use their platform and influence for the greater good. She and her fiancé also launched their joint YouTube channel "The Angel and Neil Channel."
Photo Credit: @therealangellocsin
Bela Padilla's Korean movie, Best Actress nomination, and COVID relief work.
Bela Padilla began her year with a great announcement; in February, she revealed that she teamed up with Korean actor Kim Gun-woo for a Korean rom-com called "Ultimate Oppa." Another career highlight came in the form of a Best Actress nomination at the Seoul International Drama Awards for her performance in ABS-CBN drama "Sino ang May Sala?" In the months that followed, however, post-production and release of the movie was stalled by the pandemic, but Bela remained productive by heading her own batch of COVID-19 relief efforts. In the very beginning of the country's strictest quarantine period, she teamed up with the Philippine army to distribute food items to individuals around the metro who are unable to find a means to earn an income due to the lockdown.
Photo Credit: @bela
Iza Calzado tested positive for (and recovered from!) COVID.
Iza Calzado was one of the first Filipino celebrities to contract COVID-19. Upon her admittance to the hospital, she was shocked to learn that she was in need of critical care and that she was at high risk of dying from the virus. She documented her recovery, which ultimately became a story about survival and healing, and has since used herself as an example of the need to stay healthy, follow quarantine rules strictly, and be grateful for life itself. In August 2020, her teleserye with Jodi Sta. Maria and Sam Milby, "Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin" was launched and was so well received it was renewed for season 2.
Photo Credit: @missizacalzado
Julia Barretto slammed rumor-mongers.
Julia Barretto is no stranger to rumors and bashers, but this year, she found herself at another peak of the Bea Alonzo-Gerald Anderson controversy when Jay Sonza, a former TV personality, wrote that the actress was expecting a child with Gerald Anderson. In response to the scandalous claim, she posted a photo of herself on Instagram baring a flat stomach (with a great view of her sculpted midsection) and captioned it with the words, "FAKE NEWS."
Photo Credit: @juliabarretto
Nadine Lustre released "Wildest Dreams."
Nadine Lustre, now a self-managed artist, released her first-ever album as an independent artist. Called "Wildest Dreams," the visual album is all about Nadine's many personal transformations and revelations as a person and as a singer-songwriter. The album addresses growing up in the entertainment industry, her brother's death, accepting uncertainty, and taking risks. The album is considered her big comeback.
Photo Credit: @carelessph
Andi Eigenmann announced her third pregnancy and engagement.
The celebrity mommy known for her island lifestyle and love for her two daughters, Ellie and Lilo, announced that she was expecting baby number three in August. Four months later, she revealed that she was expecting a baby boy! Andi also hit a vlogging milestone, when she was given the Gold Play Button for surpassing 1 million subscribers on YouTube. And in December, she announced that she's finally engaged to Philmar ALipayo.
Photo Credit: @andiegengirl
Rabiya Mateo was named Miss Universe Philippines 2020.
The beauty queen from Iloilo was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020 in the first-ever edition of the pageant organized by Miss Universe Philippines, led by its national director, Shamcey Supsup-Lee. She also won Best in Swimsuit in the preliminary competition.
Photo Credit: @rabiyamateo
Sofia Andres revealed first-time motherhood.
Actress Sofia Andres graced Metro.Style's cover in June to announce the big news: she and her partner, Daniel Miranda, have a daughter named Zoe. The first-time mom celebrated Zoe's first birthday in November.
Photo Credit: @iamsofiaandres
Catriona Gray and Sam Milby revealed their relationship.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Sam Milby shared that they were in a relationship in May; Sam posted a photo of him and Catriona on Instagram on his birthday to spill the news. In July, the new celeb couple starred together in a music video produced by Cornerstone for their rendition of "We're in This Together."
Photo Credit: @cs_musicofficial
Janella Salvador and Markus Paterson became IG official.
Fans of the young stars have long speculated that they were dating, and in September, their sleuthing was finally rewarded with an IG post to confirm everything. Both Janella and Markus posted about each other on their Instagram accounts, confirming their relationship.
Photo Credit: @superjanella
Nadia Montenegro survived her house's flooding.
Nadia Montenegro made it to the news when she posted an emotional four-minute video of herself talking about how her home had been flooded during the onslaught of typhoon Ulysses; she lost most, if not all, of her belongings in her home's ground floor with the rest of her home sustaining major damage brought on by floodwater from a creek that overflowed. Making the video go viral, however, was how the actress and mom of eight maintained her optimism and hope all throughout the ordeal.
Photo Credit: @officialnadiam
Kim Chiu marked a vlogging milestone and made it to Forbes Asia.
Kim Chiu, though mainly an actress, has also made a name for herself as one of the country's most popular celebrities-turned-YouTube stars. She reached two million subscribers this year and soon after she hit the milestone, was recognized by Forbes Asia as one of its "100 Digital Stars," thanks to the positive impact she's made with her online presence. She also turned her viral "Bawal Lumabas" meme into a song and was picked up as a web series by Dreamscape Entertainment.
Photo Credit: @chinitaprincess
Arjo Atayde won Best Actor.
The Asian Academy Creative Awards recognized Arjo Atayde's performance in political thriller "Bagman" by giving him the Best Actor in a leading role award. He tearfully accepted the accolade awarded to him via a livestreamed ceremony in Singapore.
Photo Credit: @arjoatayde
Dimples Romana became a juror at an international awards ceremony.
The "Kadenang Ginto" star was invited by the Asian Academy Creative Awards to be a juror at its 2020 ceremony. In the year prior, the actress was also part of the ceremony, albeit as the National Winner for Best Actress in a supporting role. In December, her daughter, Callie Ahmee, also launched a proudly local business called Cal the Brand.
Photo Credit: @dimplesromana
John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo lit up the Internet with a "film."
John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo got their loyal fans stirred up when they livestreamed what looked like a genuine video call between them. All about reminiscing about the past and hinting at a possible comeback for the two, the conversation made a huge impact on social media. As it turned out, it was a scripted event; director Antoinette Jadone wished to show the public how stories can be told outside the realm of TV and film, especially in changing times like these.
Photo Credit: @dumpsitegallery
Sue Ramirez's film made it to Netflix global.
"Finding Agnes" stars Sue Ramirez as a Morocco-based Filipina who goes on a journey with a man hoping to get to know his mother. The film, now streaming on Netflix Philippines, is also available on Netflix global. It's Sue's first-ever film made available to a worldwide online audience.
Photo Credit: @sueannadoodles
The Gibbs' song made it to Korean shows.
Chi and Gabs Gibbs' musical collab "No Hearts" was featured on a Korean variety show "Good Girl" and MBC drama "Find Me in Your Memory," and they didn't even know how it got there! The creative sisters were just happy for their debut song to make it to international shores, something that encouraged them to make more music that even more audiences could appreciate. The two also performed at the first-ever Metro Best K-Drama Awards 2020 in December.
Photo Credit: @chiiloyzagagibbs
Daniel Padilla held an online concert.
Unable to stage any live shows this year, Daniel Padilla instead launched "Apollo: A Daniel Padilla Digital Experience." The online concert featured Daniel performing covers of songs alongside a few special guests in a paid, livestreamed event. The concert topped social media trends and was the only local musical event this year of its scale.
Photo Credit: Still taken from "Apollo: A Daniel Padilla Digital Experience"
Dani Barretto celebrated Millie's first birthday.
Dani Barretto became a first-time mom last year, and has since fully embraced motherhood for all its joys. She and her husband, Xavi Panlilio, celebrated their daughter Millie's first birthday in 2020.
Photo Credit: @danibarretto
Frankie Pangilinan starts the #HijaAko movement.
The daughter of Sharon Cuneta and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan shot back at TV host Ben Tulfo for making condescending remarks about rape victims. She inadvertently began the #HijaAko movement (Ben Tulfo referred to Frankie as "hija" in a move to belittle her opinions and her voice) which took social media by the storm as the Philippines' own take on 2018's #MeToo movement.
Photo Credit: @frankiepangilinan
Alessandra de Rossi trended on Netflix.
Alessandra de Rossi's 2018 romantic drama "Through Night and Day" with Paolo Contis was underappreciated when it first hit theaters, but it found a new audience in 2020 when it made its way to Netflix Philippines. Quarantine-bound viewers raved about the actress' performance, and the film even made it to the streaming platform's #1 spot of trending titles.
Photo Credit: @msderossi
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto made headlines for his relief efforts.
The young mayor trended several times this year because of the many COVID relief efforts he spearheaded in his city. Often working independently and without fanfare, Vico Sotto earned the popular vote among many Filipinos, but the ire of the national government more than once this year. The hashtag #ProtectVico even exploded on the Internet over the summer because of the NBI summoning the mayor for allegedly circumventing the Duterte administration's regulations on quarantine activities (nothing came of the summons).
Photo Credit: @vicosotto
Ito Curata passed away.
Fashion designer Ito Curata and his longtime partner, Robert Miller, both passed away from complications arising from COVID-19. They leave behind their adoptive and only son, Taj.
Photo Credit: @itocurata
JaDine broke up.
The Nadine Lustre-James Reid reel and real love team was no more come February of 2020. Nadine and James confirmed the news in January, however, still continue to work together as artists of Careless Music PH, a music label that James co-manages.
Photo Credit: @james
Sarah Lahbati kicked of 2020 with several bridal showers.
Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez have been together for a while, but only got engaged last year. Planning a wedding scheduled for March 2020, the then bride-to-be excitedly kicked off her 2020 with a series of beautiful bridal showers in the Philippines and abroad. She also wowed with a beach pre-nup shoot by celeb fave Pat Dy. Her actual wedding, however, needed to be postponed as quarantine was declared and no gatherings of any sort could happen.
Photo Credit: @sarahlahbati
Jane de Leon celebrated her 22nd birthday and signed an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN.
The actress celebrated her 22nd birthday in style with an intimate dinner styled by Gideon Hermosa. The actress still enjoyed her birthday bash despite having to celebrate under quarantine. The special occasion followed the news that Jane would no longer play Darna in a film as originally planned, but in a TV series (a piece of awesome news that she was made aware of on the day she was scheduled to sign an exclusive contract with the Kapamilya network).
Photo Credit: @imjanedeleon
Anne Curtis gave birth to Dahlia and interviewed Dua Lipa.
Anne Curtis gave birth to her and Erwan Heussaff's first child, daughter Dahlia Amelie; the news broke out in March. The family is currently based in Melbourne, Australia. While under quarantine, Anne also got the opportunity to interview British singer Dua Lipa; the actress was tapped by Warner Brothers Music to go on IG Live with the award-winning singer - of whom Anne is a massive fan - to talk about her online concert, Studio 2054. More so, Anne was also included by Forbes Asia in its list of "100 Digital Stars" for being a powerful social media presence and being the most followed celebrity on Instagram in the Philippines.
Photo Credit: @annecurtissmith
Ellen Adarna celebrated son Elias' 2nd birthday.
Mommy of one Ellen Adarna is a pro at keeping her family affairs private, but in 2020, she treated her followers to a rare glimpse into her life with her son, Elias. Her child with ex-boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz turned two, and on her IG Stories, she showed everyone the quiet, at-home party she threw for the toddler.
Photo Credit: @maria.ellen.adarna
Ylona Garcia turned 18 with flair.
The teenage singer turned 18 this year and made sure the milestone would happen in style. She started off with a 50s-themed pre-debut shoot in Subic, and for her actual party at Palazzo Verde in Las Piñas, kept in theme and even prepared a live performance for her guests.
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of NicePrint Photo
Heart Evangelista turned 35.
The certified fashion icon was in Baguio in February and able to enjoy her 35th birthday in a mountainside venue. She celebrated with her husband, Chiz Escudero, and a few of her closest friends.
Photo Credit: @aguilarjeck
Pepe and Pilar Sanchez Roxas turned 1.
Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez's twins, Pepe and Pilar, turned one this February. The tiny tots were thrown a huge party with a barnyard/farm theme.
Photo Credit: @korina
Pia Wurtzbach introduced her new beau.
Miss Universe 2015 let the public in on her new relationship this year. She's now seeing Jeremy Jauncey, a travel-focused entrepreneur. She also started a podcast with her fellow beauty queens Carla Lizardo and Bianca Guidotti called "Queentuhan." They've been tapped by Spotify for a new podcast to be launched this January.
Photo Credit: @piawurtzbach
Edu Manzano got his own online talk show.
Edu Manzano built his showbiz career on being an actor capable of shining in any genre, but in 2020, we saw him venture into unknown territory; he didn't just become a host, but a host to an online show! It was his first time to go digital with Metro Channel's "Good Vibes With Edu Manzano" where he interviewed guests of every kind to give listeners something to smile about in these challenging times.
Photo Credit: @realedumanzano
AC Bonifacio won a BLACKPINK international contest.
The K-pop-obsessed dancer joined BLACKPINK's "How You Like That" dance cover competition open to international contestants expecting very little. In the end, she won second place, and she was ecstatic!
Photo Credit: @acbonifacio
Tony Labrusca and JC Alcantara starred in "Hello Stranger."
"Hello Stranger" is Black Sheep PH's first "boy love" series, a.k.a. a series focusing on the queer love between two young men.
Photo Credit: @black_sheepph
We remembered Gina Lopez on her first death anniversary.
Gina Lopez was honored on her first death anniversary in August. Her family, supporters from the public, and even members from the communities she worked with offered tributes for her once more.
Photo Credit: @ginalopezlegacy
KathNiel released a song dedicated to Kapamilyas.
Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla dedicated the song "Tinig ng Nawalan" to ABS-CBN's employees affected not only by the pandemic, but by the company shutdown.
Photo Credit: @bernardokath
Ryza Cenon threw a home-based baby shower
This first-time mommy wanted to mark this special time in her life with a party, but she kept it between herself and her husband! Ryza Cenon enjoyed a home-based baby shower to welcome her first child.
Photo Credit: @iamryzacenon
Ivana Alawi reached 10 million YouTube subscribers.
The Kapamilya star was first a YouTube celeb before she joined the network officially. And this year, she reached a huge milestone; Ivana Alawi made it to 10 million subscribers on her YouTube channel, making her the most popular Filipino celeb on the platform.
Photo Credit: @ivanaalawi
Kathryn Bernardo is still the box office queen.
Two years after earning the title of leading lady in the country's most financially successfully movie of all time, Kathryn Bernardo has retained the title. "Hello, Love, Goodbye" remains unbeaten, and for her achievement, she landed a spot on Forbes Asia's "100 Digital Stars" list. You'll also find her on YouTube these days. She launched her own channel in January 2020.
Photo Credit: @bernardokath
Ian Veneracion was an LGBTQIA+ ally and model dad.
Ian's daughter Dids came out as lesbian in 2020 - to which he responded with a joke, saying that it was okay; he liked girls, too. The actor was praised for how open he was towards his daughter's major self-revelation and how he focused on assuring her of his unconditional love as a parent.
Photo Credit: @ianveneracion1
Liza Soberano crossed over to YouTube.
The TV and film actress was one of the latest Kapamilya stars to start her own YouTube channel this year! The channel has surpassed a million subscribers in less than a year since it was launched, and it mostly focuses on content that shows who and what Liza is off-duty from being an actress.
Photo Credit: @lizasoberano
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Charlie Dizon won the Best Actress award.
The Star Magic and Rise Artists Studio talent was a breakthrough actress, when she won the most coveted Best Actress in a Lead Role award at the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival for the Antoinette Jadaone-written and directed movie "Fan Girl" which she starred in with Paulo Avelino. Many celebrities congratulated her, including Iza Calzado and her good friend Nancy McDonie of Momoland.
Photo Credit: @charliedizon_
Lead photos from @beaalonzo @arjoatayde @chinitaprincess @sarahlahbati @rabiyamateo @iamsofiaandres
