Year In Review: Shocking Showbiz Controversies And Heartbreaking Deaths In 2019 (Local)
As we say goodbye to 2019, we're taking a look back at the moss buzz-worthy, headline-making stories on celebrity controversies and deaths of some notable personalities in the local entertainment industry as well as in the fields of business and politics
If you're still talking about the Barretto family feud, broken up about Gina Lopez's passing, or the fact that Liza Soberano never got the chance to materialize her Darna potential, we don't blame you.
2019 was full of juicy tidbits about local personalities and celebrities' lives that were incredibly hard to ignore as well as sad news items on deaths. So, as the year comes to a close, we're doing a quick roundup of the most buzz worthy of news items that made headlines throughout the year.
Scroll through the gallery below:
Filipino year end news and controversies involving celebrities and society personalities
Filipino year end news and controversies involving celebrities and society personalities
The love triangle of Julia Barretto, Bea Alonzo, and Gerald Anderson
Julia and Bea were pit against each other when rumors about Gerald's infidelity surfaced. The controversy alleged that he was unfaithful to Bea during the time he shot his movie "Between Maybes" with Julia in Japan.
Photo Credit: @juliabarretto
Liza Soberano backs out of Darna
Is the superhero role really cursed? Liza, who was slated to breathe life into the Filipina superhero on the big screen, backed out of the role in April. She went on-camera to explain why and pointed to a finger injury that incurred several complications post-surgery that stopped her from pursuing the project. The role's rigorous training would have been too strenuous for her injury to heal without risk, she sadly explained. The role went to up-and-coming star Jane de Leon.
Photo Credit: @lizasoberano
Ellen Adarna and John Lloyd Cruz split up
According to reports, Ellen found John Lloyd "too weird" so they ended up breaking up. This year, they also celebrated their son's first birthday, Elias Modesto who was first seen in an Instagram post by Fr. Tito Caluag (on their way to the wedding of Vhong Navarro in Japan) then later on on the feed of Scarlet Snow Belo.
Photo Credit: ABS-CBN
Carlo Aquino and Angelica Panganiban are no longer friends
Ex-couple and "Exes Baggage" stars Carlo and Angelica had a falling out. She said in an interview that Carlo was "paasa." He now has a non-showbiz girlfriend.
Photo Credit: Seven Barretto for Metro.Style
Paulo Avelino reveals his struggle with his mental health
No one would have thought that the actor had brushes with self-harm and acted on his depressive thoughts until he chose to come out with his mental health journey in November. In a lengthy Instagram post, he talked about the need for understanding and support, and ended his message with a hopeful note. He encouraged those in need of mental health support to seek help, and gave out the contact information of mental health support lines available in the country.
Photo Credit: @pauavelino
Kris Aquino and Nicko Falcis settle their feud
The two made headlines when Kris filed complaints of qualified theft against Nicko in October 2018. A year later, the controversial saga ended with a fair settlement.
Photo Credit: @krisaquino
Gina Lopez succumbs to multiple organ failure
Philippines mourned over one of its modern day heroes the day Gina Lopez passed away. The eco-warrior and social advocate was in her sixties when she was passed away surrounded by her loved ones. Her projects, especially her show "G Diaries" which is now hosted by her brother Ernie, continue to be supported by all those who loved, respected, and believed in her.
Photo Credit: Metro Society
Eddie Garcia bids a final farewell
The legendary actor passed away at 90 years old in June. He did not recover from the injuries he sustained from a tragic fall.
Photo Credit: ABS-CBN News
Carlos Celdran's death shocks his followers
The lover of Philippine culture and history passed away in Spain due to cardiac arrest. His wife, Tesa, announced the news in October.
Miguel Alvir Barretto's death causes a family feud
It was sad enough that the Barretto patriarch, Miguel Alvir, passed away, but the ensuing family feud after his death was something he would have never predicted and wanted in his life.
Gretchen and Claudine vs. Marjorie
After the Barretto family's patriarch passed away, a massive scandal erupted at his wake and had far-reaching consequences: TV appearances by Marj Barretto and businessman Atong Ang, venomous back and forth Instagram posts by the Barretto sisters, and even a physical altercation or two that included more members of the Barretto clan.
Photo Credit: Private Conversations archive
Robinsons Group titan, John Gokongwei Jr., passes away
The bittersweet ending to this news is how his wife, Elizabeth, also passed away a day after he was buried. The titan of industry was seven years short of living a full century when he breathed his last.
Boy Abunda's Nanay Lesing passes away
It has been a tough holiday season for Tito Boy Abunda and his family as it will be the first one they spent without the family matriarch. Licerna Abunda, more fondly called Nanay Lesing, bid this life farewell in December.
Photo Credit: @makeyournanayproud
Miko Palanca dies at 41
The actor and younger brother of Bernard Palanca passed away unexpectedly. His family didn't give details on the cause of his death but he reportedly committed suicide.
Photo Credit: ABS-CBN News
Amalia Fuentes at 79
The veteran actress, who's considered an icon in Philippine cinema, died in October due to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
Photo Credit: ABS-CBN
Armida Siguion Reyna dies at 88
The veteran actress and singer succumbed to cancer in February.
Photo Credit: ABS-CBN
Tony Mabesa dies at 84
The cause of death of the veteran actor was reportedly cardiac arrest. He passed away in October.
Photo Credit: ABS-CBN
Pepe Smith dies at 71
The Filipino rock legend had a cardiac arrest that resulted to his death in January.
Photo Credit: Star Cinema
April Love Jordan dies at 31
The young beauty queen, Miss World Philippines 2012 titleholder, died of liver cancer in June.
Photo Credit: Binibining Pilipinas
Bentong dies at 55
The Filipino comedian died due to diabetes and health complications in February.
Photo Credit: ABS-CBN
Chokoleit dies at 46
The Filipino comedian succumbed to pulmonary edema and heart attack in March.
Photo Credit: Star Magic
Lucio "Bong" Tan Jr. passes away
We can only imagine how much pain Lucio Tan Sr. and his family had to endure when news of Bong passed away unexpectedly some time after falling unconscious during a basketball game. Bong was the president of PAL Holdings Inc. at the time of his death in November.
Photo Credit: ABS-CBN
Aquilino "Nene" Pimental dies at 85
The former Senate president passed away in October due to health complications.
Photo Credit: ABS-CBN
Henry Sy, Sr. dies at 94
One of the Philippines greatest taipans passed away six years short of living a full century. However, this is not to say that Henry Sy did not live a full life; his legacy as an entrepreneur that began his empire with the tiniest of efforts will remain embedded in the hearts and minds of all Filipinos for years to come.
Photo Credit: ABS-CBN
Photos from @lizasoberano @juliabarretto @pauavelino @robinsonsdepartmentstore @makeyournanayproud @geraldandersonjr @marjbarretto @smcitycebuofficial @titocaluag @scarletsnowbelo / @abs-cbnnews Twitter / Gina Lopez photo by Philip Sison / ABS-CBN, Star Magic, and Star Cinema archives
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