Yearend Special: Top trending showbiz stories of 2024

YEAREND SPECIAL: Here are some of the showbiz newsmakers of 2024. (Image: INQUIRER.net/Lance Uy)

Spectators can attest to the roller-coaster ride the Philippine showbiz scene was in this year. From dating speculations, public outbursts, controversial takes, and criminal cases, to confirmation of over-a-decade-long rumors—name it, each has an entry. 

As we close this chapter, let’s have a recap of not just the 2024 showbiz “kalats,” but also other stories that stirred buzz and earned the most page views on INQUIRER.net over the past 12 months. 

READ: Yearend Special: Philippine showbiz’s messiest moments in 2024

Daniel Padilla, Karla Estrada’s family home for sale

Daniel Padilla and Karla Estrada. Image: Instagram/@karlaestrada1121,

The two-story family home of Karla Estrada and her son Daniel Padilla in Quezon City was put up for sale with an asking price of P50 million. 

As the sale of the house came in the wake of the actor’s breakup with Kathryn Bernardo in November 2023 and just after he sold one of his luxury sports cars, it was hounded by rumors, with some curious netizens speculating if the family was having financial problems. 

Months later in June, Estrada announced that their house was no longer on the market. She also clarified at the time that the property had been for sale for three years. 

“Kasama ba sa requirements ng mga broker ang sabihin ang dahilan ‘pag nagpapabenta ng properties namin? Kailangan naghihirap na sa buhay agad kaya nagbebenta ng ari-arian? Medyo malayo ata sa katotohanan yun kasi masisipag kami sa buhay,” the celebrity mom stressed. 

(Is it part of the broker’s requirements to disclose the reason why a property was put up for sale? Does selling a property automatically mean that we’re having financial problems? That seems impossible because we are hardworking.)

Korean celebs hit for mocking Filipinos 

(From left) Kim Ji-young and Tzuyang. Image: Screengrab from YouTube/Tzuyang

South Korean vlogger Tzuyang and comedian Kim Ji-young drew criticism in February after they were accused of mocking Filipinos’ accents and their ways of living.

In a mukbang vlog, Kim portrayed a Filipino character who flew to South Korea to marry a Korean man after “fantasizing” about them in K-dramas. An amused Tzuyang, in turn, asked Kim how she could “mimic a Filipino accent” so well.

Netizens pointed out that the video was a “disrespectful way of Pinoy-baiting,” with others further noting that celebrities were “stereotyping” Filipinos.

Tzuyang then issued an apology, underscoring that she respects the Philippines and the Filipinos. She also stressed that she was unaware that her video would be “offensive” to other viewers.

Miss Universe Anne Jakrajutatip’s leaked video

Anne Jakrajutatip. Image: Instagram/@annejkn.official

Miss Universe Organization (MUO) part-owner Anne Jakrajutatip was on the receiving end of criticism after a video of herself and other MUO executives at what appeared to be a business meeting was uploaded on social media. In that video, she could be heard as saying the pageant’s efforts to promote inclusivity are merely a “communication strategy.”

“Now that we changed the age limit, they can compete and come back again. This is a [communication strategy] because you understand that they can compete but they cannot win,” Jakrajutatip was heard saying in the clip.

She further stated that efforts to promote “social inclusion” were merely a “policy out there” to make aspirants believe they were “part” of the pageant.

Jakrajutatip then addressed the matter and claimed that the video was “manipulated” to jeopardize her reputation.

“The [maliciously] edited video was out of context and used to manipulate other people, which led to public confusion, misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and wrong conclusion. I hope the world [will] not go round by this nonsense soap opera alike,” she said.

Kris Aquino reveals new BF, returns to PH

Kris Aquino. Image: Instagram/@darla

Kris Aquino, who has been diagnosed with six autoimmune diseases, revealed her then-blooming relationship with her new boyfriend who is a doctor based in the Philippines.

As she opened up about her new beau, she clarified that there was no overlap between her current boyfriend—who is speculated to be a certain “Dr. Mike—and her previous one, Batangas Vice Gov. Mark Leviste.

“It just flowed. He’s a doctor and I think that’s part of the reason why it was easy, kasi alam niya kung ano ‘yung pinagdadaanan ko (because he knows what I’m going through,” she said of her new inspiration, whom she did not name.

Aquino returned to the Philippines in September after over two years of staying in the US for her medical treatments. She revealed that she had to be in isolation due to her worsening condition, noting that her immune system is seemingly getting weaker.

Despite this, Aquino previously announced that she is set to launch a new show before the year ends.

Willie Revillame dismayed by ‘Wil to Win’ staff 

Willie Revillame. Image: screengrab from YouTube/Wil To Win

Just days after the launch of his new variety show “Wil to Win” in July, Willie Revillame reprimanded the staff of the program on-air, lamenting how he apparently has to assist most of them in doing their jobs.

The TV host’s scolding was due to “lapses” during the live show, which included the disc jockey making a mistake during the opening segment; the floor director walking in front of the camera; and the production staff not immediately providing the proper materials for a segment.

“Maawa kayo sa akin. Nahihirapan na ako sa show na ‘to. Ako lahat,” he stated. “Tapos ako ang naba-bash ‘pag nagagalit ako sa ere.”

(Have pity on me. I’m already having a hard time running this show. I do everything. Then I’ll get bashed when I get annoyed while on air.)

A month later, Revillame made headlines again after he took back a player’s chance to win a cash prize after he learned that the latter is an avid fan of the show’s competitor, “Family Feud.”

Sandro Muhlach’s legal battle vs alleged abusers

Sandro Muhlach. Screengrab from the Senate

Sandro Muhlach, the eldest son of former child star Niño Muhlach, submitted in August a formal complaint to the management of GMA Network against its independent “contractors,” Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz, whom the young actor accused of sexual abuse. 

Sandro also filed a complaint before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), then later filed a criminal complaint of rape through sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in August. 

During the hearings conducted by the Senate committee on public information and mass media, Sandro narrated how he was allegedly molested and taught to use illegal drugs by Nones and Cruz after the GMA Gala last July 20.

Nones and Cruz’s camp filed a counter-affidavit, denying the allegations made by Sandro. In October, the DOJ filed criminal cases against the independent contractors.

Jojo Nones (right) and Richard Cruz deny Sandro Muhlach’s allegations against them in a previous hearing. —RICHARD A. REYES

“Napakadaming masasakit na salita ang sinabi tungkol sa akin, at pinipilit na ako pa raw ang nagsisinungaling dahil wala akong ebidensya,” Sandro said. “Finally, our justice system has acknowledged the truth.”

(A lot of hurtful words about me have been said, and some were even insisting that I was lying because I didn’t have evidence. Finally, our justice system has acknowledged the truth.)

Aside from Muhlach, other celebrities also came forward to speak against sexual predators populating the Philippine entertainment industry. Among them were singers Gerald Santos and Enzo Almario, who allegedly experienced sexual abuse at the hands of GMA musical director Danny Tan.

Nadia Montenegro confirms child with Baron Geisler

Nadia Montenegro, Sophia and Baron Geisler. Image: Instagram/@officialnadiam, @baron.geisler

Nadia Montenegro revealed that it was actor Baron Geisler and not her late husband, former Caloocan Mayor Macario “Boy” Asistio Jr., who is the biological father of her youngest daughter Sophia, putting an end to the longstanding showbiz “open secret.”

Montenegro first opened up about the biological dad of her youngest daughter Sophia in June, although the actress didn’t immediately name who he is. She, however, alluded to Geisler at the time and his prior revelation of having another child besides his daughter with his wife Jamie Evangelista.

When asked weeks later about his reaction to Montenegro’s statement, Geisler said he had no idea why the latter had to speak about such matters publicly. Nonetheless, the actor underscored he was happy because Sophia greeted his wife Jamie Evangelista on her birthday.

Days after this, Montenegro had an interview on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” where she confirmed Geisler as Sophia’s dad.

“This is my mistake. Kung nagkamali man ako (If I committed a mistake), I don’t want to even call it a mistake,” the actress said. “Sophia is one of the most beautiful girls you can ever meet—not just [her face] but also her heart. This child has been through so much that she does not deserve.”

In December, Sophia shared that she is now on speaking terms with her estranged father, although she remained firm with her decision not to take the latter’s surname and keep the surname of Montenegro’s late husband, Macario “Boy” Asistio Jr.

Arnel Pineda offers to quit Journey after Brazil performance

Arnel Pineda. Image: Facebook/Arnel Pineda

Arnel Pineda, the lead vocalist of the American band Journey, offered to leave the band for good after he was criticized for struggling to reach the high notes of the band’s hit song “Don’t Stop Believin” at a music festival in Brazil in September.

Pineda initiated a voting poll for fans to decide if he would “go” or “stay” in the band, with the singer noting that he would be “stepping out for good” if the “go” vote reached 1 million.

Pineda’s bandmate then came to his defense, saying that the lead vocalist was “not going anywhere.” The singer then underscored that the band is “good as one” and that the recent incident was just part of his “spiritual journey.”

“Firstly, I want to apologize for the inconvenience I have caused all of Journey’s faithful fans out there,” he said. “I didn’t do it for some selfish reason, nor to feed me with such a gratifying feeling.”

While he lamented how some “exploited” him for ill intentions, he expressed his gratitude to the people who defended him and extended kindness.

Miss Grand Myanmar in distress after winner announcement

Miss Grand International 2024 second runner-up Thae Su Nyeim from Myanmar and Miss Grand Myanmar national director Htoo Ant Lwin removing the crown and sash from her after the competition. Image: screengrab from YouTube/GrandTV; Facebook/Missosology

Miss Grand International 2024 second runner-up Thae Su Nyeim from Myanmar and Myanmar national director Htoo Ant Lwin made headlines in October after the two of them had an outburst after the coronation of the winners.

Thae was standing on a platform on the stage when her team escorted her down and carried her. Htoo then snatched the crown from Thae’s head and stripped away her sash while she was being carried by one of their team members.

Htoo then went live on his page and apparently talked about the results that were supposedly unfair toward Thae. He further made several allegations against the Miss Grand International organization and declared that Myanmar would no longer join the said pageant.

Days later, Thae returned her second runner-up crown, explaining that her decision was due to her country “not getting what [it] deserves.”

Following this, the Miss Grand International organization imposed a “lifetime ban” on Htoo for “lack of sportsmanship and business credibility.” Htoo then seemingly hinted at proceeding to his “Plan B,” which is to send a delegate to Miss Cosmo.

Film director Jason Paul Laxamana on ‘PAR’

Jason Paul Laxamana. Image: Instagram/@jplaxamana

In October, Jason Paul Laxamana voiced his opinion on how news reports about typhoons entering the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) only cause “confusion and panic to regular people.”

“Hot take: a typhoon entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility shouldn’t be announced as news, [because] it causes confusion/panic to regular people who assume that PAR = landfall. Pang-meteorologist lang dapat ang info na iyon (That information should only be used among meteorologists),” Laxamana argued.

“PAR is a technical term which is meant for scientists, not the common tao,” the director stated.

This drew mixed reactions, with most netizens stressing that instead of limiting weather reports—as Laxamana suggested—education should be promoted for the “confusion” to be addressed.

After his take became a subject of discussion among netizens, Laxamana asserted that he is standing by his statement.

The film director also addressed those who would “prefer to be tense over weather reports when it has no direct effect yet to the country.”

“…God bless sa inyo. Mag-sad react lang kayo nang mag-sad react every time may balita na ‘nakapasok na ng PAR,’” he wrote. (God bless you all. Just use the sad reaction every time [a typhoon] is reported to have entered PAR.)

Neri Naig’s arrest for estafa, securities violations

Neri Naig. Image: Instagram/@mrsnerimiranda

Neri Naig was arrested last Nov. 23 and detained at the Pasay City Jail female dormitory for charges of estafa, which stemmed from her prior endorsement of Dermacare, the dermatological company involved. 

The actress-entrepreneur was also accused of violating the Securities Regulation Code, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) saying that Naig supposedly “enticed investments” into the company without having the license to do so.

Naig’s husband, Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda, came to her defense and stressed that Naig was only an endorser of the company and that she was just used to persuade investors.

Her legal counsel also stated that Naig “was not informed of the charges” prior to her arrest.

Naig was released from Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) custody last Dec. 4. The order release of Naig was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 112 in Pasay City after her motion to quash was partially granted.

Aside from Naig, her fellow endorser, Rufa Mae Quinto was also accused of securities violation.

Filipino singer Sofronio Vasquez wins ‘The Voice’ US

Sofronio Vasquez. Image: screengrab from Facebook/The Voice

“Tawag ng Tanghalan” alum Sofronio Vasquez emerged as “The Voice” United States Season 26 winner, becoming the first-ever Filipino to have won the competition.

Vasquez, who was under Team Michael Bublé, bested the four finalists at the two-night finale with his rendition of Sia’s “Unstoppable,” “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman,” and a duet performance of “Who’s Lovin’ You” by The Jackson 5 with Bublé.

“Proud po ako na nagsimula ako sa ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan,’ kasi ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ at ‘It’s Showtime’ ang unang nagtiwala sa akin,” he stated in an interview in the noontime show.

(I am proud that I started in “Tawag ng Tanghalan” because this and “It’s Showtime” were the first ones to believe in me.)

Vasquez, who is based in New York, first joined “Tawag ng Tanghalan” in 2016 but fell short of qualifying to be a finalist. He then competed again in 2017 and reached the semifinals.

Vasquez joined the competition for the third time in 2019 as one of the “TNT All-Star Grand Resbak” contestants and finished as a grand finalist.