Stars, scandals and other showbiz spectacles that defined 2025
Editor’s Note: This is the fifth installment of the Entertainment channel’s Yearend report for 2025, highlighting the most controversial showbiz issues and headlines that obtained the highest readership.
The spotlight never sleeps in the entertainment scene, and this year—with all the wins, controversies, revelations, goodbyes, feuds, and many more moments that hit the headlines—was just another testament to this.
As we are closing this year and welcoming 2026, let’s have a look-back at the notable entertainment stories that kept the audiences scrolling and have defined the year that was.
READ: Miss Universe 2025: Walkouts, warrants, and a downward spiral
Vic Sotto’s cyberlibel case vs Darryl Yap over ‘Pepsi Paloma’ movie
Darryl Yap once again figured in a controversy after his “Pepsi Paloma” movie drew a cyberlibel complaint from veteran TV host Vic Sotto. The lawsuit stemmed from the film’s trailer which made a mention of his name as an alleged rapists of the late 1980s sexy star.
The court partially granted Sotto’s petition for the issuance of the writ of habeas data against the director, which has prevented Yap from disclosing any personal information to be used as part of the movie or any of its promotional materials in any platform. The filmmaker, nonetheless, was allowed to proceed with production and release of the movie.
However, the February playdate of the movie was cancelled after Yap failed to complete the documents required for submission to the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), which is chaired by Sotto’s niece Diorella “Lala” Sotto.
Andi Eigenmann and Philmar Alipayo’s dispute
Andi Eigenmann and her partner Philmar Alipayo sparked breakup rumors in February after the couple unfollowed each other on Instagram. Eigenmann also released a series of cryptic posts at the time which alluded to betrayal and a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
The celebrity mom later hinted that her dispute with Alipayo stemmed from the latter getting a “couple tattoo” with his friend Pernilla Sjoo without informing Eigenmann. Eigenmann nonetheless said Alipayo did not cheat on her and that it was Sjoo who “betrayed” her and supposedly “encouraged” the celebrity surfer to break up with the actress every time they had a fight.
The couple eventually patched it up and even got inked together. “Eventually, it will be quiet again. All for the family,” Eigenmann said.
Barbie Hsu’s death
Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, best known for her leading role as Shan Cai in the hit 2001 TV drama “Meteor Garden,” has died at 48 from pneumonia caused by influenza complications. Hsu’s demise came after she fell ill while on a family trip in Japan.
Tributes poured in following her death, with her Meteor Garden co-stars Jerry Yan, Ken Chu and Rainie Yang expressing grief and admiration for the late actress. Her remains arrived in Taipei from Japan days after she died. Her family chose to honor her privacy and had no formal public funeral for her, only encouraging fans to “keep her in mind” if they wished to remember her.
Anne Curtis’ viral Siquijor trip
Anne Curtis captivated onlookers during her Siquijor trip back in March, even starting the “fairy walk” trend at the Cambugahay Falls.
Amid the viral Siquijor videos of the “It’s Showtime” host, vlogger couple Shaun Pelayo and Crissa Liaging (also known as Habibi) spoke about how the local government supposedly did not acknowledge their efforts in promoting the province. While they made no mention of any names, netizens surmised that the pair were alluding to Curtis’ Siquijor content.
Dennis Padilla attends daughter Claudia Barretto’s wedding
Claudia Barretto’s wedding to her longtime boyfriend Basti Lorenzo in April was supposed to be a happy affair but was marred with family drama after her dad, actor Dennis Padilla, aired his criticism against his kids for allegedly treating him like a “visitor” during the occasion. The family dispute escalated when Dennis’ brother Gene chimed in and claimed the Barretto kids—Claudia, Julia and Leon— disrespected their dad.
The feud prompted Dennis to declare that he was cutting ties with his children with Marjorie Barretto. In response, Marjorie defended her children, saying they were being unfairly put in the spotlight and accusing Dennis of intentionally making it seem that she forced Claudia, Julia, and Leon to distance themselves from him. Marjorie also said at the time that the actor was “physically abusive” toward her during their marriage, and that their children witnessed that. Dennis did not immediately respond to these allegations.
Baptism photos of Erich Gonzales’ alleged child
Amid her hiatus from showbiz, Erich Gonzales made headlines in April after a photo from the 2023 baptism of a child believed to be the actress’ son surfaced on social media. The photo was shared by the priest who baptized Gonzales and her husband Mateo Lorenzo’s supposed child.
As of this writing, Gonzales has still yet to confirm or deny this.
Nora Aunor’s death
“Superstar” Nora Aunor, a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, died on April 16, 2025, at the age 71, after suffering acute respiratory failure following an angioplasty procedure. Her death was mourned by her fans, fellow artists, and even by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who noted how “her genius was a gift to the Filipino nation.”
Her wake was marked with tears and tributes from peers including Maricel Soriano and Tirso Cruz III. Visitors also included Aunor’s former husband and the father of her five children, veteran actor Christopher de Leon. Aunor’s remains were laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 22.
READ: In Memoriam: Honoring the stars we lost in 2025
Ivana Alawi and Albee Benitez
Ivana Alawi became controversial in May after her name was mentioned in a Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) complaint filed by Dominique “Nikki” Lopez-Benitez, Albee Benitez’s estranged wife, against him.
In the complaint, Lopez-Benitez claimed emotional and psychological abuse tied to his infidelity, naming Alawi as an alleged third party in the dispute. Her husband, however, dismissed the allegations as “baseless and retaliatory.”
While Alawi did not directly speak up on the matter, the actress-content creator shared a lie detector challenge video on her YouTube channel where she asserted that she is not a homewrecker.
“Hindi ako pinalaking manira ng pamilya. I respect family kasi kami nga broken family,” she said. “Ano ’to, tapos maninira ako ng family?”
Coldplay’s kiss cam
Coldplay’s Massachusetts show back in July made headlines after it accidentaly exposed an apparent “affair” between tech company Astronomer’s then-CEO Andy Byron and HR executive Kristin Cabot. Byron and Cabot—who were both married but were later reported to be in the process of separation from their partners—were in an embrace then quickly hid when they were featured in the show’s kiss cam.
The incident went viral on social media, prompting the resignation of the two from the tech company. Months later, Cabot filed for divorce from her husband.
In December, Cabot spoke up on the matter for the first time, lamenting how it negatively impacted her and her children’s lives. She admitted it was a “bad decision” on her part, although she clarified that her and Byron’s concert moment was supposedly the first time they showed affection toward each other.
“I took accountability and I gave up my career for that. That’s the price I chose to pay,” she said, also lamenting how her kids have been “reluctant” to be seen with her in public.
Liza Soberano’s tell-all
Liza Soberano opened up about her “origin story” in a personal interview on the “Can I Come In?” podcast-documentary, revealing the abuse she suffered at the hands of her foster parent while still living in the United States.
Soberano recalled her living setup with Melissa, her foster parent who treated her as the “family dog” and even forced her to clean their pet’s poop on the carpet using her tongue.
During the interview, the actress also revealed her mother’s past crystal meth addiction and how her father “demanded” so much from her despite being an absent parent. She also confirmed at the time her breakup with her longtime boyfriend, actor Enrique Gil.
Kris Aquino on death rumors, ‘more aggressive treatments’
Kris Aquino has been in and out of the hospital this year as she had to undergo several surgical procedures along with a more aggressive treatment. But the Queen of All Media has powered through, even breaking her isolation and attending Michael Leyva’s birthday event where she mingled with First Lady Liza Marcos.
Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto’s breakup
Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto officially confirmed the end of their relationship in September, putting to rest weeks of speculation among fans. In a statement shared on social media by their talent management agencies, the actors “mutually decided” to go their separate ways over an undisclosed reason.
However, the split sparked conversations online amid rumors linking the actor to volleyball player Vanie Gandler. Adding fuel to the fire was Julia’s aunt, Claudin Barretto, who threw a shade at Gandler.
Gerald denied the third party rumors, although he admitted he was at fault. He, however, did not expound on what caused the breakup.
Days following the announcement, Gerald was seen visiting the wake of Julia’s uncle, Uncle Mito. In an interview months later, Gerald spoke about his personal journey and said he hopes to improve as a person now that he’s single.
READ: 2025: When celebrity couples hit ‘unfollow,’ and other breakup stories
Celebrities vs corruption
Celebrities were among the Filipinos whose outrage toward corruption tied to flood control projects prompted them to run to the streets during the September and November rallies. Actors including Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Sarah Geronimo, Dingdong Dantes, Piolo Pascual, and beauty queen Catriona Gray spoke up as taxpayers and citizens and demanded accountability from those who steal public funds, causing Filipinos to suffer.
Many other celebrities who chose not to stay on the sidelines were Angel Locsin, Regine Velasquez, Andrea Brillantes, Carla Abellana, Iza Calzado, Jodi Sta. Maria, Carmi Martin, Elijah Canlas, and Bianca Gonzalez.
READ: 2025 Recap: Celebrities who took a stand against corruption
Death of Kim Atienza’s daughter Emman
Emmanuelle “Emman” Atienza, the 19-year-old daughter of TV host Kim Atienza, died at their Los Angeles home in late October 2025. Before her death, Emman, who had been vocal about her mental health journey, had publicly shared her struggles with depression and bipolar disorder.
“I’d like to think that my daughter Emman did not die in vain,” Kim said in an interview after Emman’s death. “Noong namatay si Emman, kasi we know that Emman is sick and she had a few attempts in the past, and my prayer to the Lord was for this to not happen, for Emman to be safe, for Emman to be happy, for Emman to heal, yet this happened.”
Nepo babies and their lavish lifestyles; Slater Young’s Monterrazas project in Cebu
After the country was hit by several strong typhoons that caused massive flooding in different provinces, the public erupted in rage and criticized the alleged anomalous multimillion-peso flood control projects.
The investigation over the matter then started, with names of contractors and politicians allegedly involved in corruption coming to the surface. Making headlined along with these names are their family members, especially their children—branded as “nepo babies”—who have been flaunting their lavish lifestyles on social media.
Among the names that came up on social media were Claudine Co, daughter of former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Christopher Co and neice of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co; and Gela Alonte, the daughter of incumbenr Biñan City mayor Angelo “Gel” Belizario Alonte.
Meanwhile, amid the flooding in Cebu in Novemeber, netizens questioned Slater Young’s hillside development on the island, The Rise at Monterrazas, for its possible contribution to the deadly and massive flooding on some parts of the province.
While Young had defended the project in the past—saying it underwent more than 300 design revisions to “ensure environmental safety and structural stability”—the “Pinoy Big Brother” alum has remained mum amid the recent backlash.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) then launched a joint investigation into the project, then later filed a criminal case against the company behind it, citing alleged violations of the Revised Forestry Code.
Heart Evangelista accused of being ‘nepo wife’
Heart Evangelista was also branded by some as a “nepo wife” after her husband, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, was also linked to the flood control corruption.
Add to this the claims that Escudero’s birthday gift of a Paraíba ring may have been tainted with corruption due to its estimated value in the world market vis-a-vis his declared wealth. The camp of Escudero has denied the allegations.
Evangelista seemed to address the nepo wife claims in a video she posted on her socials. “When you start coming for my professional integrity, I crumble into pieces because… I have been working since I was 13 years old. That’s 27 years of working non-stop,” she said, turning emotional. “Pinagtrabahuhan ko ‘yung meron ako, e,” she said, lamenting how her work as an “independent woman” is apparently being diminished just because she is a “mere political wife.”
The fashion influencer also explained her absence from anti-corruption protests, saying she skipped the events as some netizens apparently threatened to strip her at the rallies.
Maine Mendoza defends husband Arjo Atayde
Maine Mendoza spoke in defense of her husband, actor-turned-politician Arjo Atayde, after he was named among the politicians who allegedly solicited money in relation to the alleged anomalies in the flood control projects.
The TV host-actress said the claims were “baseless allegations” as he maintained that Atayde did not do anything wrong. Mendoza also asserted that “not a single part of [their] life has been built on taxpayers’ money.”
“If Arjo ever did anything dishonest, if he were truly guilty, I certainly wouldn’t defend him and cover for him. Accuse him of other things if you wish, but not of stealing from people—that is one line he has never crossed, and never will,” she said.
“Legal actions will be taken, and Arjo will clear his name by proving his innocence,” she added.
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ global dominance
The animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” became the most popular Netflix film, with its original track “Golden” also dominating music charts.
It was recently recognized by TIME Magazine as the 2025 Breakthrough of the Year, joining the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and A’Ja Wilson who were also honored by the publication.
Prior to this recognition, the film bagged nominations at the Grammy Awards in the Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Song Written for Visual Media, Best Remixed Recording (David Guetta remix), and Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media categories.
It also earned nominations for the Best Motion Picture – Animated, Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, and Best Original Song – Motion Picture at the Golden Globe Awards.
AJ Raval reveals children with Aljur Abrenica
AJ Raval confirmed that she and actor Aljur Abrenica are parents to three children, finally addressing long-running rumors hounding their relationship. The actress further revealed that aside from their kids, she has two older children—Aryana and Aaron, who is “already an angel.”
Raval explained that the choice to keep their kids out of the spotlight was intentional, citing her belief in the “evil eye.”
While the revelation surprised many fans, Kylie Padilla, Abrenica’s estranged wife, said she “already knew for a long time” about the pair’s children but that they chose to prioritize the kids’ welfare.
“I know that was the right thing for her to do… I hope we all find peace and that we also give AJ some empathy,” Padilla said.
Aljur, for his part, has expressed relief now that their family’s situation is out in the open.
Ellen Adarna and Derek Ramsay’s separation
What started as a seemingly quiet tension between Ellen Adarna and Derek Ramsay spilled fully into the public eye, after the actress confirmed their separation with screenshots and recordings of the latter’s alleged infidelity. She also accused him of gaslighting her, cursing at her, and even “terrorizing” her helpers.
Adarna moved out of Ramsay’s house and settled into her new home with her kids Elias—whom she shares with John Lloyd Cruz— and Liana—Ramsay’s daughter.
Meanwhile, Ramsay has been mum on the matter, only sharing an emotional message on his 49th birthday.
“Just imagine if God takes away someone that you never thought you could lose… imagine what He can give you,” he said.
Fatima Bosch and the Miss Universe org
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant’s crowning of Mexico’s Fátima Bosch in November drew accusations that the competition was rigged, with resigned judge, French-Lebanese musician Omar Harfouch, calling her a “fake winner.”
Harfouch further claimed that Miss Universe Organization (MUO) president Raul Rocha urged him to vote for Bosch because her win would be “good for our business.” This was denied by the pageant organization.
Amid criticisms and calls for her to resign, Bosch declared she will not give up the crown. However, the beauty queen raised eyebrows anew after she recently walked out of an interview where she was asked about the controversies surrounding the international tilt.
Aside from condemnation from some pageant fans, Bosch also faces a criminal complaint filed against her by Miss Universe Thailand head and Miss Grand International (MGI) president Nawat Itsaragrisil over the beauty queen’s alleged “repeated defamatory statements” against him.
Meanwhile, Rocha found himself in a separate intense legal scrutiny in Mexico after he was charged for alleged trafficking of drugs, firearms and fuel. Federal authorities have frozen the businessman-pageant executive’s bank accounts amid the probe, while a warrant was released for his arrest.
The MUO also announced that it has withdrawn its administrative operations in Mexico and has moved back to the corporate headquarters in New York City.
Kim Chiu’s criminal case vs sister Lakam Chiu
Kim Chiu filed a qualified theft complaint against her older sister, Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu, citing “serious financial discrepancies” discovered within the actress’ business operations.
“This decision did not come easily. It is one of the most painful steps I have ever taken in my life,” Kim said of the legal action she has taken.
Kim further noted that she took legal action “to protect not just [her] company, but also the livelihoods of the people who work with [her].”
Zsa Zsa Padilla returns Aliw Awards trophy
Veteran singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla aired her dismay toward the organization of Aliw Awards, saying she was “left feeling small” as she was not given the opportunity to say her acceptance speech after receiving her Lifetime Achievement Award.
Padilla then announced that she would returned her trophy, hoping the gesture would be an opportunity for the organization “to learn how to honor [their] recipients with the respect they deserve.”
Aliw Awards president Alice Reyes has already apologized to the singer, while explaining that such happened as they have been trying to shorten the awarding ceremony. Reyes added that they thought giving the honorees their brief time onstage would suffice./edv
