The Barretto sisters
Gretchen and Claudine finally reconciled in February after years of estrangement. However emotions became uncontrolled when President Duterte tried to make Gretchen and Marjorie reconcile during the wake of their father Miguel. Marjorie was later featured in a tell-all interview on TV Patrol where, she talked about the supposed relationship of her niece and businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang. She also admitted to having been in a relationship with former Caloocan Mayor Recom Echeverri, who Marjorie said was the father of her youngest daughter.
Bea Alonzo, Gerald Anderson, and Julia Barretto
Bea Alonzo and Gerald Anderson broke up and fans accused Julia Barretto as a part of the issue. Gerald denied reports that he cheated on Bea. Bea said Gerald just stopped talking to her. Julia said Bea bullied her.
Kris Aquino and the Falcis brothers
Kris Aquino was engaged in court battle against her former business manager Nicko Falcis, who later filed a grave threat case against her. Kris’ legal team said that both camps have settled the issue amicably.
Angel Locsin’s big year
Angel took to social media and reminded Duterte appointee Jimmy Bondoc (when he said he was eagerly awaiting the demise of ABS-CBN), that thousands of jobs were at stake. Months later, Angel was recognized by Forbes as one of Asia’s 2019 Heroes of Philanthropy. She also skipped the ABS CBN Ball and made a donation straight to Bantay Bata, the beneficiary of the event. Angel also got engaged to boyfriend Neil Arce.
Catriona Gray’s year
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s impact continues to be felt in the pageant scene. Her Mayon gown and “lava walk” seems to have “inspired” other international candidates. Catriona also confirmed that she and longtime boyfriend Clint Bondad broke up. Catriona crowned South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi in December 2019.
The new “it girls (and boys)”
Sisters-in-law Solenn Heussaff and Anne Curtis announced that they were going to be moms. Solenn has given birth to a baby girl while Anne is set to give birth to a baby girl in a few months’ time.
Dani Barretto, who married boyfriend Xavi Panlilio early this year, gave birth to their daughter Camilla Marguerite in September. Mariel Rodriguez, welcomed her and Robin Padilla’s second daughter Gabriela; Chynna Ortaleza and Kean Cipriano welcomed son Salem; Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes welcomed Ziggy, Georgina Wilson gave birth to her second son, Alfred Thor; Divine Lee welcomed her second child Blanca; Saab Magalona and Jim Baccaro added Vito to their family; Andi Eigenmann modern family got bigger with daughter Lilo; David Semerad and Gwen Zamora welcomed Cooper; and first-time mommies blogger Kryz Uy and actress Max Collins.
Farewell to legends in Philippine cinema
Philippine showbiz also bid goodbye to several veteran stars, among them were Eddie Garcia, Amalia Fuentes, Tony Mabesa, Mona Lisa, Gary Lising, and rock icon Pepe Smith.
100 years of Philippine cinema
The celebration for 100 years of Philippine Cinema kicked off last September with the Sine Sandaan at the New Frontier Theater. Luminaries from on-screen and off-screen legends, as well as today’s new crop of stars were recognized for their contribution to the Philippine film industry. Star Cinema’s movie Hello, Love, Goodbye starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards became one of the top movies in 2019
Jane de Leon is the new Darna
In April, Liza Soberano announced she was backing out of the movie Darna because of a finger injury. The role was eventually given to newcomer Jane de Leon.
Jim Paredes and his viral “sex video”
In April, an alleged sex video of singer Jim Paredes leaked online. Jim, a vocal critic of the Duterte administration later confirmed that it was him. The issue led the former Apo Hiking Society member to lay low on social media.
Hookups, breakups, and engagements
Early December, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach confirmed that she and Marlon Stockinger broke up after almost 3 years together. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray confirmed that she and Clint Bondad are no longer together. Derek Ramsay also confirmed that he and longtime girlfriend Joanne Villablanca are no longer together. Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 and actress Winwyn Marquez said she had broken up with actor Mark Herras. Julie Ann San Jose confirmed in January that she and actor Benjamin Alves called it quits in 2018.
Others couples who broke up in 2019 include Sue Ramirez and Joao Constancia, Ryza Cenon and Cholo Barretto, Heaven Peralejo and Jimuel Pacquiao, and Joem Bascon and his non-showbiz partner Crisha Uy.
Meanwhile, Vice Ganda confirmed that he and Ion Perez, better known as Mr Escort on It’s Showtime, are together. Leading the engagement list was Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli. Dani Barretto and now husband Xavi Panlilio got engaged early this year and married in April. Before the birth of his second child, Geoff Eigenmann popped the question to his now-fiancée, singer Maya, in April. Angel Locsin got engaged to Neil Arce and Jinri Park to her non-showbiz boyfriend John, whom she wed in a special ceremony in Korea in December.
In November, Miss Universe Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters announced her engagement to Camarines Sur Governor Migz Villafuerte. Host Joyce Pring also shared that she and GMA 7 actor Juancho Trivino have been engaged since August.
Actress Sam Pinto also confirmed that she and boyfriend, basketball player Anthony Semerad, are set to tie the knot two years from now. On December 30, singers KZ Tandingan and Tj Monterde announced their engagement.
Wedding bells this year include Moira dela Torre and Jason Hernandez in January, Slater Young and blogger Kryz Uy (February), Sunshine Garcia and Alex Castro (March), Michelle Madrigal and Troy Woolfolk (April), beauty queen Jehza Huelar and basketball player PJ Simon (May) and KC Montero and Stephanie Dods (October) Vhong Navarro and Tanya Bautista (November) Dianne Medina and Rodjun Cruz and Valerie Concepcion and Francis Sunga.
