The year 2024 brought an unforgettable moments from celebrities and notable personalities who broke new ground, made headlines, and sparked conversations.
From historic victories and box-office success to shocking controversies and saddening deaths, the entertainment industry's most talked-about figures are taking their place in the spotlight.
Here's a recap of the trailblazers, icons, and even the surprising twists and intriguing turns that created a buzz in show business this year.
Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo made history after winning two gold medals in the 2024 Paris Olympics. As the Philippines celebrated his wins, rewards for the athlete poured in from the government and private companies, with incentives and gifts pledged for the gymnast as a sign of appreciation for bringing pride to the country.
Alden Richards and Kathyrn Bernardo made headlines after their movie, Hello, Love, Again, became the first Filipino film to surpass P1 billion in gross sales at the box office. It is also now the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time.
After being mired in breakup rumors, Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque officially confirmed their separation in a statement, saying they have “mutually decided to amicably end” their engagement. During Bea's guest appearance in Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, she revealed that she and Dominic tried to work it out but they both decided to call it quits eventually.
The whole Philippine entertainment industry mourned the death of seasoned artist Jaclyn Jose at the age of 60. The award-winning actress was found dead at her house in Quezon City last March due to a heart attack.
English singer Liam Payne's sudden death last October shocked the world. The member of the English-Irish pop band, One Direction, died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Veteran film producer Lily Monteverde, fondly known as Mother Lily, passed away last August at the age of 84. The movie mogul was the long-time matriarch of Regal Entertainment which produced several blockbuster movies, including the iconic Mano Po anthology.
Filipino crooner Sofronio made waves for being the first Filipino and Asian to win The Voice USA. A native of Misamis Occidental, Sofronio reportedly took home USD 100,000 or PhP 5.8 million, and a recording deal with Universal Music Group as his prize.
Pageant fans cheered for Chelsea Manalo, the Philippines' bet at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant held in Mexico. The Bulacan native was named as Miss Universe Asia and won Best National Costume in the annual prestigious beauty pageant. Chelsea may not have won the crown after finishing her Miss Universe 2024 journey in the Top 30, but she won the hearts of her Filipino fans for bringing pride to the country.
Global Icon Heart Evangelista surprised her fans and followers after revealing that she and her husband, Senate President Francis "Chiz" Esudero, were going to marry again. It was a momentous occasion for the couple as they renewed their wedding vows the same day and at the same place where they had their first nuptials.
Gerald Anderson earned the respect of his kababayans after bravingly waded into flood waters to rescue stranded families in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Quezon City, caused by heavy monsoon rains and Typhoon Carina.
Emman Atienza, Kuya Kim Atienza's daughter, became viral after posting a TikTok video showing her and her friends joking about the amount of their dinner bill, with their guesses ranging from PhP 100,000 to Php 150,000. Netizens have called out Emman for allegedly being unaware of her privilege as a "nepo baby" or a person with influence because of his/her family. In response to the hate, Emman clarified her side, stating the video was all just a joke between her friends, and the dinner was actually paid by her friend's agency.
Socialite-influencer Cat Arambulo released a public apology for her now-deleted viral video talking about wakeboarding in the flood during the Typhoon Carina. The social media personality said she sincerely apologizes for her "insensitivity," especially "during a time of crisis."
During the media conference of her reality series, Heart World, Heart Evangelista finally addressed the rumored rivalry between her and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. The Sparkle artist voiced once and for all her reaction to people pitting her against the beauty queen. "Woman to woman, I never had a problem with Pia," Heart began. "In fact, I was one of those who cheered for her in the past. And I like to think that it was the same for her. She was so sweet enough to even use and post the hashtag 'Heart Made Me Do It' and, at that time, I was so touched."
It is known that Heart's former makeup artist Justin Soriano and hairstylist Jeck Aguilar, with whom she had a massive falling out, are now with Pia.
The Kapuso star went on, "But, it's the people that she chose to surround herself with for specific reasons that makes this whole thing problematic."
Heart Evangelista then extended her congratulations to Pia Wurtzbach, but with a friendly reminder: "Congratulations! You have what you needed, I wish you nothing but the best and good luck. Sana, sana hindi mangyari sa'yo 'yung nangyari sa akin."
All-female group BINI is unarguably one of the most popular musical groups in the country today because of their chart-topping hits and sold-out concerts. The act, dubbed "Nation's Girl Group," is behind the hits "Salamin, Salamin," "Pantropiko," "Karera," and "Cherry On Top." Along with the P-pop boy band SB19, BINI received the Voices of Asia Award in Billboard Korea's Billboard K Power 100 launch event last August. In February 2025, the eight-piece group is set to stage their concert titled "Grand BINIverse: The Repeat" at the Philippine Arena. Bini will also embark on their first-ever world tour with stops in Singapore, Dubai, London, and the United States, among others.
Award-winning artist Michael V. isn't called "comedy genius" for nothing. This year, Bitoy showcased his talent as a musician with his viral parody hits like “Hilaw" (Maki's "Dilaw") and "Salarin, Salarin" (Bini's "Salamin, Salamin"). Just recently, he released another song titled "Sipilyo", a parody of SunKissed Lola's single, “Pasilyo.”