While the world appeared to come to a stop in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year unarguably is still packed with the most eventful incidents, and the most bizarre, novel, and eyebrow-raising moments we may have witnessed in our lifetime.
Just in our country, so much has been happening that we find ourselves praying that 2020 doesn't throw us plot twists after plot twists.
In January, even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the Philippines was jolted by the Taal volcanic eruption that took away the lives, properties, and dreams of our brothers and sisters residing in and around Batangas and Cavite.
By mid-March, relief efforts have been redirected to the sectors of our society who struggled with their livelihoods due to the start of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to prevent the further transmission of the coronavirus. It has been an uphill battle since, with people losing their jobs, getting stranded away from their loved ones, and the unfortunate ones succumbing to the dreaded disease.
As if a health crisis wasn't enough, we got hit and pounded by the force of nature. Super typhoon Rolly, which was the strongest typhoon since Yolanda, beat up our kababayans in the Bicol region, MIMAROPA and the Cordilleras. And while still taking baby steps to recovery, came typhoon Ulysses that inundated most parts of Metro Manila, Rizal, and Cagayan, reminiscent yet more damaging than typhoon Ondoy.
Who also would forget about the ostrich escape that happened in Quezon City? The strange incident had us clutching to the edge of our seats, trying to make sense as well as predict what this Jumanji of a year has yet to offer.
The world of entertainment was not exempted from the quirks and surprises of the year, having its fair share of wins and heartaches.
What are the biggest celebrity controversies that gave us a jerk and who made the loudest noise as this year's newsmakers? Find out in this gallery!
Willie Revillame has been every Filipino's companion during the quarantine. The 'Wowowin' host did not only trail-blaze the new normal of programming with the conception of 'Tutok To Win' while being stranded in Mindoro, but he extended his acts of love, service, and generosity beyond his TV show.
Willie took the lead in the relief efforts for the victims of the Taal volcano eruption, the starving jeepney drivers, as well as the victims of the recent typhoons so much so that he sold his luxury cars to make personal donations.
Comedian and 'TBATS' host Super Tekla experienced what could be the biggest controversy in his personal life when his live-in partner, Michelle Bana-ag, threw horrendous accusations at him.
The intimacies of their relationship became a public spectacle, resurfacing old issues and bringing people to question their characters and capacities to parent baby Angelo, their son who has also been in and out of the hospital due to a birth defect.
Despite hints of wedding bells ringing for the Kapuso couple, Andrea Torres and Derek Ramsay surprised everyone when their romance came to a quick end.
After being in a relationship for less than two years and talks about sharing the same house, Andrea and Derek have called it quits. The two stars, however, remained poised in their break up and expressed no ill will towards each other.
Weddings are supposed to be celebrated and showered with warmth and love, but the bliss of Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli's union was almost engulfed with contention and hostility. The couple got married in a secret civil ceremony, reportedly without the knowledge and consent of Sarah's mom. This incident also accused Matteo of punching a close-in security detail of his now wife for leaking their wedding details.
The year 2020 challenged showbiz's resiliency and ingenuity, and no one can quite rival Alden Richards's success in the new norm
Despite the challenges imposed by the quarantine, physical distancing, and heightening threat of the coronavirus, the Asia's Multimedia Star was able to celebrate his 10th anniversary in showbiz through the first-ever virtual reality concert in the country, 'Alden's Reality' which was sold out and had audiences around the globe.al.
The year witnessed several big names getting infected by the novel coronavirus, but no Pinoy celebrity has been more thought of than Michael V after revealing that he is COVID-19 positive. The Kapuso content creator and top-notch comedian, in fact, was named top 9 among the most-searched male personalities in the Philippines.
Michael V or Bitoy made headlines after testing positive for COVID-19. He documented his experience through his vlog as well as paid tribute to frontliners through his artworks and social media posts.
Vico Sotto clinched to his celebrity status not just for being the son of Vic Sotto and Coney Reyes, but more so for his leadership that felt like a breath of fresh air in virus-stricken country. The Pasig City mayor constantly trended on social media and earned praises for his admirable acts of governance and public service.
Vico was not only quick to respond and adjust to the demands of the health crisis, he accomplished milestones in the city, including the regularization of the 53 government city employees.
The new normal may have closed old channels for some but it has definitely brought in new opportunities for others. This is true for Paolo Contis who may have experienced a second wind in his career for his commendable performance in the movie 'Through Night and Day.'
Paolo has become the talk of the town for his moving portrayal of Ben opposite Alessandra de Rossi's Jen. The film also made him more popular, earning him new breeds of fans and followers giving him the title of a “Pandemic Superstar.”
The year 2020 didn't lead everyone downhill and proof to this is Sanya Lopez who experienced a career high despite the pandemic. The Kapuso actress earned her first title role for the upcoming Kapuso romantic-comedy series, 'First Yaya.'
Sanya was named as GMA Network's top choice in breathing life into Yaya Melody opposite the character of Gabby Concepcion.
The year 2020 was also a year of heartbreaks as shippers of Buboy Villar and Angillyn Gorens learned about the young couple's split.
Buboy and Angillyn became a couple in 2016. They got engaged and were blessed with two kids. However, the couple confirmed in October that they have parted ways but they agreed on a co-parenting setup.