From 'What haffen Vela' to nepo babies: Here are viral moments that caught our attention in 2025
And just like that, 2025 is almost over.
It has been a year filled with viral moments that quickly became part of everyday conversation—from yelling "OA," to singing along to "Multo," and, of course, the flood control scandal.
Here are the viral moments from 2025 we will never forget.
'Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition'
PBB Collab 1.0 gave birth to plenty of viral moments online. The long-time reality show got a fresh twist after it featured both Kapuso and Kapamilya artists inside Bahay ni Kuya for the first time.
One of the most trending moments inside the house came from Klarisse de Guzman's now iconic lines: "Sorry kung natapakan 'yung pagka loveteam n'yo" and "OA!" The moment was so big that it got spoofed by the hosts during the Big Night.
The Big Night also spawned the biggest trending moment of the season, when Will Ashley and Bianca De Vera shared a hug on stage. A video of the moment attracted millions of views on social media as fans got a massive dose of kilig from the season's most popular ship.
Mommy Grace Tanfelix
Miguel Tanfelix's mom, Grace Tanfelix, also became one of the most viral highlights of 2025. Her sumptuous home-cooked meals, paired with her now-iconic line "OK na 'to," spread good vibes and laughter among netizens, quickly turning her into a meme favorite.
Riding on her viral popularity, Mommy Grace even made a guest appearance in her son's teleserye "Mga Batang Riles" in February.
'Multo' by Cup of Joe
If there is a song that made waves in 2025, it is none other than "Multo" by Cup of Joe.
Part of their debut album "Silakbo," "Multo" took over the airwaves with its strong lyrics and melody about a painful heartbreak.
It is used as the background music for all kinds of content, from tear-jerking hugot to funny lines about life.
The megahit is the most streamed song of 2025 on Spotify Philippines. Cup of Joe was also named Billboard Philippines' and Spotify's top OPM artist.
Coldplay exposing an alleged affair
Remember when Coldplay accidentally exposed an alleged affair?
As seen in a viral fan-taken video of a Coldplay concert in Boston, United States, the band's jumbotron focused on a couple, looking cozy as the man hugged the woman from behind.
And as vocalist Chris Martin said, "Oh look at these two," the man instantly ducked down from the frame, while the woman turned away from the camera.
"Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy," Martin continued.
Internet sleuths identified the two as Andy Byron, the CEO of US tech company Astronomer, and the woman as Kristin Cabot, his Chief People Officer. Byron is married, while Cabot is divorced.
After it went viral, Astronomer launched a formal investigation.
Astronomer said it is "committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability."
In a report by The New York Times, Cabot opened up about what happened for the first time.
"I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss. And it's not nothing. And I took accountability and I gave up my career for that. That's the price I chose to pay," Cabot said.
She stressed that she was not in a sexual relationship with Byron and said the concert night was the first and only time they kissed.
Ciala Dismaya
Michael V. made waves for his hilarious and brave sketch about the flood control projects issue in the Philippines, particularly about the involvement of Sarah Discaya and her husband Curlee, who are among the contractors involved in the probe into alleged corruption.
Bitoy brought the character Ciala Dismaya to life, a play on Discaya. Just like in real life, the character was questioned about their construction business and the luxury cars her family owns.
In an interview with GMA News Online, Bitoy said that with the flood control issue among the most talked about topics in the Philippines, there is a clamor for the character of Ciala Dismaya.
He added that his platform and sketches are ways to raise awareness on current events.
"Feeling ko, kung makakatulong 'to sa pag-create ng awareness sa mga totoong nangyayari, sa issue na nangyayari sa bansa natin, e 'di sige. By all memes."
Nepo babies
Amidst the issue of flood control projects in the Philippines, the issue of "nepo babies," or the children of wealthy businessmen and public officials, also rose.
Claudine Co, daughter of Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation Co-Founder Christopher Co; Ellis Co, son of Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co; and Jammy Cruz, daughter of Sto. Cristo Construction and Trading Inc. owner Noel J. Cruz, were among the names that went viral as netizens began scrutinizing their social media accounts.
They were slammed for sharing their luxurious lifestyles as online influencers while Filipinos struggled with their daily lives to make ends meet.
Kara David's birthday wish
Kara David's birthday wish resonated with netizens amid the flood control scandal, finding it relatable.
In a video of her 52nd birthday celebration, the award-winning journalist declared a wish before blowing out her candles: "Sana mamatay lahat ng kurakot sa Pilipinas."
The video quickly went viral, with many netizens jokingly saying that Kara's birthday wish should be the priority and everyone should wish it would come true.
The line was also often used for banners during the numerous anti-corruption rallies in the Philippines.
Miss Universe
This year's Miss Universe pageant was a messy one, to say the least.
Ahead of the coronation and during the pre-pageant events, Miss Universe Thailand launched a "Top 10 Special Dinner & Talk Show with Queen Victoria and Mr. Nawat." Afterward, the Miss Universe Organization then slammed online posts promoting the event, saying it was "not authorized." It was later cancelled.
Miss Universe candidates also walked out on Miss Universe Thailand National Director Nawat Itsaragrisil during a pre-pageant event after a verbal altercation with Miss Universe Mexico Fatima Bosch, who later won the crown. Nawat apologized, but MUO restricted his participation in the pageant.
Two Miss Universe judges also resigned ahead of the coronation night. Resigned judge and musician Omar Harfouch alleged that the pageant was rigged and called Fatima a "fake Miss Universe."
Additionally, Olivia Yace of Côte d'Ivoire resigned as Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, and Miss Universe Jamaica Dr. Gabrielle "Gabby" Henry fell off the stage during the preliminaries and had to be treated in the ICU.
'What haffen Vela?'
To end this list on a high note, let's recall one of the most famous lines we heard everywhere this year—"What haffen Vela?"
The line was said by Cristopher Diwata, who competed on "It's Showtime's" "Kalokalike" segment as Taylor Lautner, or Jacob Black in the "Twilight" films. A video clip of his 2013 performance resurfaced earlier this year and went viral on social media.
In an interview with GMA News Online, Diwata said he improvised his now-iconic lines, "What hafen, Vella? Why you cryin' again? I know, vampire, right? Vampire will feyt to me."
Netizens and celebrities alike would dub his lines or use them as captions.
Since going viral, Diwata was able to buy a car for his family and open a business. He also appeared as a guest star on "Mga Batang Riles." —MGP, GMA Integrated News