The internet has been abuzz this month with love letters to our fondest memories from 2016.
It’s hard to believe that ten whole years have flown by since the music, fashion, memes, and pop culture highlights of the time took over our lives. Still, we’ll never forget how these online staples shaped us into a generation that chases after our dreams without fear or shame.
Photo: Andrea Brillantes, Janina Vela/Instagram
Throughout the past few weeks, artists from around the world have hopped on the “2016 trend” and proudly showcased their growth over the past decade. Their time capsules have taken over social media in the blink of an eye, effortlessly capturing the simple yet carefree moments we relished in before more pressing realities and responsibilities entered the picture.
Our favorite Filipino celebrities saw an abundance of hope, freedom, and fun in 2016 that they continue to embody to this day. Each of us may have experienced the dynamic year differently, but these iconic throwbacks embrace its youthful and radiant energy that we all miss dearly.
Andrea Brillantes
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Andrea Brillantes is owning her status as a Gen Z trendsetter and style icon in her 2016 time capsule. Her recent post takes us back to the era of messy buns, chokers, and vibrant filters that helped us channel our inner fashionistas. Andrea also included a selfie of her Halloween costume as Harley Quinn, for which she posted a makeup tutorial on her YouTube channel.
Gabbi Garcia
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Even Sang’gre Alena can’t resist a trip down memory lane. Gabbi Garcia’s entry to the “2016 trend” highlights her pivotal character in the remake of Encantadia, where she made lasting memories with her co-stars and fellow Sang’gres as they paid tribute to the original series from 2005. Gabbi joined Glaiza de Castro, Sanya Lopez, and Kylie Padilla on the show’s revival, which eventually became a “sisterhood for life.”
Dingdong Dantes
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Dingdong Dantes joined the “2016 trend” with a still from his action-packed crime drama, Alyas Robin Hood. The endearing photo shows him teaching Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab 2.0 housemate Caprice Cayetano how to use a bow and arrow. Alyas Robin Hood, which ran from 2016 to 2017, also starred Andrea Torres and the late Jaclyn Jose.
Wilbert Ross
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Wilbert Ross penned a love letter to 2016 that reminds us to cherish our humble beginnings. In a sentimental post to “Story of My Life” by One Direction, he shared the countless struggles he endured for a chance to make his lifelong dreams come true. Earning his stripes as a multi-talented artist has been no easy feat, but he has already come a long way since his kontesero days, which he reminisces on with utmost pride. No matter where life takes him, Wilbert will always dedicate his achievements to those who’ve never stopped believing in him, even at his lowest.
Awra Briguela
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Oh, Awra Briguela, the meme queen you are. We can’t talk about throwbacks to 2016 without mentioning this diva and her remarkable rise to fame. Awra’s viral facial expressions and unparalleled sass landed her numerous projects and gigs with big names in Philippine entertainment. All of which solidified her status as a breakout child actor, performer, and queer icon in the making.
Alexa Ilacad
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The year 2016 was teeming with exciting opportunities and endeavors for Alexa Ilacad, who entered her “pop rock princess” era with her debut album, To the Moon & Back. In true rockstar fashion, her take on the “2016 trend” includes heavy makeup, edgy style statements, and tributes to her hit songs, “Pakipot Suplado” and “Kung Pwede Lang.”
Janina Vela
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Every Gen Z Filipino who grew up watching local YouTubers knows how meaningful Janina Vela’s impact is on young women today. Her lifestyle and beauty vlogs in the late 2010s constantly inspired us to work towards our most beautiful and confident selves. Now, as Janina ventures into deep reflections and social commentary through multiple platforms, we’ll never forget how much she helped the youth grow and bloom, especially with her iconic catchphrase: “May the wings of your eyeliner always be even.”
Pamela Swing
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Pamela Swing was “chronically online” before the term even existed. There was never a dull moment in her chaotic vlogs, which showcased her loud, bubbly, and downright hilarious personality. She joins Janina as one of the “original (OG) Filipino YouTubers” who took social media by storm in 2016 and established a solid following in the years that followed.
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What are your fondest and most unforgettable memories from 2016? Share them with us in the comments below!
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