As we’re almost done with the first month of 2018, it’s nice to look back and reminisce about the past years. And what’s a better year to look back on than 2008, which is 10 years ago! To give tribute to the great things that happened then (and to generally make you feel old), we compiled some of them in this list!
Here are 10 things turning 10 years old this 2018:
1. A lot of concerts!
Remember when our favorite singers wouldn’t come to Manila to perform? The year 2008 was different as so many performers flew here to sing to their fans! Some of our top concerts that year were Maroon 5, Incubus, Ne-Yo, Avril Lavigne, and Panic! At the Disco. Even our parents had some fun with Air Supply, Duran Duran, and Earth, Wind, and Fire.
2. Locally, it was also the year Eraserheads reunited for a concert!
Our favorite ‘90s band also reunited after breaking up in 2002 and holding mini and incomplete reunions. Their 2008 concert had all the original members: Ely Buendia, Marcus Adoro, Buddy Zabala, and Raimund Marasigan. They performed some of their hits like “Alapaap,” “Ligaya,” and “With a Smile,“ but vocalist Buendia had chest pains and difficulty breathing so the concert was cut short.
3. It was also the year Journey debuted Arnel Pineda as its new vocalist
In 2007, Arnel Pineda was announced as the vocalist of legendary rock band Journey after he was discovered on YouTube. In 2008, Pineda debuted as the band’s vocalist at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile. The same year, they launched the album Revelation, where Rolling Stone praised Pineda for his note-for-note delivery.
4. On TV, there was a lot of fantasy shows
We Filipinos love fantasy shows and 2008 had plenty of them. Some of our favorites include Lobo, Dyesebel, Maligno, Dyosa, Luna Mystika, and Gagambino. The CGI wasn’t as polished as what we’re used to now, but we religiously watched them when it aired.
5. It was also the year Matanglawin launched!
We love Kuya Kim Atienza’s safari hat and his fascinating trivia, and we’re happy he got his own show where he could share both. In Matanglawin, we learned about plants and animals, legends, beliefs and traditions, and cultural practices. We got smarter with each episode!
6. And Banana Split!
Those who enjoy comedy love Banana Split, the comedy gag show starring some of ABS-CBN’s best comedians. It launched in 2008 to much success, and one of our favorite recurring skits is of Angelica Panganiban mimicking Kris Aquino. In 2015, the show changed its name to Banana Sundae but its humor has remained the same.
7. We also got to see more of Gabby Concepcion
The original Close Up Boy left the Philippines in 1994 following the Metro Manila Film Festival scandal, where Concepcion revealed that his then manager, Lolit Solis, tried to manipulate the results. Fans were sad as the matinee idol was popular for his looks and acting skills. “Gabbymania” ensued when he returned in 2008, which was followed by a two-year contract with a network and a string of movies and TV shows.
8. One of our favorite movies, A Very Special Love, came out
Who knew Sarah Geronimo could act? In A Very Special Love, we got to see the teen idol with the country’s heartthrob John Lloyd Cruz. The tandem was so successful that it spawned two sequels: You Changed My Life and It Takes a Man and a Woman.
9. The 10th Shake, Rattle, and Roll also came out
In 2008, the 10th Shake, Rattle, and Roll came out, frightening or making audiences laugh with the story, the CGI, and the acting. For its tenth run, the anthology featured an aswang attack in a hospital, a ghost in a high school, and an engkanto slayer. The movies can get cheesy but it has become an institution in the film industry. Too bad Regal Films stopped producing it in 2014 after its 15th film.
10. Of course, Janina San Miguel
One of the most iconic moments of 2008 is when Janina San Miguel joined the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. San Miguel charmed the judges and the audience with her beauty and tall frame, but she easily stood out in the question and answer portion. When asked what role her family played in her candidacy in the pageant, she nervously fumbled but went on to answer what would be one of the most memorable answers in pageant history. She went on to win the Binibining Pilipinas World crown, proving that confidence is key. She eventually gave up the crown but she became a pop culture superstar.
Did we miss anything? Share your thoughts below!
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